Chinese Whispers

Bill Hayton, a journalist and author, discusses the complexities of Chinese identity, emphasizing its constructed nature. Elizabeth Ingleson explores whether China's economic boom was a product of American influence, while Charles Parton and Bill Bishop analyze Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power. Noah Barkin delves into the evolving relationship between Europe and China. The group also examines Taiwan's strategic significance and the delicate balance of military and economic factors that could influence future relations.

** Chinese Whispers is coming to an end. Later this year, Cindy Yu will be joining The Times and The Sunday Times to write a regular column on China. To stay abreast of her latest work, subscribe to her free Substack at chinesewhispers.substack.com ** The term ‘old friend of the Chinese people’ might seem a colloquial, almost sentimental, phrase to appear in official diplomatic language, but in the Chinese context, those words have a very specific meaning. Most often, they refer to high profile foreigners whose actions have helped the Chinese Communist Party in one way or another. The most famous of these is Henry Kissinger, who led the way for American rapprochement with China. That the CCP gives various foreigners this honour is revealing of China’s priorities over the decades, but also of its attempts to co-opt foreign forces to its cause. Think back to the United Front strategy, which we looked at on the podcast earlier in the year. To discuss this honorific, I’m joined Professor Anne-Marie Brady, a China expert at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, who was among the first to look at China’s old friends as a serious political concept some 20 years ago, and Ryan Ho Kilpatrick, a journalist based in Hong Kong.

Bob Davis, former senior editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of "Broken Engagement," dives into the turbulent history of US-China relations. He discusses the dramatic shift from the US embracing China as an ally to current hostilities, questioning if past strategies were misguided. Davis also highlights key events shaping these tensions, including Xi Jinping's rise and the impact of COVID-19. The conversation further touches on the complexities of US policies regarding Taiwan and human rights, illustrating the challenges in navigating this intricate geopolitical landscape.

Rana Mitter, a historian specializing in modern Chinese history, delves into the fascinating legacy of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. He discusses how Sun's vision for democracy and infrastructure shaped both Taiwan and mainland China, highlighting his unique blend of nationalism and welfare principles. The conversation also covers Sun's enduring influence on liberalism amidst the political chaos of early 20th century China, and how interpretations of his legacy continue to evolve, illuminating the complexities of identity and governance in the region.

In this discussion, Isabel Hilton, journalist and founder of Dialogue Earth, joins Neeraj Singh Manhas, an expert on transboundary rivers, to unpack the implications of China's new mega-dam in Medog County. They dive into the geopolitical tensions this project raises for India and Bangladesh, focusing on shared water resources. The conversation highlights ecological concerns and the urgent need for cooperative water management in light of climate challenges. Their insights shed light on the delicate balance of power in Asia's water politics.

In this discussion, Ryan Fedasiuk, U.S. Director of The Future Society and former U.S.-China advisor, teams up with Steve Hsu, theoretical physicist and host of Manifold. They explore the impacts of U.S. semiconductor export controls on China, debating whether these measures truly widen the tech gap or inadvertently boost Chinese innovation. The duo dives into the complexities of the semiconductor landscape, challenges faced by Chinese AI firms, and the geopolitical implications of AI competition between the two nations.

Charlie Parton, a former British diplomat in Beijing and chief advisor to the Council on Geostrategy’s China Observatory, delves into China's 'United Front' strategy. He explains how this tactic serves the CCP’s agenda by shaping political landscapes and influencing societal groups. The conversation highlights the implications of elite capture, including Prince Andrew's ties to Chinese business. Parton discusses the risks of foreign lobbying on democratic institutions and the UK's strategies to counter Chinese influence, emphasizing the need for transparency and robust governance.

In this enlightening conversation, technology reporter Eva Dou, author of 'House of Huawei,' delves into the tumultuous history of the telecom giant. She uncovers the complexities of Huawei's relationship with the Chinese government and its significance in global telecommunications. Dou discusses Huawei’s ambitious rise, the influence of its founder Ren Zhengfei, and the implications of its ties to national security concerns. As tensions with the West escalate, she ponders the company's resilience and its potential journey ahead in a second Trump presidency.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Hessler, an award-winning journalist and author known for his insightful explorations of China, delves into the quirks of English names chosen by Chinese individuals. He explores how these names reflect aspirations and historical ties, revealing deep cultural insights. With humor and anecdotes, they touch on the transformative journey of a young farm boy and the impact of globalization on identity. The talk includes fascinating stories about the influence of basketball culture on naming trends, bridging East and West in modern Chinese society.

Join Demetri Sevastopulo, US-China correspondent for the Financial Times, and Oriana Skylar Mastro, a Stanford military expert and author, as they dive into the chaotic purges within China’s People's Liberation Army. They discuss the implications of Xi Jinping's ongoing investigations into top generals and the potential for future military actions over Taiwan. The conversation also explores the effectiveness of military reforms initiated in 2015, and whether these changes strengthen or weaken China’s military readiness amidst rising global tensions.