Tensions soar as China celebrates 75 years of Communist rule on October 1, while Taiwan commemorates its national day just nine days later. This rivalry is steeped in history and politics. Taiwan's president firmly rejects China's recent peace proposal, choosing a path of self-defense instead. Meanwhile, as the anniversary of the October 7th terror attacks looms, China's ambitions in the Middle East come into focus, revealing intricate relationships with Israel, Iran, and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Human rights sat decidedly at the core of the bi-lateral relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States during the cold war. International awareness, dissident support and tangible accountability measures made human rights a powerful tool in the US arsenal to combat communist influence. Yet, today we don't see the same clarity in policy and action applied to the actions of the Chinese Communist Party. Whether it's the Uyghurs, or any other group from the laundry list of oppressed minorities, the CCP has made it a policy to subjugate, kill, silence or "re-educate" anyone who does not center their beliefs around those of the party. Senior Fellow, Olivia Enos, joins the show this week to paint a scary picture of just how widespread CCP repression is, and how the US can step up to the plate to hold the communist regime to account for its human rights violations. 

Miles Yu, a geopolitical expert, sheds light on critical international developments. He discusses the significance of the first Japanese destroyer navigating the Taiwan Strait alongside vessels from Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing its impact on countering Chinese aggression. The conversation pivots to the Ukraine war, delving into how China positions itself during this conflict. Lastly, Yu examines new Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approach to regional security, highlighting a shift towards bolstering alliances and defense strategies.

With President Joe Biden's final Quad meeting taking place last weekend, Miles Yu gives us some background on the multilateral group of nations, and it's importance in defining, and bringing order to, the Indo-Pacific. Next, we cover the continued rise of violent xenophobia inside China in light of another stabbing and death of a 10-year old Japanese schoolboy. This time the Japanese government, along with Japanese companies in China, is making it clear that they're fed up with the Chines Communist Party's culture of fear.  Finally, the U.S. Commerce Department officially proposed a new ban on Chinese-made car parts, citing not economics as the reason, but rather national security. 

The Chinese Communist Party announced that it will no longer allow international adoptions of Chinese children. Hudson expert Miles Yu analyzes whether the cause is demographics, politics, or something else. Then we move to the recent detention of Chinese investment bankers to evaluate why the CCP is going after them now, and how the move could spook the larger economy. Finally, Miles describes why nationalist Chinese sports fans are furious after the Chinese men's soccer team lost to Japan 7-0, and demonstrates why centralized and grandiose political ambitions can't force you to be good at soccer. 

Linda Sun, a New York public official charged with being a Chinese agent, shares her alarming story. Expert Miles Yu delves into the dark history of Chinese espionage, providing crucial context. A local road rage incident reveals the shocking mistreatment of veterans in China, sparking nationwide outrage. In a twist, Taiwanese President Lai flips the narrative on Chinese land claims, pointing to their historical contradictions, stirring tensions between Taiwan and the CCP.

IBM announced they'll be ending their research and development operations in China, impacting over 1,000 jobs. But they're not cutting these jobs, just relocating them outside of China. Miles explains why. Next, Miles details the CCP's new "housing pension system" and closes with the latest collision in the South China Sea when a Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed a Philippine counterpart.

Miles Yu, a Senior Fellow specializing in Taiwan and international relations, joins political leader Nikki Haley, who recently urged the U.S. to enhance Taiwan's international status. They discuss the backlash against Olympic gold medalist Chuan Hong-chan over her iPhone purchase, highlighting pressures on young athletes in China. Additionally, Yu analyzes the rise of economic nationalism in China, linking it to public sentiment in conflicts, and reflects on the 120th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's legacy and its implications for Xi Jinping's leadership.

Miles Yu, an expert on Chinese economics and politics, dives into the mass exodus of wealthy Chinese seeking to secure their assets abroad. He explains the anxiety driving this movement, linked to shifting government policies and economic instability. Yu also highlights the Chinese Communist Party's strategic investments in U.S. universities and the associated security concerns. Finally, he examines the shadow of doping scandals impacting China's Olympic reputation, revealing how past controversies affect its current standing in sports.

James Fennell, an author on U.S. strategic policies towards China, and Bradley Thayer, an expert on engagement with the Chinese Communist Party, dive deep into America's historical missteps in dealing with the CCP. They discuss how to hold China accountable while enhancing alliances with partners like India and Taiwan. Fennell and Thayer emphasize the need for a recalibrated U.S. approach to engagement that addresses human rights issues and counters information warfare, alongside a united front against China's aggressive tactics in Southeast Asia.