The latest food scandal in China reveals fuel tankers carrying cooking oil without cleaning, raising alarms about food safety. Past incidents like melamine-laced milk powder have dented public trust. As the middle class becomes more discerning, regulatory challenges and corporate practices are scrutinized. The discussion extends to the impact of these scandals on governmental credibility and the role of investigative journalism in promoting accountability. Amid these issues, the exclusive 'tergong' food supply for leaders highlights a stark divide in food safety perceptions.

Delve into the passionate fandom of Taylor Swift in China and the influence of Western pop music in the country. Discover Chinese opera-style covers of Adele and the impact of an American missile system on K-Pop in China. Explore viral videos featuring Western pop in China and the challenges faced by Chinese artists in the global music industry.

The EU and US are turning up the pressure on Chinese made electric cars, as I discussed with my guest Finbarr Bermingham on the last episode.  On this episode, I want to take a closer look at how China has come to dominate the global electric car market. Chinese EVs make up 60 per cent of worldwide sales, and a third of global exports. Its leading brand, BYD, now regularly gives Tesla a run for its money in terms of number of cars sold.  How much of a role do subsidies play, versus other factors like its control of rare earths or lower labour costs? Is there really an overcapacity issue that suggests a flooding of Chinese cars globally? On this episode, I'm joined by Zeyi Yang, China tech reporter at MIT Technology Review, who is an expert on the genealogy of China’s EV industry.

The podcast discusses the EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars, sparking retaliatory investigations from China. Chinese EVs are rapidly gaining competitiveness in the EU market. The episode explores the impacts of tariffs, the EU's anti-subsidy investigation, China's retaliatory measures, and the broader implications on EU-China relations.

Exploring UK-China relations under potential new leadership, discussing Labour's proactive strategies, secureonomics, and the need for better strategic capability. Analyzing contrasts in foreign policy priorities and the influence of key party figures on UK-China relations.

Explore the personal stories of four millennial women in China's evolving landscape. Learn how economic growth impacts individuals and families. Discover the challenges of social mobility and education for Chinese women. Uncover the complexities of the Hukou system and its effects on urban and rural citizens. Reflect on generational trauma and shifting priorities in a changing China.

The podcast discusses the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, highlighting the significance of Chinese nationalism and the lasting impact on China-Serbia relations. It explores China's response to the bombing, the government's use of nationalism for control, and the challenges in understanding China-West perspectives. Xi Jinping's recent visit to Serbia and the anniversary silence surrounding the bombing are also analyzed, raising questions about censorship and differing historical perspectives.

Exploring China's shift towards cutting out American tech quietly, contrary to recent US actions against TikTok. Insights from journalist Liza Lin reveal China's strategic move towards domestic tech in state-owned enterprises, hardware sectors, and self-sufficiency. Challenges in high-end chip production, national security implications, and debates on creating a 'Splinter Net' for security are discussed.

Historian Jeremiah Jenne discusses Marco Polo's portrayal of China, focusing on the presence of sex in his accounts. They explore how Europeans viewed China, the reliability of outsider perspectives, and the lasting impact of Polo's narrative on western perceptions of the country.

The podcast delves into recent cyber attacks linked to China on voter data and UK critics' emails, discussing China's cyber capabilities and goals. It examines the differences between Chinese cyber warfare capabilities and the West, and explores strategies for dealing with cybersecurity threats from Chinese hackers.