
China Insider
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 17, 2024 • 30min
Chinese Adoptions Stopped, Investment Bankers Jailed, and Nationalist Sports Fans Embarrassed
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.

Sep 10, 2024 • 32min
NY Political Advisor Indicted as Chinese Agent, Chinese Veteran Mistreatment, and Lai Turns Annexation Tables
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.

Sep 3, 2024 • 25min
IBM Exits China, CCP Launches Housing Pension System, and Chines Coast Guard Rams Philippine Ship
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.

Aug 27, 2024 • 24min
Hudson Fellows Urge International Recognition of Taiwan, Economic Nationalism Strikes Again, and 120 Years of Deng Xiaoping's Legacy
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.

Aug 20, 2024 • 33min
Millionaires Flee China, CCP Money Floods US Universities, and Doping Overshadows Chinese Olympians
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.

Aug 15, 2024 • 42min
Insider Interview: Confronting the CCP by Learning from past Mistakes (feat. James Fennell & Bradley Thayer)
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.

Aug 13, 2024 • 25min
The CCP Attacks Online Freedom, Tim Walz and the History of US China Hands, and BRI Protests?
Miles Yu, an expert on Chinese politics and technology, discusses the Chinese Communist Party's new Cyber-ID policy aimed at monitoring online behavior, presenting a chilling view on free speech. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shares insights on his historical ties to China and their implications for U.S.-China relations. The conversation also delves into the growing unrest in countries involved with China's Belt and Road Initiative, raising questions about the impact of Chinese investments and governance in regions like Bangladesh and Venezuela.

Aug 6, 2024 • 27min
The CCP Plays Politics with Paris Olympics, Attempts Peace in the Middle East, and Raises Retirement Ages
Miles Yu, an expert on international sports and the Chinese Communist Party's strategies, sheds light on China's political gambits at the Paris Olympics, showcasing its use of sports for soft power amidst challenges like doping scandals. He discusses Beijing's recent attempts to mediate Palestinian unity, revealing deeper geopolitical implications. The conversation wraps up with insights on the controversial plan to raise retirement ages in China, highlighting the government's efforts to address economic pressures linked to an aging population.

Jul 30, 2024 • 26min
Japan and Europe Coordinate Air Forces, China Explores the Arctic, and Xi's Online Authoritarianism
Japan is actively collaborating with Germany, France, and Spain for joint air drills, underscoring its rising global security role in response to Chinese threats. The Kishida administration’s shift towards self-reliance and increased defense spending reflects these tensions. Meanwhile, China seeks to expand its influence in the Arctic, raising concerns among Western nations. The discussion also highlights the implications of a recent global IT outage that barely affected China, showcasing its stringent internet censorship and control over digital information.

Jul 23, 2024 • 31min
Japan and Taiwan Joint Maritime Exercise, Vietnam Party Leader Passes, and Robotaxi's Cause Viral Frustration
Expert Miles Yu discusses the Taiwan-Japan joint maritime exercise and its implications for regional alliances. He also highlights Vietnam's strategic significance and the diplomatic finesse in international relations. Additionally, he delves into the challenges faced by driverless robotaxis in Wuhan, China, sparking controversy and criticism on social media.