
Face-Off: The U.S. vs China
FACE-OFF: US vs CHINA is an inside look at the turbulent relationship between the world's two superpowers, the two men in charge, and the vital issues that affect us all.FACE-OFF is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief and current fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. In each episode Professor Rana Mitter, recently of the University of Oxford and now professor of modern China at the Harvard Kennedy School, chats with Jane on what’s at stake.
Latest episodes

Jan 31, 2025 • 4min
Season 2 Trailer
Get ready for a deep dive into the pivotal U.S.-China relationship! The new season teases critical events like the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Expect discussions about contemporary challenges, technological advancements, and cultural shifts in China. Expert insights promise to illuminate these complex dynamics. It's an engaging exploration of how history shapes today's geopolitical landscape.

Oct 1, 2024 • 53min
The New Cold Wars: A Conversation with David Sanger
David Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times and author of 'New Cold Wars,' dives deep into the evolving tensions between the U.S., China, and Russia. He expresses concerns about the burgeoning alliance between China and Russia and its implications for global stability. The discussion touches on nuclear threats and espionage, the imbalance in student exchanges, and the strategic significance of the AUKUS pact. Sanger offers insights into the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the looming dangers ahead.

22 snips
May 21, 2024 • 35min
Taiwan
Former professor Lyle Goldstein and Taiwanese expert Syaru Shirley Lin discuss the possibility of US-China war over Taiwan, including historical context, military strategies, global ramifications, Taiwan-China relations, and the imperative of quality diplomacy to prevent conflict.

9 snips
May 14, 2024 • 38min
China’s Fortunes
Keyu Jin and Elsie Chen discuss China's economic downturn, real estate meltdown, tech entrepreneurs disappearing, college graduates opting out. Elsie Chen's article on 'lying flat' trend. Analysis of Chinese economy, US-China relations, and Taiwan tensions.

May 7, 2024 • 35min
Espionage
Authors John DeLury and Nigel Inkster discuss China's espionage tactics and the US-China intelligence relationship. They delve into historical cases, the evolution of Chinese intelligence, challenges in monitoring Chinese activities, and China's unique intelligence structure. The podcast offers insights on global intelligence alliances and China's geopolitical influence.

5 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 33min
The Relationship
Chinese born professor Minxin Pei discusses the evolving relationship between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, highlighting misconceptions about Xi's leadership. They explore Xi's strategic vision, foreign relationships, and the dynamics between Xi and Biden. The podcast also touches on Biden's briefing before meeting Xi, CIA profiling on China, surveillance in China, and espionage rivalry between the US and China.

Apr 23, 2024 • 20min
Cultural Threads
Yo Yo Ma discusses how music can ease tensions between the U.S. and China, highlighting the cultural impact of his music. The podcast delves into Yo Yo Ma's childhood influences, reflections on cultural identity, and the role of music in providing comfort. It also explores the delicate balance between optimism and pessimism in challenging times and discusses the intertwining of classical music, philosophical questions, and global relations.

28 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 28min
Doomsday
Tong Zhao discusses China's expanding nuclear arsenal, AI control of nuclear weapons, and the possibility of arms control agreements with the U.S. Topics include Xi Jinping's strategic shift, new missile silos, global geopolitical implications, and the impact of anti-corruption measures on Chinese politics.

6 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 32min
Apple in China
Prof. Willy Shih and Wayne Ma discuss Apple's reliance on China for iPhone manufacturing, the challenges faced by the tech giant, and the strategic moves to maintain their relationship. They delve into Apple's diversification struggles, competition with Huawei, and China's response to US bans while exploring the evolving tech landscape.

Apr 8, 2024 • 33min
Spies in the Sky
Former Commander US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, discusses the tense airspace encounters between US and China, highlighting the risks of potential conflicts. The podcast explores the importance of formal military talks, the consequences of nation decline, and China's impact on global power dynamics. It also delves into the relationship between a US company and China, emphasizing the need for open communication to avoid escalations.