ChinaTalk

Eddie Fishman, a former civil servant at the State Department and adjunct professor at Columbia, discusses his book on U.S. sanctions policy. He explores whether sanctions truly work, providing historical insights from cases like Iran and Russia. The conversation highlights how the U.S. dollar evolved into a pivotal economic tool through deals with Saudi Arabia. Fishman also critiques the challenges in current economic warfare strategies against China, shedding light on the complexities of governance and the role of key policymakers in shaping these strategies.

Andrei Iancu, former director of the US Patent Office, discusses the dramatic shift in the patent landscape, where China now leads in patent acquisitions, raising alarm bells for US innovation. He highlights the complex balance between inventors' rights and public access to innovations. The conversation also touches on how congressional inaction is stifling AI progress and the potential impact of new bills. Iancu speculates on future reforms in patent law under political influences, including Trump's potential strategies for strengthening US intellectual property.

David C. Kang, a professor at the Korean Studies Institute at USC and co-author of "Beyond Power Transitions," explores how imperial China's history informs current East Asian geopolitics. He discusses the concept of great power peace in East Asia compared to Europe’s conflicts. Kang delves into the implications of historical interactions, why certain territories were conquered while others were not, and the potential for avoiding war in the Taiwan Strait. He also examines contemporary responses to China's rise and challenges the inevitability of a U.S.-China conflict.

Join Dylan Patel, co-founder of SemiAnalysis and semiconductor whiz, alongside tech analyst Jon from Asianometry, as they dive into the wild world of AI and tech capital expenditure. They rank major players in the AI arena, comparing successes and failures, and discuss how companies like Google and OpenAI stack up. The episode also features humorous takes on innovation, organizational dynamics, and even future leadership scenarios. Expect lively banter on trends, rivalries, and the quirks of the tech universe!

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic and an expert in AI safety, dives deep into the AI innovation race between the US and China. He discusses the implications of China's DeepSeek and the need for updated export controls to manage AI risks. Dario highlights potential threats like AI espionage and bioweapon discussions. He raises compelling questions about how AI could influence democracy—balancing innovation with ethical responsibilities. The conversation underscores the complexities of global AI governance and the imperative for equitable distribution.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Xu, a contributor to Interconnected and former GitHub employee, delves into the dynamics of DeepSeek, an innovative AI research lab. He explores how DeepSeek's unique hiring practices foster a culture of creativity, contrasting it with traditional tech companies. The conversation touches on the challenges facing China's AI sector amid U.S.-China tensions and export controls. Xu also highlights the blend of nationalism and open-source values driving innovation in China, setting the stage for future U.S.-China relations.

Miles Brundage, an AI policy expert previously at OpenAI, dives into the implications of the DeepSeek R1 model on global AI dynamics. He critiques prevailing misconceptions around DeepSeek's capabilities and addresses the challenges of export controls that affect AI innovation. Brundage underscores the necessity of computational resources for progress in AI, drawing parallels to historical leaps in science. He also discusses the delicate balance between national security and technological advancement, highlighting the risks associated with uncontrolled AI evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Mossoff, a professor at Antonin Scalia Law School with expertise in intellectual property law, explores fascinating insights on innovation and national power. He delves into how patent systems have historically shaped American innovation and the stark differences with China's approach. The conversation touches on the implications of recent patent policy shifts, Elon Musk's perspective on patents, and China's dual strategy of IP theft alongside robust domestic patent laws. It's a thought-provoking look at the complex dynamics of technology and geopolitics!

Hosts reflect on their journey, noting a transition from a newsletter to a hub for U.S.-China insights. They tackle Taiwan's geopolitical tensions and engage with tech policy discussions, making complex topics accessible. Personal stories, like paternity leave, intersect with explorations of AI and censorship. A new YouTube channel about Taiwan highlights deep-dive content driven by passion, not profit. Finally, they celebrate a curated platform for global music, contrasting it with algorithmic recommendations, underscoring the richness of diverse musical influences.

Noah Smith, an economist and columnist known for his insightful takes on the Japanese economy, joins the conversation during his visit to Taiwan. He discusses the ambitions of Silicon Valley’s pro-Trump faction and the potential for nuclear armament in Asia. The talk touches on China's economic woes and demographic challenges, questioning their true impact. Smith also proposes innovative solutions for Taiwan's economic development and highlights cultural nuances, like bubble tea, that make Taiwan unique.