James Miles

James Miles, a China writer at large for The Economist, and Anna Nichols, managing editor at the Economist Intelligence Unit, delve into Jiang Zemin’s controversial legacy. They discuss the stark contrast between Jiang's vibrant leadership style and Xi Jinping's more reserved approach. With ongoing protests in China, they explore political repression alongside economic reforms. The duo also highlights promising advances in Alzheimer’s treatment and examines global rising costs of living, including insights into the world's most expensive cities.

James Miles, a seasoned China writer for The Economist, delves into China's abrupt easing of strict COVID-19 measures, revealing concerns about public health and vaccination rates. Alexandra Sewitch Bass, a Senior correspondent, discusses a Napa Valley lawsuit highlighting the regulatory struggles faced by winemakers amid rising costs. The podcast also explores innovative shark conservation technologies that aim to reduce bycatch, sparking a discussion about marine life sustainability and the broader implications for fishing practices.

James Miles, a seasoned commentator on China's dynamics, dives into the recent election of John Lee as Hong Kong's new leader. He highlights Lee's alignment with Beijing's desires for law and order, raising concerns about the implications for Hong Kong's autonomy and business environment. The conversation also touches on the post-pandemic surge in entrepreneurship worldwide and the cultural impact of Ukraine's Eurovision entry amid ongoing conflict, showcasing resilience and creativity in challenging times.

James Miles, China editor for The Economist, dives into Hong Kong's escalating unrest and the chilling signals of possible military intervention from Beijing. He discusses the nuanced government response and evolving public sentiment, contrasting it with past authoritarian actions. The conversation explores the implications of troop deployments, potential local backlash, and international perceptions. Additionally, they touch on the controversial rise of employee ownership and the staggering inflation of concert ticket prices, highlighting economic pressures on artists and consumers alike.

James Miles, China editor for The Economist, delves into the turmoil in Hong Kong, discussing the ominous language hinting at potential military intervention by China. He highlights the rising tension from public service strikes and the heavy-handed responses from law enforcement, including rubber bullets. The conversation shifts to the complexities surrounding the controversial push for employee ownership and the astonishing rise in concert ticket prices, revealing the intricate web of today's music industry dynamics.