Join Dr. Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow specializing in Chinese military affairs, and Dr. Phil Saunders, director of the INSS Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, as they dissect China’s military ambitions. They discuss the PLA’s evolution under Xi Jinping, its assertive maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific, and challenges like party control and corruption. The experts also examine the implications of China’s nuclear modernization and readiness for a potential Taiwan invasion. Their insights shed light on the future of U.S.-China relations.

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Mr. Edward Fishman joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of economic warfare and the United States’ strategic use of economic tools against China and other global actors. Drawing from his new book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, he explains how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls have become central to great power competition and explores how today’s hyper-globalized economy has created chokepoints—critical areas where one state holds a dominant position, allowing for few alternatives. He examines the most potent weapons in the U.S. economic arsenal, and how their use—or mere threat—can compel adversaries to shift behavior. Mr. Fishman provides an insider’s account of the Trump administration’s economic warfare strategy against China and the rationale behind its approach. He also analyzes China’s dual-track approach to economic warfare, the Biden administration’s use of economic warfare against Russia, and the role of U.S. firms in carrying out Washington’s policies. He concludes with recommendations for how the U.S. can refine its strategy to more effectively compete with China.Edward Fishman is a leading authority on economic statecraft and sanctions. He teaches at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and is a senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy. He also advises companies on geopolitical strategy and invests in early-stage technology startups. Previously, he served at the U.S. State Department as a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff, at the Pentagon as an advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and at the U.S. Treasury Department as special assistant to the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. His writing and analysis are regularly featured by outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Politico, and NPR. He holds a BA in History from Yale, an MPhil in International Relations from Cambridge, and an MBA from Stanford.

Dr. Kyle Jaros, an expert in urban and regional development, and Dr. Sara Newland, a scholar of local politics in China and Taiwan, discuss the shifting dynamics of U.S.-China subnational diplomacy. They highlight the increasing politicization of local relations, with local officials mirroring national sentiments on Taiwan issues, contributing to rising Sinophobia. Despite these tensions, they note opportunities for cooperation, particularly through university student exchanges. They emphasize the need for continued human-to-human connections and resource education for local leaders.

Dr. Mihaela Papa, a BRICS expert from MIT, dives into the evolving dynamics of the BRICS coalition. She discusses its significance in promoting a multipolar world and the surge of interest from Global South countries. China's leadership role is emphasized, particularly in trade and AI innovation. The conversation also highlights BRICS' de-dollarization efforts and the complexities tied to U.S. relations amidst shifting political landscapes. With her extensive background, Dr. Papa sheds light on how BRICS could reshape global governance.

Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart dive into China's polar ambitions, highlighting its strategic interests in the Arctic and Antarctic. Funaiole discusses the implications of China's new research station in Antarctica, emphasizing its dual-use potential. Hart elaborates on the challenges China faces in forming Arctic partnerships and its cooperation with Russia. Their analysis also underscores the importance of transparency in China's polar operations and the significant implications for U.S. security interests and global governance.

Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, delve into the U.S. Department of Defense's 2024 China Military Power Report. They analyze advancements within the People’s Liberation Army, highlighting concerns over military spending and nuclear arsenal growth. The discussion also uncovers the impacts of corruption within the PLA and examines evolving Chinese military dynamics, notably regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea, and China-Russia military ties.

Dr. Feng Zhang, a Visiting Scholar at Yale Law School, specializes in Chinese foreign policy and East Asian international relations. He discusses the strained China-North Korea relationship, heavily influenced by North Korea's growing ties with Russia. Dr. Zhang notes that China's influence is waning due to UN sanctions and the pandemic. He highlights China's challenge in navigating these dynamics without provoking Pyongyang further. The conversation delves into the complexities of regional stability and China's cautious approach to North Korean provocations amid rising U.S. pressures.

In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Berg, the Director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shares insights on China's burgeoning influence in Latin America. He discusses how China views the region as crucial for its economic ambitions, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative. Dr. Berg highlights the contrasting approaches between U.S. strategic neglect and China's proactive engagement. He also examines public perceptions of China post-COVID and Xi Jinping's recent trip, marking a new era of competitive dynamics in Latin American partnerships.

Ivan Kanapathy, a Senior VP at Beacon Global Strategies and former National Security Council director, discusses the implications of a potential second Trump administration on U.S.-China relations. He emphasizes continuity in Trump's approach, highlighting strategies to counter China's aggression and maintain U.S. alliances. Kanapathy applauds Trump's tariffs as effective for diversifying imports and calls for clearer U.S. leadership and deterrence strategies. He also touches on the evolution of alliances like Quad and AUKUS, and the necessity of adapting U.S. policies in the Indo-Pacific.

Rick Waters, Managing Director at Eurasia Group's China practice and former U.S. State Department China policy official, shares insights on China's perspective of a potential second Trump administration. He discusses how China viewed the first term as two phases—initially transactional, later marked by tension over COVID-19. Waters highlights China's anticipation of U.S. moves and assesses implications of Republican dominance in Congress. He also explores the evolving geopolitical landscape involving Taiwan, North Korea, and NATO's presence in the Indo-Pacific.