Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald cover image

Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald

What does China think of Trump's chaos?

Apr 4, 2025
Zhou Bo, a retired Senior Colonel in the People’s Liberation Army and author, offers a unique glimpse into China's viewpoint on the global turmoil triggered by the U.S. He discusses how Beijing perceives this chaos—framing it as both a challenge and an opportunity. The conversation touches on China's historical narratives, its evolving role in international relations, and critiques of the Western-centric perspective. Insightful reflections on the delicate dynamics with India and Australia add depth, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse geopolitical narratives.
36:34

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China perceives the chaos in the West as an opportunity to strengthen its global position amidst societal upheaval.
  • The discussion highlights China's advocacy for a multipolar world, challenging Western-centric views and promoting cooperation over imperialism.

Deep dives

Chinese Perception of Western Chaos

China views the current state of affairs in the West with a mixture of disbelief and opportunism. Chinese observers liken the turmoil in America to their own Cultural Revolution from the 1970s, suggesting that they perceive this phase as damaging for the West but potentially beneficial for China. The Chinese narrative emphasizes that as the West struggles with societal upheaval, they see it as a temporary phase that will eventually pass, allowing China to strengthen its position on the global stage. This viewpoint highlights the gap in understanding between Western and Chinese perspectives and the importance of considering the Chinese outlook.

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