ChinaTalk

Discover the vibrant indie music scene in China, featuring a curated playlist that showcases exciting new sounds. Dive into collaboration with the Shanghai group Eating Music, celebrating friendship through thematic albums. Explore the emotional depth of tracks like Qin Ming's and the remix of VM's 'Man O' War.' Delve into the evolution of Hualun, merging post-rock with ambient influences, and get a taste of China's indie metal through the powerful music of Hoplites, addressing pressing social issues. Experience a cultural tapestry of sound!

Jane Pinelis, Chief AI Engineer at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Karson Elmgren, a researcher at CSET, dive into the complexities of AI integration in the military. They discuss the urgent need for AI assurance in defense, contrasting agile methodologies used in recent conflicts with bureaucratic challenges. The conversation also explores transparency and trust in AI systems, emphasizing the importance of human-AI collaboration and risk assessment as critical factors in military operations and decision-making.

In this conversation, Matt Brazil, a Senior China analyst at BluePath Labs and expert on Chinese politics, delves into the sudden removal of Qin Gang as China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He discusses the intriguing connections between journalists and elite university access, and how these relationships intertwine with political power. The chat also touches on the role of the Ministry of State Security and its implications for diplomacy. Brazil sheds light on historical patterns within the CCP and highlights the intricacies of China's opaque political landscape.

ChinaTalk welcomes Taiwan expert and Hoover research fellow Kharis Templeman. This episode is all things 2024 Taiwan elections — slated for January 13, 2024.In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Kharis is the program manager of the Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific, and previously was the program manager of the Taiwan Democracy and Security Project.In this show, we discuss: The frontrunners’ profiles — Lai Ching-te 賴清德, Hou Yu-ih 侯友宜, and Ko Wen-je 柯文哲 — and what makes this three-way race different from previous elections; Why the KMT’s nomination process was somewhat quirky this time around; The importance of party unity, and why some Taiwanese political parties have failed to unify in past election cycles; What’s on Taiwanese voters’ minds — beyond national-security concerns; The CCP’s preferred winner — plus if and how any PRC-based interference may manifest over the coming months; Why Taiwan’s election system is “unhackable”; What to make of the spread of disinformation and hyper-partisanship in Taiwan’s domestic media; And some pro tips on escaping the DC bubble and understanding the Taiwanese populace. Outro music: Bubble Tea, by Mango Street Papa 芒果街老爸Check out our newsletter, too! https://www.chinatalk.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Helveston, a GWU professor and expert on technology and innovation policy, dives deep into the explosive growth of China's electric vehicle (EV) industry. He discusses how supportive state policies, cultural dynamics, and homegrown manufacturers have propelled China to dominate global EV sales. The conversation also highlights the stark differences in EV adoption between China and the U.S., examining infrastructure, consumer behavior, and the impact of regulatory challenges on American carmakers. Key insights on boosting EV adoption through strategic planning are shared.

Matt Lynley, author of the Supervised News substack, and Danny Crichton, head of editorial at Lux Capital, dive deep into the future of AI beyond OpenAI. They discuss the critical balance between open-source and closed-source models, and the implications of government involvement in AI's development. The role of companies like Hugging Face in the tech landscape is highlighted, alongside the risks associated with open-source software. They also analyze the dominance of leading language models and the shifting power dynamics in AI research.

Walter Kerr and Amanda Arch, co-founders of UnlockAid, dive into the complex world of foreign aid. They discuss how a handful of large organizations dominate funding, often sidelining innovative local solutions. The duo emphasizes the need for transparency and reformed distribution models to empower smaller stakeholders. They also explore how technology, like AI, could enhance aid efficiency and tackle the challenges posed by restrictive data access. Their mission seeks to revolutionize foreign aid for better global outcomes.

Paul Huang, a Taiwan military expert and research fellow at the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, provides a deep dive into Taiwan's military readiness against the PLA's expansion. He discusses the challenges Taiwan faces in improving its reservist forces and command capabilities and how these compare to Russia's performance in Ukraine. Huang also analyzes public sentiment on U.S. support and the impact of political factors on military effectiveness. His insights on PLA maneuvers and Taiwan's strategic responses reveal the complexity of the region's security landscape.

Kamil Galeev, an expert on Russian politics and former Wilson Center analyst, joins to dissect recent events in Russia. They explore whether a recent mutiny qualifies as a coup and its implications for Putin's power. The conversation shifts to dynamics within the Russian military and how political loyalties are more about validation than competition. With a mix of humor and skepticism, they imagine unlikely scenarios of political upheaval in Russia, all while acknowledging the global impact of these tensions.

In this engaging discussion, Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, and Nathaniel Sher from the Carnegie Endowment, delve into the significance of Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to China. They unpack the evolving diplomatic ties and high-stakes tensions surrounding Taiwan. The conversation sheds light on the misconceptions that often cloud U.S. perceptions of China's intentions. With an emphasis on the necessity for nuanced dialogue, they explore the fragile balance of cooperation and rivalry in these critical relations.