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NatSec Matters

How China Views a Possible Harris Administration & Unpacking July's CCP Meeting: Chris Johnson

Jul 31, 2024
Chris Johnson, a former CIA senior China analyst and a CSIS Senior Fellow, shares his insights on China's political landscape and economic challenges. He analyzes the outcomes from the recent CCP plenum, emphasizing Beijing's focus on state-led tech over market reforms. Johnson discusses China's view on the U.S. political scene, particularly regarding a potential Harris administration. He also highlights the country's struggles with overcapacity, demographic decline, and the impact of U.S. sanctions on its tech ambitions.
41:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's Communist Party prioritizes state-led technological advancements over market reforms, reflecting their cautious approach amid economic challenges.
  • Chinese perceptions of U.S. politics, particularly regarding a potential Harris administration, reveal their biases and reliance on domestic propaganda.

Deep dives

China's Perception of U.S. Politics

Chinese leaders are closely monitoring American political dynamics, particularly in light of potential changes in administration. They initially viewed the U.S. political landscape as uncertain, waiting to see how various candidates would perform ahead of elections. The debate performances influenced their calculations, prompting a serious reassessment of how they plan for potential outcomes, including a second Trump administration. They have a tendency to over-rely on their domestic propaganda, leading them to underestimate candidates like Vice President Harris based on misconceptions about American societal structures.

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