Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a Fellow for international political economy at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of 'Sovereign Funds,' discusses the intricate ways the Communist Party of China finances its global ambitions. She unpacks the evolution of sovereign wealth funds, using examples from Kuwait to Norway, and illustrates China’s unique approach shaped by political and economic strategies. Liu also dives into Central Huijin’s role in banking reforms and examines how Chinese sovereign funds navigate international partnerships, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Dr. Lynette H. Ong, a Political Science Professor at the University of Toronto, discusses her book on state repression in contemporary China. She reflects on her nearly decade-long field research amid heavy political restrictions. Key topics include the role of community members in enforcing compliance, the troubling consequences of urban development, and the decline of trust during China's zero COVID policy. Ong's insights reveal the intricate dynamics of everyday governance and the darker side of China's rapid economic growth.

In a captivating discussion, Erica Frantz, an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University and expert on authoritarian politics, explores the potential consequences if Xi Jinping dies in office. They delve into the complexities of leadership succession in authoritarian systems, revealing how a lack of proper planning can lead to instability. Historical examples illustrate that while many regimes endure post-leader death, significant political change is rare. Frantz also examines the current dynamics in China, emphasizing the impact of centralized power on governance.

In this engaging discussion, Wang Yuhua, an expert in state building at Harvard, dives into the intricate dynamics of political power in Imperial China. He explores how authoritarian regimes maintain stability and the lessons they offer for modern governance. The conversation highlights the resilience of meritocratic bureaucracy and critiques conventional views on state development. Wang also examines the impact of COVID-19 on Xi Jinping's rule, drawing fascinating parallels with historical governance, all while advocating for a broader understanding of diverse political systems.

Jessica Teets, a Professor at Middlebury College and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chinese Political Science, dives into the complexities of China's governance under Xi Jinping. She discusses the concept of fragmented authoritarianism and its implications for local governance. Teets highlights the central government's increasing control, the struggles local officials face, and the impacts of digitization. The conversation also touches on how Xi's centralization efforts affect policymaking and what this means for China's future amid ongoing reforms.

Lizhi Liu, an Assistant Professor at Georgetown specializing in data politics and China’s digital economy, discusses the emergence of data politics as a strategic asset among states and companies. She explains how data differs from traditional resources, emphasizing issues of data ownership and security. The conversation touches on China's national data strategy, contrasting it with global approaches, and examines the implications for international tech firms navigating complex regulations amid geopolitical tensions. Liu also explores how technology influences governance in China and globalization.

Jörg Wuttke, President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China and Chief Representative of BASF China, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of China's economy. He discusses the significant role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and how they affect both competition and political stability. Wuttke highlights the inefficiencies of SOEs and the challenges faced by private enterprises and foreign businesses. He also dives into the Communist Party's growing influence on corporate governance, and speculates on China's economic future amidst global changes.

Muyang Chen, an Assistant Professor at Peking University and author of 'The Latecomer’s Rise', dives into the intricacies of China's development finance. She discusses the pivotal roles of China's policy banks, the China Development Bank and the China Ex-Im Bank, in shaping global infrastructure projects. The conversation highlights the challenges of accessing accurate data in this arena and compares China's strategies to those of Japan. Chen's insights offer a nuanced perspective on the complexities of international lending and the geopolitical implications of China’s financial initiatives.

Mark Leonard, co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares his insights on China's evolving identity and influence. They dive into the shifting perceptions of China since the 2008 Olympics, emphasizing its dual approach to international relations. Leonard contrasts Chinese and Western views on global order, exploring how ideology shapes governance under Xi Jinping. The conversation highlights the importance of nuanced understandings of China's global strategies and the key thinkers contributing to contemporary discourse about its role on the world stage.

Minxin Pei, a professor at Claremont McKenna College and editor of the China Leadership Monitor, dives into his book, 'The Sentinel State'. He discusses the resilience and fragility of China's political systems, emphasizing the paradox of authoritarian reforms. Pei reveals insights about the vast surveillance network that empowers the Communist Party, the complexities of public discontent under Xi Jinping, and predictions about China's future trajectory in economics and foreign policy. This enlightening conversation uncovers the intricate dance between repression and legitimacy in China.