

Kyle Chan: Is this the ‘Chinese century’?
11 snips Jun 4, 2025
Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton specializing in Chinese industry, discusses the seismic shifts shaping U.S.-China relations. He explores China's rapid rise in tech sectors, particularly AI and electric vehicles, and military implications tied to manufacturing dominance. Chan questions whether U.S. policies might inadvertently foster a 'Chinese Century' and highlights the urgency for the U.S. to enhance its competitiveness and rethink supply chains to offset reliance on China. The future of U.S.-China relations is cautiously optimistic yet fraught with challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
China's Manufacturing Dominance
- China dominates global manufacturing, including steel, EVs, and batteries, with strategic industrial policies.
- This dominance contrasts sharply with the US's relative decline in key industrial sectors.
Automation Changes Manufacturing Jobs
- Manufacturing jobs are not the same as manufacturing capabilities due to automation growth worldwide.
- Both China and the US face rising automation, reducing job numbers despite production changes.
China Leads EV Innovation and Risks
- Chinese EV firms like BYD lead globally with advanced features and competitive pricing.
- EVs are highly connected 'smartphones on wheels', raising legitimate security and control concerns.