ChinaTalk

Kharis Templeman, a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution focusing on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, discusses the recent Taiwan elections and their implications. He highlights the lack of surprises in the election results and the subdued campaign atmosphere, revealing a disconnect between local sentiments and foreign media narratives. Templeman explains why the KMT lost despite voter dissatisfaction with the DPP and analyzes China's surprisingly muted response. He also examines the evolving role of the Taiwan People’s Party in a fragmented legislature and shares observations about Taiwan's democratic resilience.

Trent Hone, an expert in 20th-century American naval history, dives into the dramatic evolution of the U.S. Navy from a disorganized force to a highly advanced military powerhouse. He discusses key lessons from technological advancements and operational challenges, highlighting pivotal figures like Admiral Yamamoto. Hone also addresses the Navy's promotion system, contrasting merit-based and tenure approaches. He reflects on the influential Battle of Jutland and the innovations introduced by the HMS Dreadnought, showcasing how these moments shaped modern naval warfare strategies.

Taiwan's recent presidential election saw Lai emerge victorious, prompting discussions on the DPP's legislative losses and future strategies. Voter turnout and rival party performances were key highlights, reflecting broader concerns over cross-strait tensions. The podcast delves into political maneuvering, including criticism from the KMT and the DPP's handling of military alerts. It also addresses China's influence on the electoral process and speculates on Lai's presidency and its implications for Taiwan's governance and international relations.

Nathan Lambert, a machine learning scientist at the Allen Institute for AI, and AI ethicist Tom Gilbert discuss the contentious debate over open versus closed AI systems. They dive into the competitive landscape of AI innovation, questioning if France can rival China's advancements. The pair highlight the importance of democratizing access to technology and the challenges small businesses face in adopting AI. They also share insights from the NeurIPS conference, stressing transparency and collaboration in the evolving AI research ecosystem.

Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor and author of 'Traffic', dives into the world of Chinese and Taiwanese TV with hosts Jordan and Irene. They explore a range of crime and police dramas while discussing the cultural implications of policing in China versus the U.S. The conversation shifts to co-productions and unique narratives, including a poignant Taiwanese miniseries about a mass shooting. They also analyze character motivations in journalism, contrasting personal struggles with media portrayals, all while showcasing the complexities of storytelling in a rapidly evolving region.

Margaret Palmieri, the Deputy Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Officer at the DOD, dives into the transformative role of AI in military settings. She discusses the tension between innovation and diffusion of AI technologies. Challenges like data accessibility and the need for organizational change are front and center. Palmieri emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into workflows while maintaining human oversight and accountability. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, she expresses optimism about tech advancements in defense strategies, highlighting insights from recent conflicts like Ukraine.

Discover the vibrant world of Chinese music in 2023 as innovative artists shine across diverse genres. From the postmodernist rock of Tation to the soulful pop-rock of A Wordless Orange, the variety is rich. Explore themes of identity, emotional struggles, and the communal joy found in rap culture. The podcast delves into how contemporary music reflects societal issues while connecting listeners to nature's beauty and personal reflections. Join in on this musical journey that showcases both emerging talents and the evolution of sound in modern China.

Ryan Hauser, Editor of ChinaTalk, reflects on his first year of full-time podcasting. He discusses the challenges of content creation amid evolving audience preferences, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations. Listeners get insights into the podcast's most popular episodes and the contrasting narratives of Taiwanese and mainland Chinese television, including a serious political drama and a lighthearted reality show. Hauser also touches on the impact of literature on personal expression and wraps up with a tribute to cultural connection through music.

Brad Setser, a Fellow at CFR and former USTR staffer, discusses critical topics surrounding US-China relations and trade. He breaks down China's growth trajectory and its implications for global power dynamics. Setser delves into the intricacies of debt negotiations involving countries like Zambia and Argentina, highlighting the significance of trade agreements. The conversation also touches on 'panda diplomacy' and the economic factors influencing China's domestic market, including pork prices and the balance of trade.

Kevin Xu, creator of the Interconnected Substack and a prominent voice on US-China tech relations, dives into the biggest tech stories of 2023. He discusses the fierce ongoing chip war and the race for AI model dominance. Xu highlights the booming electric vehicle market in China and the rise of platforms like PDD and Temu. TikTok's resilience amidst regulatory scrutiny also gets a spotlight, showcasing its unexpected staying power in an ever-evolving tech landscape.