How to understand China, its ambitions and potential

To celebrate the 50th episode of Sounds Strategic, Robert Ward, Director of the Geo-economics and Strategy programme at the IISS, hosts Meia Nouwens and Nigel Inkster for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation on China, its foreign-policy motivations and what its possible dominance in technology could mean for the West.

In the episode, Meia and Nigel examine the limits of China’s assertive, ‘wolf-warrior’ approach to foreign affairs. They discuss whether China’s recent behaviour is part of a grand strategic vision or simple opportunism at a time of increased international instability during the COVID-19 crisis.

At the heart of Western concerns around Huawei is China’s potential to dominate the tech sector in the future. Meia and Nigel both highlight the dangers of decoupling from China and instead stress the importance of effective engagement as a means to ensure the West’s continued prosperity and to manage the political and economic challenge China represents in the 21st century.

Meia and Nigel also discuss the possible futures of Taiwan and Hong Kong, the impact of COVID-19 on the political authority of President Xi Jinping and whether a possible Biden presidency could meaningfully change US–China relations.

We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Date of recording: 29 July 2020

Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers’ by We Were Promised Jetpacks

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