ChinaTalk

Carice Witte, founder of the SIGNAL Group, shares her insights on China’s growing role in the Middle East, analyzing its diplomatic balancing act between supporting Palestinians and maintaining economic ties with Israel. Ofir Dayan delves into the ideological conflict within Islam, linking it to global geopolitics and underlining Israel's position amidst these tensions. Both discuss the emotional toll of recent attacks in Israel, reflecting on how these events mark a significant shift in societal perceptions and the complexities of China-Israel relations.

Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, dives into the intricate dynamics of US-China relations. He discusses whether China is at its peak and how ideology shapes its foreign policy. Campbell shares his hopes and fears for Biden’s Asia strategy and the U.S. commitment to leading in tech like chips and AI. He also reflects on the lasting impact of Tiananmen Square on politics and emphasizes the importance of nuanced diplomacy amid rising tensions.

Noah Smith and Matt Klein, economists and Substack writers, delve into the intricate dynamics of the Chinese economy and its global ramifications. They discuss Huawei's breakthroughs and the hurdles faced by China's AI companies. The conversation touches on the semiconductor industry's challenges and how they mirror the struggles of AI startups. They even explore unique analogies, like pizza machines, to illuminate AI's impact on the labor market. With insights on investing in deep tech, they highlight the raw talent pool and the multifaceted risks involved.

Noah Smith, a Substacker known for his sharp insights on economics, and Matt Klein, a contributor providing economic analysis of China, delve into the complexities of China's economy. They discuss the concept of 'Peak China' and draw fascinating parallels with Japan's economic history. The conversation touches on China's advancements in semiconductors and electric vehicles, the implications for global competition, and potential shifts in US-China relations under a new administration. Their engaging dialogue also includes a humorous detour into music's reflection on China's future.

Doug O'Laughlin, a semiconductor analyst from Fabricated Knowledge, and Dylan Patel, also an analyst at SemiAnalysis, dive into Huawei's groundbreaking Kirin 9000s chip. They discuss its significance as a testament to Chinese technological prowess and the inadequacies of current export controls. The guests predict that Chinese AI chips will rival top-tier models like NVIDIA's A100 soon. They also examine U.S. strategies to counter China's semiconductor advancements and the implications of global supply chains on competition.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Philip Wallach, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute specializing in American politics, examines the intricate history of Congress. He highlights the early influences of English Parliament on representation and contrasts Madison's call for compromise with Wilson's vision of centralization. Wallach also explores pivotal moments like the Civil Rights movement and the evolving dynamics of partisan politics, suggesting that a future immigration crisis could ignite meaningful legislative action.

Matt Sheehan, an expert on Chinese AI regulatory policy, dives deep into how various sectors influence AI regulations in China. He discusses the balance between state control and innovation, revealing the evolving regulatory framework that shapes the tech landscape. Sheehan emphasizes the importance of public sentiment and academia in driving policy changes, especially surrounding algorithm biases and recommendation systems. He also highlights the growing international awareness among Chinese scholars of global AI policies, paving the way for future collaborations.

Joseph Scheier-Dolberg, a Chinese paintings curator at the Met, dives into the fascinating world of premodern Chinese art. He shares insights on how young artists developed their skills through mentorship and family backgrounds. The discussion highlights the unique artistic collaboration between Zhao Mengfu and his wife, showcasing their creative legacy. Further, Scheier-Dolberg contrasts Chinese and Western art critique traditions, explores the impact of AI on art appreciation, and examines the evolving landscape of artistic expression in historical contexts.

Emily Benson, an expert in technology policy at CSIS, and Martin Chorzempa, a fellow at PIIE specializing in economic policy, dive into the intricacies of new outbound investment screening rules. They discuss the Biden administration's cautious stance towards China amidst fears over tech dominance. The duo highlights bipartisan efforts on regulating investments in semiconductors and AI, while exploring the balance between national security and technological advancement. Their conversation also includes a light-hearted take on the bureaucratic challenges of these regulations.

Matt Goodman, a senior VP of economics at CSIS, and fellow Matt Reynolds, alongside David Talbot from the Milken Institute, delve into the rising tide of Chinese economic coercion. They discuss why China targets smaller nations and propose a united democratic front for deterrence. Emphasizing resilience over retaliation, they explore how alliances can reshape responses to aggression. The conversation ignites curiosity about integrating trade agreements to counteract China's influence and highlights the impact of these strategies on international stability.