"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis cover image

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

China's Tech Tightrope: Power, Regulation, and the AI Race with Angela Zhang

Mar 12, 2025
Angela Zhang, a Professor at USC and author of 'Highwire', shares her insights on China's tech regulation landscape. She discusses the complex interplay between tech giants and the government, highlighting how regulation shapes business dynamics and international perceptions. Zhang emphasizes the unique challenges in researching China, the impact of censorship, and the importance of firsthand experience. The conversation also touches on the US-China tech rivalry and the regulatory shifts influencing major companies like Didi and Ant Group.
01:31:56

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's tech landscape is shaped by a hierarchical governance model where the government exerts significant control over private enterprises and regulatory actions.
  • Key historical events, such as the suspension of Ant Group's IPO, have profoundly impacted investor confidence and the direction of China's tech regulation.

Deep dives

Understanding China's Perspective on Technology and the U.S.

China's understanding of its relationship with the United States, especially regarding technology, is framed by a contrasting view of each other's capabilities. The podcast reveals that China perceives itself as having a better grasp of American dynamics compared to the reverse. Angela Zhang comments on the depth of understanding China has cultivated about U.S. policies and advancements, often aided by extensive historical and cultural insight, while Americans are often left with misconceptions about China's operational realities and technological prowess. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in communication and comprehension that underpin U.S.-China relations.

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