BBC's Security Correspondent, Gordon Corera, delves into the shadow war between China and the West, discussing espionage, surveillance, technology theft, free speech, and political interference. The podcast explores the escalating tensions, historical events shaping relations, and the potential for conflict between China and Western powers.
High-level negotiations can avert escalations in tensions between the US and China.
The conflict extends beyond military and tech to an ideological clash over values and influence.
Deep dives
The 2001 Spy Plane Crisis
In 2001, a crisis between the US and China unfolded as a US spy plane collided with a Chinese jet over the South China Sea. The American pilot, Shane Osborne, narrated the harrowing experience of the collision and the subsequent emergency landing on Hainan Island. Despite the tensions and accusations, high-level negotiations led to a resolution that averted further escalation.
Challenges and Frictions in Current Relations
Current relations between the West and China are fraught with challenges and tensions, with near-misses and confrontations between military aircraft becoming more common. Instances like Chinese warplanes firing flares at Australian helicopters and water cannons at Filipino ships highlight the growing assertiveness of China in the region.
Concerns Over Technology and Data Sharing
There is a rising concern over the technological and data-sharing aspects of the rivalry between the US and China. The collection and control of genetic data, artificial intelligence advancements, and biological engineering pose significant security risks. The flow of data is one-way, raising fears of surveillance and misuse by authoritarian regimes.
The Battle of Values and Influence
The conflict between the West and China extends beyond military and technological aspects to a battle over values and influence in the international order. Profound disagreements over human rights, governance, and control of institutions shape the ideological clash between the two sides, with each striving to shape the global framework in alignment with their respective interests.
The rise of China is a defining challenge for the West. How far should it co-operate, compete or confront Beijing? And were Western countries slow to respond to China’s growing assertiveness?
The BBC’s Security Correspondent, Gordon Corera, delves into the worlds of espionage, surveillance, technology, the theft of commercial secrets, free speech at universities and political interference to explore the points of friction. In this documentary, he speaks to spy chiefs, former prime ministers and dissidents as well as those on the frontline of this Shadow War.
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