The World According to China with Elizabeth Economy | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Oct 23, 2023
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Elizabeth Economy, author and senior advisor, discusses China's ambition for controlling international internet traffic, President Xi Jinping's ambition to reclaim Chinese centrality on the global stage, and the comparison of China policies between the Trump and Biden administrations. The podcast explores the practical implications of China's ambitions, the complexities of China-Taiwan-US relations, and the strategic approach to dealing with China, including protecting allies and managing competition. It also delves into the risk faced by Taiwan, analyzing the defense of Taiwan, Europe's increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, and the implications for China.
Xi Jinping's ambition is to reclaim Chinese centrality on the global stage and reshape the world order, eroding the international order and removing the system of alliances that underpins the liberal international order.
China's control over technology and surveillance could lead to an Orwellian society, where the state has unrestricted power and no recourse against it.
Deep dives
Xi Jinping's Ambition to Reshape the World Order
Xi Jinping's ultimate ambition is to reclaim Chinese centrality on the global stage and reshape the world order. This includes reclaiming Chinese sovereign territory, establishing China as the dominant power in the Asia Pacific, dissolving the US-led alliance system, and shaping policies and norms globally to reflect Chinese interests and values.
The Potential Impact on the United States
If Xi Jinping's vision were realized, life in the United States would be radically different. China would become the dominant power, eroding the international order and removing the system of alliances that underpins the liberal international order. The US economy would suffer as China sets global technology standards, making American companies second-tier players. Additionally, China's control over technology and surveillance could lead to an Orwellian society, where the state has unrestricted power and no recourse against it.
Xi Jinping's Political Model
Xi Jinping has been promoting China's political model and exporting authoritarian elements, while veering away from true communism. He seeks centralized power and the elimination of corruption in the Communist Party, leading to a more authoritarian regime. Xi Jinping's imperialist aspirations for China contrast with the true goals of communism, and his leadership style resembles a mix of centralized power and authoritarianism.
Assessing the US Approach to China
Under the Trump administration, there was a mixed approach to China. While tariffs were imposed, strategic alliances were strengthened. The Biden administration has focused on bolstering domestic competitiveness and repairing relations with allies. While both administrations have implemented measures to counter China's technological advancements, there is still a need for a clearer strategic objective in managing the US-China relationship.
Elizabeth Economy did her undergraduate work at Swarthmore, earned a master’s at Stanford, and holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan. She served at the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Economic Forum before coming to the Hoover Institution in 2020. Dr. Economy is the author of half a dozen books, including her most recent volume, The World According to China. She has just returned to Hoover after a two-year leave of absence in Washington, where she served as senior advisor for China to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. In this wide-ranging interview, Dr. Economy discusses China’s ambition for controlling international internet traffic and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambition to reclaim “Chinese centrality on the global stage.” Dr. Economy also compares the China policies of the Trump and Biden administrations and notes that both administrations—while agreeing on very little else—agree that China is a danger and must be dealt with, especially with regard to Taiwan.
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