ChinaPower

Dr. Lauren Dickey discusses Taiwan's upcoming presidential inauguration, predicting a continuation of pragmatic approaches towards cross-Strait relations. She expects Beijing to engage in grey zone activities rather than major conflict. Lai may face legislative challenges and trade-offs with the KMT. Predictions are made for Lai's defense priorities and implications for US-Taiwan defense relationship.

Dr. Joel Wuthnow discusses China's PLA restructuring, emphasizing the formation of the Information Support Force and its role in modernizing information warfare. He clarifies that the changes do not signal an offensive shift but aim to enhance integration capabilities. Dr. Wuthnow also shares insights on future priorities for the PLA.

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Leta Hong Fincher joins us to discuss the legal and social status of women in China. Dr. Fincher, who has written widely on gender issues in the PRC, reviews the history of Chinese marriage and divorce policies with an eye towards China’s contemporary feminist movements. She speaks to how the privatization of housing in the 1990s led to widening gender income gaps and the way women are increasingly discriminated against in the workplace. She highlights, amidst China’s ongoing demographic struggles, the plight of so-called “leftover women,” or sheng nu, who are faced with growing government and societal pressure to marry and start families. Dr. Fincher concludes by discussing the future of feminism in China, emphasizing the resilience and popularity of feminist movements despite the challenges they have faced.Dr. Leta Hong Fincher is a journalist and research associate at Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute. A sociologist by trade, she focuses on feminist issues in China and has published two books on this subject – Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist Awakening in China (2018) and Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China (2014, with a recently-published 10-year edition). Dr. Fincher is fluent in Mandarin and was the first American to receive a PhD in sociology from Beijing’s Tsinghua University. 

Dr. Zhao Hai discusses China's views on the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting concerns about escalation and nuclear weapons. He explains China's perspective on the conflict as a shift towards multi-polarity, with implications for the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Zhao also explores the impact of the conflict on global order, international norms, and China's diplomatic relations amidst the crisis.

Dr. Steve Tsang discusses Xi Jinping thought and its goals for China's national rejuvenation. He explains Xi's desire for a prominent global role, centralizing power, and reshaping international order. Tsang shares insights on deterring Xi Jinping and contrasts his ideology with past CCP leaders.

Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens discusses Xi Jinping's 'Comprehensive National Security concept' with over 20 components, emphasizing preventive security measures. The podcast explores China's national security system, Xi's approach to regime stability, citizen mobilization, surveillance technology, and its impact on foreign policy decisions.

Exploring China's perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict and Red Sea tensions, discussing Chinese blame on the US, lack of action in response, and potential for broader escalation. Mr. Tuvia Gering analyzes China's strategy, economic interests, and reluctance to work with the United States in the Middle East crises.

Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart discuss Hidden Reach's analysis of China's growing influence abroad, addressing topics such as civilian research vessels, ground stations in South America, and the role of satellite imagery in open-source intelligence. They explore China's military civil fusion strategy, its efforts to displace US influence, and upcoming research projects.

Mr. Hans Kristensen, expert on China's nuclear capabilities, discusses China's expanding nuclear stockpile and its modernization campaign. He addresses the uncertainties surrounding China's nuclear program, its potential escalation scenarios, and the credibility of its 'no first use' policy. He also explores China's interest in tactical nuclear weapons and compares Chinese, Russian, and US planners' objectives. The episode highlights the recent arms control talks between the US and China and the importance of monitoring China's nuclear development.

Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, discusses US strategic competition with China, focusing on the PRC military threat and the need to equip allies for military deterrence. He highlights debates within the Republican party on how much to focus on China and advocates prioritizing the PRC in force planning and relationships with allies. The podcast also explores China's preparation for conflict, concerns about the Biden administration's policy in Asia, and the importance of clear public statements and a military build-up to defend Taiwan.