ChinaTalk

Rahm Emanuel, the US Ambassador to Japan and a seasoned political strategist, shares his blunt views on US-China relations. He discusses the Biden administration's shift from 'hub and spokes' to a more interconnected alliance framework. Emanuel also elaborates on his '3 Cs' for engaging China: calm, conflict, and charm. He reflects on Japan-Korea dynamics and the significance of personal relationships in diplomacy. Furthermore, he critiques China's declining entrepreneurial spirit amidst increasing state control, offering a unique perspective on its economic landscape.

Jason Kelly, the Co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, and Michelle Rozo, VP of Technical Capabilities at In-Q-Tel, dive deep into the world of biotechnology. They discuss how the U.S. government transformed biotech into a $1 trillion industry and explore the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery. The duo also examines China’s growing ambitions in this field, raising questions about U.S. competitiveness. Additionally, they highlight ethical challenges and the need for strategic policies to foster innovation and enhance national security.

Ben Smith, a Semafor journalist and expert on U.S. politics, dives into the heated debate surrounding the potential TikTok ban. He dissects Congress's recent bipartisan bill that could force ByteDance to divest in the U.S. The discussion touches on TikTok's influence in social movements, data privacy concerns, and the contrasting approaches to social media regulation in the U.S. and China. Smith also highlights how this ban could reshape the tech landscape and reflects on generational sentiments towards online platforms amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Matt Clifford is a key player in the UK tech scene, serving as an advisor and chair of ARIA, the UK's DARPA. In this discussion, he tackles the importance of AI governance and highlights surprising similarities between China and the West on AI safety perspectives. He also explores the challenges in creating a world-class science project within the government and shares insights on how historical contexts can illuminate future societal shifts. Additionally, he emphasizes the crucial role of fiction in navigating rapid changes in the tech landscape.

Molly, the creator of the acclaimed newsletter "Chinese Doomscroll," dives deep into the chaotic world of Weibo, China's vibrant microblogging platform. She shares why Weibo keeps her awake at night and discusses the intense academic pressure faced by Chinese elementary students. The conversation highlights how social issues trend and the clever tactics users employ to navigate censorship. With insights into the peculiar role of bots, Molly sheds light on the unique and often compelling nature of social media in China.

Garrett Berntsen, the State Department's Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, has a rich background in military service and national security. He shares his vision of how AI can transform diplomacy, discussing its potential to streamline bureaucratic tasks and enhance data-driven negotiation strategies. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between transparency and secrecy in government, the impact of the Snowden leaks on tech integration, and the State Department's cautious approach to adopting industry practices while maintaining public trust.

Pranay Kotasthane, a former chip designer at TI and Qualcomm, and Chris Miller, co-author of 'Chip War', dive into India's semiconductor landscape. They explore why India excels in software yet struggles with chip manufacturing. The guests discuss the impact of historical policies on technology growth, contrasting India's journey with that of China. Insights on the collaborative nature of chip design reveal what it takes to build successful semiconductor ventures, while also examining India’s evolving challenges and future in this competitive field.

Alessio Fanelli, a venture capitalist at Decibel VC, and Shawn Wang, founder of Smol AI, dive into the competitive landscape of AI. They discuss how top labs diffuse their 'secret sauce' into the broader community. Expect insights on how culture shifts from academic to industry impact AI development, and the significance of open-source models. They tackle the challenges faced by 'GPU poor' nations like China and highlight three innovative algorithms that could alter the AI power dynamics. A fascinating exploration of the future of AI engineering!

In this engaging discussion, Matt Pottinger, former Deputy National Security Advisor and current chair of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares his insights on a potential second Trump administration’s approach to China. He delves into Trump's strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, contrasts it with Biden's policies, and examines the bipartisan support for the ongoing US-China trade conflict. Pottinger also reflects on the political fallout of COVID-19 and his experiences within Trump's National Security Council.

John Gans, former Pentagon speechwriter and author of "White House Warriors," dives into the unsettling state of America's national security bureaucracy. He discusses the overwhelming pressures faced by NSC staff and the influence of presidential time constraints on decision-making. Gans highlights how the NSC often excels at identifying problems but struggles with effective solutions. Intriguingly, he connects Shakespeare to improved policymaking and examines how modern tech tools have transformed strategic discussions in ways we might not expect.