Face-Off: The U.S. vs China

Discover how Nixon's ambitious strategy to engage China shaped U.S.-China relations for decades. Tensions rise as Xi Jinping's assertiveness signals a power shift. Experts discuss today’s diplomatic pitfalls and the complexities of economic reliance. With Taiwan becoming a flashpoint, fears of military confrontation loom. Can the U.S. reclaim strategic leverage like in the 1970s? The conversation navigates the challenges of collaboration on pressing global issues and reflects on Nixon's legacy of engagement over isolation.

Explore the unprecedented collaboration between the U.S. and China during the Cold War. The podcast reveals how Kissinger shared CIA intelligence with Chinese officials, strengthening their alliance against a common enemy: the Soviet Union. Discover the strategic significance of western China in surveillance efforts and the negotiations for spy stations prior to formal recognition. Hear about Deng Xiaoping's secretive visit to the CIA and the mutual benefits that emerged from this covert partnership, transforming the balance of power.

Dive into the historic 1972 meeting between Nixon and Mao, where U.S.-China relations were dramatically reshaped. Uncover Nixon's secret strategy to counter the Soviet Union by charming the Chinese leadership. Experience the tension as Kissinger rushes Nixon to an unexpected meeting, and marvel at the cultural theatrics of their banquet. Discover how this pivotal encounter granted China international legitimacy and propelled Nixon to diplomatic fame. The public's fascination in both nations skyrocketed, marking a transformative moment in Cold War history.

Explore the secretive strategies behind Nixon and Kissinger's clandestine trip to China during the Cold War. Discover how Pakistan was chosen for its discretion, and the amusing connection to Frank Sinatra's plane. Delve into Kissinger's surprising lack of expertise on China, the tense moments aboard the flight, and the complex dynamics during his first meeting with Premier Zhou Enlai. As geopolitics hang in the balance, witness Nixon's triumph and the global reactions to this groundbreaking diplomatic maneuver.

Explore Nixon's audacious plan to befriend China, an idea that shocked his aides. Discover the strategic motives behind this historic outreach, including countering the Soviet Union and influencing the Vietnam War. Hear about the tense Sino-Soviet split that opened doors for diplomacy. Relive the cultural landscape of 1960s China during the tumultuous Cultural Revolution. Uncover the secret contacts initiated by Nixon's team and the clandestine meetings that paved the way for a groundbreaking summit.

Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. Ambassador to China under President Biden, shares his unique insights from his time in Beijing. He discusses his experiences meeting Xi Jinping and American CEOs, highlighting the intricacies of U.S.-China relations. The conversation dives into the challenges businesses face amid growing tensions and COVID-19. Burns also addresses China's tech advancements and the complexities of tariffs and cybersecurity. Finally, he suggests impactful books that illuminate China's cultural and historical landscape.

In a special bonus episode recorded live at the Asia Society, host Jane Perlez speaks with journalist and scholar Orville Schell about his 50 years covering Chinese leaders and their American counterparts. They attempt to answer the question: how did we get here?Recorded live at The Asia Society on April 8, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lyle Goldstein, an expert on China and Russia at Brown University, and Rana Mitter, a Harvard historian, dive deep into the blossoming friendship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. They discuss how this alliance, marked by mutual support during the Ukraine conflict, poses a challenge to U.S. interests. The conversation explores the implications of their military collaborations and emerging technologies, alongside the delicate balance of authoritarian governance in China. Together, they shed light on the potential reshaping of global power dynamics.

In this discussion, journalist and engineer Karen Hao and China historian Rana Mitter delve into the fierce competition between the U.S. and China in AI. They examine Xi Jinping's ambitious five-year plan for China to dominate this technology and how U.S. export restrictions are spurring Chinese innovation. The duo also reflects on the implications of AI regulation differences, biases in AI data training, and the geopolitical ramifications of the Xi-Putin alliance. Expect insights that highlight the delicate balance between technological power and global influence!

Michael Dunne, an auto executive and author specializing in China's car industry, teams up with Rana Mitter, a Harvard professor of modern China. They dive into China’s dramatic rise to the forefront of the EV market, outpacing traditional powerhouses like the US and Germany. The conversation highlights key players like BYD and Tesla's influence on consumer perceptions. They also discuss the competitive pressures on American automakers and the implications of geopolitical tensions for the future of electric vehicles.