Macro Hive Conversations With Bilal Hafeez

Ep. 301: Andrew Polk on China’s Bet on Tech Supremacy

Mar 28, 2025

Andrew Polk, co-founder and head of economic research at Trivium China, dives deep into China's economy and tech supremacy. He discusses the transition from property-driven growth to emerging industries, the complexities of Xi Jinping's economic philosophy, and China's strategic positioning in global supply chains amidst deglobalization. The conversation also touches on the implications of U.S.-China relations in light of possible changes in U.S. leadership and the ongoing challenges posed by tariffs, all while emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for entrepreneurs.

49:26

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Andrew Polk

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Andrew Polk emphasizes China's unique development model, which combines state control and market dynamics, allowing the economy to thrive despite underlying contradictions.

Xi Jinping's governance prioritizes technological advancement over rapid growth, reflecting a strategic vision where economic success supports broader political goals amid significant structural changes.

Deep dives

Andrew Polk's Journey to China Economics

Andrew Polk, co-founder and head of economic research at Trivium China, shares his unconventional path to becoming a China economist. Initially from Amarillo, Texas, Polk studied American Studies at Texas A&M University before teaching in Hong Kong, which sparked his interest in China. He transitioned to studying international relations and ultimately specialized in Chinese economics, emphasizing the unique aspects of China's development model that blend state control with market dynamics. Polk highlights how China's economy embodies a series of contradictions, making it a fascinating field of study for economists and analysts.

Intro

2min

From Amarillo to Analyzing China: A Journey

22min

China’s Strategic Play in Global Supply Chains and Deglobalization

5min

China's Strategic Response to Trump 2.0

8min

Tariffs and China's Economic Strategy

3min

Taiwan's Future: Unification or Coercion?

7min

Insights and Recommendations for Entrepreneurs

2min

Andrew Polk is the co-founder and head of economic research at Trivium China, a Beijing-based strategic advisory firm. Before founding Trivium, he was China director at Medley Global Advisors. Previously, he was the resident China economist at The Conference Board’s China Center for Economics and Business. Andrew is the co-author of The Long, Soft Fall in Chinese Growth (The Conference Board, 2015) and maintains a deep network of professional contacts in the official, academic, and business communities in China (built over a decade of living in China and working on China issues). This podcast covers China’s unique development model, Xi Jinping’s economic philosophy, transitioning from property-driven growth to new industries, and much more.

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