The podcast features Alice Su, David Rennie, and Don Weinland discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the US, exploring Chinese ownership concerns and national security threats. They analyze trust issues, content control complexities, state influence on private companies, and China's algorithm registration system, highlighting the challenges faced by Chinese tech companies.

Alice Su, senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, explore the challenges faced by Chinese feminists in China and their use of stand-up comedy as a form of expression. They discuss self-censorship in comedy, the motivations behind going into exile, and the impact of comedy on feminist topics. The podcast also explores the cathartic and risky nature of the comedy club at Drum Tower, the consequences of losing access to social media in China, and the experiences of exiled individuals navigating high pressure and surveillance.

China is closely watching Taiwan's presidential race, which will influence Xi Jinping's next steps. The hosts discuss the excitement surrounding the elections, highlighting lively campaign events and the significance of choosing a new president. They explore the pro-independence stance of the Democratic Progressive Party and the concerns of a pro-China candidate's supporters. The strained relations between China and Taiwan are analyzed, including China's warnings if the ruling party is reelected. The potential consequences of a pro-independence victory include economically coercive measures from China and the impact on the US-China relationship.

Alice Su, David Rennie, and Don Weinland discuss the implications of the US bill targeting TikTok's Chinese ownership, exploring national security concerns, data security, censorship fears, and the debate on Chinese influence. They also delve into the creative landscape of China's Doin video app, content control differences between Doin and TikTok, Chinese state influence on private companies, and the debate on algorithm regulations and TikTok's ownership.

Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders.They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture is reshaping China and the world.For almost seven centuries the beats of China’s most famous drum tower, or gulou, kept people in Beijing to time. The Economist’s latest podcast keeps you up to date every Monday.Sign up to our weekly newsletter here and for full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/drumoffer.