The Bridge to China

Yasiru Ranaraja, a Sri Lankan development expert and Director of the Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka, dives into the complexities of the Hambantota port project. He addresses the controversial debt trap narrative and explores the economic impact on local communities. The conversation also touches on health challenges in Sri Lanka, including initiatives supported by China to establish medical facilities. Lastly, Yasiru highlights the growing interest of Chinese tourists and Sri Lanka's strategic cultural and geopolitical importance in the region.

The fierce competition between Apple and Huawei in China is explored, especially the excitement surrounding Huawei's new tri-fold phone which has seen over 6 million pre-orders. Consumer reactions to high-priced tech reveal cultural differences, reflecting China's enthusiasm for local brands. Additionally, the podcast delves into the shifting dynamics of the smartphone market, highlighting how innovative Chinese competitors are reshaping consumer preferences while Apple's traditional approach faces challenges.

We interview Mario Cavolo, who's lived in China for 25 years. We discuss how China's changes, the end of poverty and what Chinese people really think of their nation and the PRC's 75th anniversary.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hotels and tourist destinations are bracing for a flood of eager spenders as October’s Golden Week arrives. We discuss the People’s Republic of China’s accomplishments on its 75th birthday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to a recent article by The Guardian “Exxon chases billions in US subsidies for a ‘climate solution’ that helps it drill more oil." Is the oil industry fleecing Americans and depriving them a chance to clean up the environment? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China is building joint-venture factories in the USA. According to The Institute for Energy Studies, China will own enough solar manufacturing plants in the United States to serve about half of the nation. We discuss what China and US can get through cooperations. Find out more with Jason and BeiBei.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask special guest, Hussein Askary of BRIX Sweden, a non-profit association on the Belt and Road Initiative, especially its economic and strategic significance for Europe and Sweden. How is Africa developing? Is China engaging in debt traps? Or is the cooperation between China and Africa creating economic prosperity? Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how ghosting is perceived across cultures, with personal anecdotes that highlight stark differences in dating. Explore financial habits like consumer behavior and attitudes towards debt in both nations. Delve into workplace norms, contrasting vacation policies, and tipping practices. Uncover quirky cultural details, such as beverage preferences, measurement systems, and flag etiquette. Finally, reflect on elder care differences, from nursing homes in America to multi-generational living in China, revealing the deep societal impacts these customs hold.

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs joins us to discuss China's model of poverty alleviation. How can it inform Africa's journey to modernity? And how can the US work with China to build a better shared future for everyone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many Americans these days, buying back to school supplies might mean skipping meals. We discuss inflation and how to budget for the fall rush. Find out more with BeiBei and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.