Can the West keep up with China’s technological prowess?
Jan 29, 2025
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Isabel Hilton, a visiting professor and founder of China Dialogue, joins political journalist Theo Usherwood to dive into pressing global issues. They discuss the implications of Ukraine's nuclear strikes in the ongoing war and explore the fierce AI competition between China and the West. The conversation highlights the technological arms race, raising concerns about potential dominance and investment in emerging technologies. Additionally, they touch on the evolving media landscape in the U.S. post-Trump and its impact on public trust.
The podcast highlights the growing concerns in the West regarding China's advancements in artificial intelligence, likening it to a modern-day space race.
The inclusion of podcasters and social media influencers in White House briefings reflects a strategic shift toward aligning narratives with audience preferences, raising concerns about democratic discourse.
Deep dives
Tensions in the UK Labour Party
The podcast discusses the emerging tensions within the UK Labour Party during Growth Week. Ed Miliband's recent statements highlight the conflicts over environmental policies, specifically regarding the controversial third runway at Heathrow Airport, indicating potential legal challenges from within the party. Meanwhile, the Chancellor's emphasis on prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns signals a divide in party priorities, reflecting broader debates in UK politics. This situation raises questions about internal party cohesion and the implications for future government policies.
Ukraine's Drone Strikes and Russia's Response
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia is examined through recent drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure and energy facilities. Ukrainian drone raids on Lukoil depots and the broader energy sector contribute to the argument that Ukraine is within its rights to retaliate against Russian aggression. Both guests assert that these attacks represent legitimate military responses to years of Russian assaults on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The conversation also highlights the complex dynamics of potential peace negotiations, with implications for both military strategy and diplomatic relations.
AI Competition: A New Era of Tech Rivalry
The launch of China's DeepSeek is portrayed as a significant moment in the ongoing AI competition between the United States and China, drawing parallels to the Sputnik launch. DeepSeek's cheaper and, albeit less accurate, alternative to western AI technologies raises concerns in the US about losing its technological edge. As US tech stocks plummet and accusations of intellectual property theft increase, the podcast speculates on the potential for an intensified AI race similar to that of the space race. Discussion also surrounds the broader implications for global chip supply chains, particularly considering geopolitical tensions with Taiwan.
Reconfiguring the White House Press Room
The recent changes in the White House press briefing dynamics illustrate a significant shift towards including influencers and content creators alongside traditional media. With declining public trust in mass media, the new spokesperson aims to cater to an audience that prefers reinforcement of their pre-existing beliefs over nuanced reporting. This move is interpreted as a strategy to control the narrative by promoting media figures who align with the administration's agenda and ensure loyalty. Concerns are raised about the potential impact this shift may have on democratic discourse and the quality of information available to the public.
We discuss the latest from the Russia-Ukraine war as Ukraine admits to attempting to strike a nuclear power plant in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region. Also on the programme: we consider whether the West can keep up with China’s advances in its artificial-intelligence capabilities. Then: Donald Trump’s administration invites podcasters and social-media influencers to press briefings at the White House. Plus: Japanese convenience store FamilyMart introduces a sole manager system.