

Does America’s “China Consensus” Make Sense? A Debate (Robert Wright & Jordan Schneider)
Aug 7, 2025
Jordan Schneider, host of the ChinaTalk podcast, dives deep into the complexities of America’s views on China. He questions whether fears over China’s global ambitions are justified. The discussion explores the nuances of the AI arms race and its geopolitical implications, including China’s relationship with Russia and the Ukraine War. They dissect the influence operations of both nations and whether the U.S. perspective is an echo chamber, ultimately calling for a thoughtful approach to navigating U.S.-China relations.
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Episode notes
Choosing Manhattan For Parental Help
- Jordan Schneider chose Manhattan to live near his parents to trade babysitting costs for rent.
- This anecdote illustrates practical family trade-offs behind his location choice.
How The 'China Consensus' Is Framed
- Robert Wright summarizes the recent U.S. narrative as 'China bad, allies good' centered on the Quad.
- This frames the 'China consensus' as a security-first coalition response.
Trump's China Policy Sends Mixed Signals
- Jordan Schneider flags Trump's mixed signals: defense promises paired with erratic trade and chip positions.
- He warns this incoherence raises strategic uncertainty for allies and markets.