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.

Kharis Templeman, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Lecturer on East Asian Studies at Stanford, dives deep into Taiwan's political evolution. He discusses the implications of President Lai Ching-te's policies in a politically divided Taiwan. The conversation reveals Beijing's strategic timelines, particularly the significance of 2027 in military readiness. Templeman also examines the Taiwan independence dilemma and the critical role of U.S. support in maintaining peace amidst growing tensions with China.

Jude Blanchette, a Freeman Chair in China Studies, joins David Hoffman, a Senior Advisor at the China Center for Economics & Business, to dive into China's 'birdcage economy.' They discuss the recent shift toward a more planned economy and the implications for foreign investments. Blanchette and Hoffman explore the restrictive regulatory environment limiting foreign joint ventures and analyze the challenges faced by private investors. They also forecast the future trajectory of China's economy amidst tensions between state control and market forces.

Courtney Fung, an Associate Professor in Security Studies at Macquarie University, delves into China’s strategic maneuvers within the UN. She outlines China's shift from reluctance to active participation in peacekeeping since 2013, framing it against the backdrop of domestic politics. The conversation also covers the tragic incidents involving Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan, revealing the complex interplay of safety, accountability, and China's ambitions in global governance. Fung highlights how these dynamics reshape international discourse and peacekeeping policies.