Economist Podcasts He said, Xi said: America-China ructions
Apr 5, 2021
Gadi Epstein, China affairs editor at The Economist, dives into the turbulent waters of U.S.-China relations under the Biden administration. He contrasts the current tensions with the hopeful days of ping-pong diplomacy in the 1970s. The discussion highlights the stagnation in how economics is taught, calling for fresh approaches to engage students. Additionally, Epstein touches on a unique musical revival from British-Pakistani teens, bringing a nostalgic yet modern blend of cultures back into the spotlight.
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Ping-Pong Diplomacy Origin
- In 1971, American table tennis player Glenn Cowan boarded the Chinese team bus by mistake.
- This led to a gift exchange and photos, sparking "ping-pong diplomacy."
US-China Relations Foundation
- Shared antipathy towards the Soviet Union facilitated the US-China relationship after ping-pong diplomacy.
- This foundation, however, proved weak once the Soviet Union collapsed.
China's Suspicions
- Events like the Tiananmen Square massacre and the Arab Spring reinforced China's suspicion of the West.
- China believes the West aims to dismantle one-party rule, mirroring their view of the Soviet Union's demise.
