

China Insider
Hudson Institute
China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 36min
China Insider | CCP’s Fourth Plenum, ASEAN and APEC Summits, Japan’s New Prime Minister
 The discussion dives into the Chinese Communist Party's fourth plenum, revealing Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and recent military purges. Insights on the ASEAN summit highlight US-China trade dynamics and regional responses. Upcoming APEC talks with Trump and Xi are analyzed, with potential trade implications. Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is explored, particularly her conservative stance and its effect on China-Japan relations. The strategic role of Japan in Indo-Pacific deterrence further emphasizes the shifting geopolitical landscape. 

Oct 21, 2025 • 34min
China Insider | PLA Purges, Passing of Dr. Chen Ning Yang, China Hawks and Doves
 This week’s discussion dives into the mass purge of nine high-ranking PLA officials, revealing Xi Jinping's intent to consolidate power. It highlights the alarming effects of fear on the PLA's combat readiness. The podcast also commemorates Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Chen Ning Yang and his complex legacy, including his relationship with the CCP during turbulent times. Lastly, it tackles the contentious debate regarding 'China Hawk' rhetoric in U.S.-China relations and the need to prioritize national security over short-term business interests. 

Oct 14, 2025 • 39min
China Insider | China's Rare Earth Export Controls, UK Embassy Water Controversy, Taiwan's 114th National Day Celebrations
 China tightens its grip on global rare earth resources, igniting discussions on its almost complete processing monopoly and the potential fallout from recent export control changes. Tensions rise with the UK as China leverages its diplomatic tactics, spotlighting concerns about a sprawling new embassy in London. Meanwhile, Taiwan celebrates its National Day with a focus on economic growth and democratic values, as President Lai unveils ambitious development plans amidst rising defense efforts to bolster security against regional threats. 

Oct 7, 2025 • 29min
China Insider | China's Financial Investment Flight, Japan's LDP Leadership Election, CCP Purges
 In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the accelerating trend of financial flight, and whether the CCP can stem the flow of China's wealthy elite from leaving the country. Next, Miles reviews Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, the upcoming election for Prime Minister, and China's response to the current slate of candidates and desired outcomes. Finally, Miles comments on the recent purge of Liu Jianchao from China's International Department, and Xi Jinping's efforts to concentrate the CCP's foreign affairs and diplomatic dialogue under a more centralized authority.
China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future. 

10 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 30min
China Insider | Xi Jinping in Xinjiang, CCP Coercion Against Taiwan, China's Role in Russia-Ukraine War
 Explore Xi Jinping's controversial visit to Xinjiang, where propaganda clashes with harsh realities for the Uyghurs. Delve into the CCP's misinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan, attempting to destabilize its democracy while exploiting partisan conflicts. The discussion shifts to President Trump's remarks at the UN regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting China's role and the implications of potential sanctions on Russian oil. Unravel the complex narratives shaping these geopolitical tensions and the future dynamics in the region. 

Sep 26, 2025 • 35min
China Insider Interview | Dr. Steven Quay, Senior Fellow Hudson Institute
 Dr. Steven Quay, a physician, scientist, and biotech entrepreneur, dives into the alarming intersection of AI and biological warfare. He outlines the risks of dual-use technologies in military strategies and critiques China’s weaponization of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quay discusses international governance failures in regulating AI-driven biotech, calling for urgent policy reforms. He also shares insights on lab-origin theories and the need for accountability in biological threats, emphasizing the dire necessity of updating global governance frameworks. 

Sep 23, 2025 • 26min
China Insider | US-China TikTok Deal, H1-B Visa Program, US Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base
 In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the latest developments surrounding the US-China TikTok deal that reached a proposed framework for the US to secure protections for American user data in the hands of Oracle Corp. including algorithm management, application development, and source code review. Next, Miles reviews President Trump's move to impose a fee for US companies on all new H1-B visa petitions, and what this move means for Beijing's planned rollout for their new K visa program. Lastly, Miles unpacks the recent bid by the Trump administration to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, and how this move relates to larger US strategic interests to secure a regional foothold to counter increased Chinese influence and military mobilization.    
China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future. 

Sep 16, 2025 • 32min
China Insider | Gen Z Protests in Nepal, US-China Trade Talks, and China's Great Firewall Data Breach
 This week’s discussion highlights the inspiring anti-corruption protests in Nepal, led by Gen Z, that successfully ousted a long-standing Prime Minister. The conversation then shifts to the U.S.-China trade talks, focusing on strategic negotiations involving TikTok and tariffs on Russian oil. Finally, a major data breach reveals the extent of China’s oppressive Great Firewall and its implications for global censorship and surveillance technologies. The interplay of social movements and geopolitical tensions takes center stage. 

Sep 9, 2025 • 32min
China Insider | China’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations for Victory in WWII
 The podcast dives into the 80th anniversary of China's WWII victory, highlighting the political implications and reactions to the Beijing military parade. Xi Jinping's speech is scrutinized amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. There's a critical look at the diverse weaponry displayed, revealing a mix of outdated and modern technologies. The discussions also delve into the paradox of trust within China's military leadership, alongside the notable anti-CCP protests, showcasing a growing public dissent that could signal larger movements. 

4 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 31min
China Insider | Chinese Students in US Academia, Xi Jinping's Message to Zelensky, China After Communism Updates
 Explore the implications of the U.S. welcoming 600,000 Chinese students and the resulting national security concerns. Delve into the tensions faced by these students in academia and the historical context of their enrollment. Discover Xi Jinping's surprising message to President Zelensky on Ukraine's Independence Day and its geopolitical significance. Finally, hear insights from a report on China's potential future after the Communist Party, discussing strategies for stability and the global reaction to the findings. 


