Face-Off: The U.S. vs China

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.

Leta Hong Fincher, author of "Left Over Women" and research associate at Columbia University, joins Rana Mitter, a Harvard historian of modern China, to discuss the evolving role of women in China. They explore the term 'leftover women' and the societal pressures that hinder women's independence. The conversation dives into the impact of recent feminist movements, the struggles against traditional marriage norms, and the influence of the Me Too movement on gender dynamics. They shine a light on women entrepreneurs navigating a patriarchal society.

Motion pictures first came to China in 1896.  China was one of the first countries to screen the Lumiere brother’s “western shadowplays” as they were called. By the 1930’s Shanghai was known as the Hollywood of the East. That all changed after the founding of the People’s Republic. Western films were eventually allowed back into China but it wasn’t until the release of the American epic, Titanic and its blockbuster success in China that Hollywood woke up to the potential of the Chinese market. Hollywood studios soon swarmed into China, working with Chinese movie makers to concoct big movies for big audiences: The Great Wall; Mulan; Kung Fu Panda 3. Then the dream went in a different direction.  We’ll speak with an American film producer who has been at the center of the push and pull between Hollywood and China.Guest: Peter Loehr, American movie executive with three decades in China. Recommended Books: The Golden Screen by Jeff YangAn Amorous History of the Silver Screen: Shanghai Cinema 1896 - 1937 by Zhang Zhen  Sound design, original score, mixing and mastering by Rowhome Productions. Rowhome’s Creative Director is Alex Lewis. John Myers is Rowhome’s Executive Producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louise Matsakis, a Wired journalist specializing in TikTok, and Rana Mitter, a Harvard Kennedy School professor of modern China, explore the app’s precarious position in the U.S. landscape. They discuss the massive American user base, the national security concerns raised by politicians, and TikTok's evolution into a cultural phenomenon. The conversation dives into potential ownership changes and the app's impact on American politics, including Trump's strategic use of TikTok during his campaign. It's a lively examination of technology and trust in the digital age.