Victor Gao

Victor Gao, Vice President of the Centre for China and Globalisation, dives into the fraught relationship between the UK and China, particularly regarding British steel. He examines allegations of sabotage by the Chinese company Jingye and the government's strategies to protect local manufacturing. The conversation also touches on China's recent halt on critical mineral exports and its implications for UK industries. Throughout, Gao advocates for collaboration over suspicion, highlighting the complexities of navigating these geopolitical tensions.

This month China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a further five years as the country’s leader after the Communist Party abolished two-term limits. It opens the door to Xi continuing to rule for the rest of his life. His time in power has seen the country take a more confrontational approach to many of its neighbours as well as to the West. China’s GDP continues to grow and living standards for most citizens have risen, but some fear the ‘economic miracle’ of recent decades may be coming to an end and that rising tensions over Taiwan and Hong Kong could lead to conflict. So, who is Xi Jinping? What makes him tick? And what are his plans for the future of China?Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.Daniel R. Russel - Former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2013 - 2017), currently Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), New YorkLucy Hornby - visiting scholar at the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, formerly of Reuters and the FTSteve Tsang - Director of the China Institute at SOAS, The University of LondonAlso featuring:Victor Gao - Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, a think tank based in BeijingProducers: Paul Schuster and Ellen Otzen

Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, provides keen insights into the crucial phone call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Trump, emphasizing dialogue as vital for U.S.-China relations. The discussion delves into political tensions surrounding Taiwan, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the urgent need for international support. Gao also touches on China's evolving role in global cooperation and trade, underscoring the balance necessary in diplomatic relations amid rising global challenges.

Victor Gao, Chairman of Yale Law School Association of China, discusses democracy in China and debunks misconceptions about China's political system. He highlights the effectiveness of China's democratic system in promoting social justice and economic growth. The role of consultative decision-making and mutual respect between countries is also explored.

Victor Gao, a senior Chinese commentator and former interpreter for Deng Xiaoping, joins Susan Thornton, a former U.S. diplomat, Parag Khanna, a strategic global analyst, and Alvin Yeung, a pro-democracy politician from Hong Kong. The discussion revolves around the cooling Chinese economy and its impact on global trade. They dive into the complexities of the US-China trade war, the implications of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the challenges of Hong Kong's autonomy amidst protests. The panel debates China's global image and long-term ambitions in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.