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Drum Tower

Latest episodes

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Oct 8, 2024 • 42min

Climbers (part one): A way out of China

Venture into the heart of Necoclí, a Colombian town where a wave of Chinese migrants prepares for a treacherous journey. These individuals, disillusioned with life in China, embark on the perilous 'walking the line' to the U.S. Discover the touching stories of the Huang sisters and Sam Lu, whose struggles illuminate their quest for freedom. Amidst the beauty of a tourist hotspot, hear the chilling realities of migration, social media's influence, and personal awakenings driving these brave souls toward a better future.
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Jun 5, 2024 • 5min

Trailer: The Modi Raj

Exploring the rise of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his controversial Hindu nationalist views, and his efforts to transform India into a superpower. The podcast dives into his leadership style, political agenda, and the complexities of his persona.
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14 snips
May 14, 2024 • 31min

Run part one: Why are Chinese people running to Japan?

Alice Su, The Economist's senior China correspondent, explores the trend of Chinese people moving to Japan for better opportunities. The podcast discusses the reasons behind this migration, including disillusionment with China's economic and political landscape, as well as the emotional impact of the pandemic lockdown in Beijing.
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41 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 37min

Drum Tower: Xi’s doomed economic plan

The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, discusses Xi Jinping's economic plan and China's relationship with America. They explore China's technological ambitions, lack of confidence among investors, and the challenges of a centralized decision-making system.
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38 snips
Mar 26, 2024 • 38min

Drum Tower: Tick tock for TikTok

The podcast features Alice Su, David Rennie, and Don Weinland discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the US, exploring Chinese ownership concerns and national security threats. They analyze trust issues, content control complexities, state influence on private companies, and China's algorithm registration system, highlighting the challenges faced by Chinese tech companies.
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19 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 27min

Drum Tower: The sounds of old Beijing

This podcast explores the ancient soundscape of Beijing and how sound was used to display wealth, conduct business, and maintain order. It discusses the significance of the Drum Tower in Beijing's history, the nostalgic sounds of old Beijing, and the symbolism of keeping crickets and pigeons. The episode also explores the historical importance of the Drum Tower, its role in announcing the time and maintaining harmony, and the speaker's experience of encountering Beijing in the mid-1990s.
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8 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 32min

Drum Tower: Competing for kids

China's experimental policy allows migrant workers to bring their children to cities, attracting competition among cities. The challenges faced by left-behind children and the vulnerability and abuse they suffer. The impact of the Spring Festival on migrant workers and their families. The policy reforms providing equal educational opportunities for migrant workers' children and the potential benefits and limitations of the policy.
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Jan 9, 2024 • 44min

Drum Tower: Taiwan goes to the polls

Podcast explores Taiwan's upcoming presidential election and its implications for the relationship between Taiwan and China. The hosts discuss the cultural interest in democracy, rally for Taiwan's independence, election culture with free food, the evolution of President Taingua's image, the complex political landscape in Taiwan, the debate on cross-strait tensions, and the three-way race with potential consequences.
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18 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 35min

Drum Tower: Stand-up feminists

Alice Su, senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, explore the challenges faced by Chinese feminists in China and their use of stand-up comedy as a form of expression. They discuss self-censorship in comedy, the motivations behind going into exile, and the impact of comedy on feminist topics. The podcast also explores the cathartic and risky nature of the comedy club at Drum Tower, the consequences of losing access to social media in China, and the experiences of exiled individuals navigating high pressure and surveillance.
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33 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 47min

Drum Tower: What does it mean to be Taiwanese?

Exploring the complexities of Taiwanese identity and the potential threats China poses to Taiwan's freedoms. Discussing the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing divide in Taiwanese society. Examining the historical context of Taiwan, including Japanese colonial rule and the transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Exploring changes in Taiwanese education and the composition of the Taiwanese people. Examining the loyalty to the KMT political party and the evolution of political perspectives among different generations. Discussing the potential invasion of Taiwan and its economic implications.

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