ChinaTalk

Tobias Harris, creator of the Observing Japan Substack and an analyst of Japanese politics, dives into the recent Japanese elections. He discusses the significant aftermath of Abe's assassination and how it reshaped the Liberal Democratic Party. The conversation highlights the rise of parties like Kōmeitō and DPFP, reflecting shifting voter sentiments. Harris also connects domestic political dynamics to U.S.-Japan and China-Japan relations, revealing the challenges faced by the current administration in a rapidly changing landscape.

Joseph Torigian, author and expert on Chinese politics, delves into the intriguing life of Xi Zhongxun, a pivotal figure in the CCP whose experiences shaped modern China. They explore Xi Zhongxun's moral dilemmas and survival strategies amid the Cultural Revolution and his complex relationship with his son, Xi Jinping. The discussion also highlights the paradoxes of party loyalty, the art of self-criticism, and the nuanced power plays within the CCP. Plus, Torigian critiques a biopic portrayal of Xi Zhongxun, suggesting it deserves a grander cinematic treatment.

Tomohiko Taniguchi, a professor and former advisor to Shinzo Abe, joins Charles Litchfield from the Atlantic Council to explore U.S.-Japan relations. They discuss why Japan has fallen out of Trump’s favor and the influence of historical trade tensions. The conversation highlights Shinzo Abe’s unique strategies, like using golf to foster ties with Trump, and examines the potential impact of the upcoming Japanese election on these relations. They also tackle issues like PRC aggression and the role of Russian disinformation.

Joseph Torigian, an expert on authoritarian politics and author of a groundbreaking biography on Xi Zhongxun, sheds light on critical moments in CCP history. He discusses how understanding Xi Zhongxun's life reveals insights into authoritarianism and political loyalty in China. The conversation includes fascinating anecdotes, like Xi Zhongxun's rebellious youth, and examines the deep intertwining of personal sacrifice and party loyalty. Torigian also shares his meticulous research methods to uncover hidden narratives of the Chinese Communist Party.

Nathan Lambert, an AI researcher at AI2, and Jasmine Sun, a Substack writer, dive into the fascinating ways AI is transforming media. They discuss the challenges of monetizing content and the disparities in pay within journalism. The duo debates the competitive landscape between U.S. and China in AI, advocating for transparency and innovation. They also explore the dynamics of gender and content creation, highlighting the unique barriers faced by female creators in the digital space. Tune in for a blend of humor and deep insights!

Discover a captivating array of China's best new music, featuring ADHD-inspired hip-hop and experimental ambient sounds from rural pockets of the country. Delve into the eclectic Shanghai cold wave and experience a mind-blowing hyperpop track. The podcast explores the innovative role of digital platforms in shaping 2025's music scene while highlighting themes of identity and nostalgia. Highlights include personal insights on standout tracks and an engaging live performance that showcases the vibrant artistic landscape of modern China.

Kamil Galeev, a London-based historian and former classmate of Jordan's at Peking University, explores the intricacies of military coups and political power dynamics in Russia. He discusses the Wagner Group's failed rebellion in 2023 and how it reshaped Kremlin views on internal threats. Kamil draws intriguing parallels between historical coups and modern political tensions, emphasizing the influence of victimhood mentality on foreign policy decisions. He also addresses the barriers facing China's rise to hegemony, making for a compelling analysis of global power struggles.

Join Peter Harrell, a former Biden official and host of the Security Economics podcast, Matt Klein of the Overshoot substack, and Kevin Xu from the Interconnects substack as they delve into the twists and turns of U.S.-China relations. They navigate the decline of the dollar and its implications for governance, the evolving landscape of AI investment, and the challenges posed by reduced funding on economic data accuracy. The trio also dissects China's strategic moves and their impact on American foreign policy, blending sharp analysis with insights on the geopolitical chessboard.

Dylan Patel, Chief Analyst at SemiAnalysis, brings his semiconductor expertise to the table alongside John from Asianometry. They dive into the quirky intersection of tech layoffs and bee conservation, calling out the industry's wild compensation tactics. The duo also humorously tackles the myths of Morris Chang's legacy and the cultural quirks of AI collaboration, like AI toy battles with Labubus dolls. Their light-hearted banter spans from political absurdities to whimsical thoughts on family planning in the age of technology.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick McGee, author and expert on Apple’s operations, shares intriguing insights into Apple's long-standing relationship with China. Alongside Kyle Chan, a Princeton postdoc, they explore how Apple's move to China in the 90s reshaped its manufacturing landscape. They discuss the ‘Divorce Avoidance Program’ and the immense pressures faced by workers at Foxconn. The conversation also highlights the political dynamics of Apple's production and its impact on both China’s industrial growth and Apple's global strategy.