Kaiser Kuo

Kaiser Kuo, host of the Sinica podcast and an authority on US-China relations, shares insights into China's rapid technological advancements. He explains how President Xi Jinping's directives influence researchers and businesses, creating a unique drive for innovation. The discussion highlights key projects like DeepSeek's AI model that challenge American tech dominance. Kuo contrasts China's optimistic view on technology with America's anxieties, exploring the cultural and political factors that propel China's tech sector forward.

In Episode 279 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Kaiser Kuo. Kaiser is the host and co-founder of the Sinica Podcast, the editor-at-large of The China Project, and the former director of international communications for Baidu, China’s leading search engine. How does China see the world? What do we get wrong when talking about China? What are the central diving forces in Chinese politics? And what “does China want?”  While concrete answers to such complex social and political questions are illusive, grappling with them is essential if we want to find a peaceful way through what is becoming an increasingly dangerous period in US-China relations. The goal of this conversation is to provide you with a more circumspect and culturally informed perspective on China. You will learn about the country’s history, the lived experience of its people, their assumptions, values, and beliefs about the world and their place in it, and to learn to see ourselves and the world from China’s eyes. You can access the full episode, transcript, and intelligence report to this week’s conversation by going directly to the episode page at HiddenForces.io and clicking on "premium extras." All subscribers gain access to our premium feed, which can be easily added to your favorite podcast application. If you want access to our Hidden Forces genius community, which includes Q&A calls with guests, access to special research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners, you can learn more at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. feel free to send an email to info@hiddenforces.io and I or someone from our team will right back to you. If you have further questions, feel free to send an email to info@hiddenforces.io, and Demetri or someone else from our team will get right back to you. If you enjoyed listening to today’s episode of Hidden Forces you can help support the show by doing the following: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | CastBox | RSS Feed Write us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Subscribe to our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe & Support the Podcast at https://hiddenforces.io Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 10/24/2022

Kaiser Kuo, co-founder of China's first heavy metal band, discusses the blend of belief systems in Journey to the West. The novel intertwines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism through the chaotic good Monkey King and lawful good monk Tripitaka. The story reflects a playful engagement with various traditions, drawing inspiration from a historical Tang dynasty character. The podcast explores spiritual themes, transformation, and cosmopolitanism within the context of the novel.