ChinaTalk

PJ Maykish, Abigail Kukura, and Will Moreland from the Special Competitive Studies Project's Future Technologies platform share their expertise on crafting a national technology strategy. They discuss the vital role of international collaboration in developing emerging technologies and the importance of prioritizing critical technologies to compete with global powers like China. The conversation delves into the complexities of strategic planning and historical lessons from the Cold War, underscoring the need for a cohesive public-private approach to technology and national security.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, dives into the RESTRICT Act aiming to regulate tech suppliers from rival nations. He discusses the emerging bipartisan consensus on China, addressing its military tensions and technological ambitions. The conversation also touches on the Chips and Science Act's role in sustaining U.S. tech leadership and the importance of preventing AI-related industrial espionage. Warner emphasizes the need for collaboration between tech leaders and policymakers to ensure robust regulations that foster both innovation and accountability.

Beverly Gage, a 20th-century U.S. history professor and author of a prize-winning biography on J. Edgar Hoover, discusses the enigmatic FBI director's profound impact on American society. Their conversation delves into Hoover's anti-communist beliefs, his methods of political suppression, and how his legacy still resonates today. Gage draws parallels between Hoover's surveillance tactics and contemporary practices, even highlighting the surprising interactions between FBI informants and figures like Mao Zedong. It’s a riveting exploration of power, paranoia, and the shadows of history.

Orville Schell, a veteran China scholar and the Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations, shares deep insights into Xi Jinping's worldview shaped by his formative years. They discuss why Mao Zedong offers more compelling literature than Xi, delve into China's reciprocity issues globally, and reveal U.S. officials' secretive reactions to Tiananmen. Schell also reflects on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the significance of Taiwan in current politics, framing these discussions within historical and ideological contexts.

Stephen Roach, a Yale professor and expert on China's economy and US-China relations, dives into some thought-provoking topics. He suggests that both nations may need a kind of 'relationship therapy' to address their intertwined issues. Roach discusses how distorted narratives hinder diplomatic efforts and raises concerns about a potential hot conflict over Taiwan. He also proposes innovative solutions like a US-China Secretariat based in neutral Tahiti to foster better communication and collaboration, while questioning which side is truly committed to engagement.

Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies at CNAS, delves into the evolution of AI in military strategy. He reveals how AI outperforms humans in tactical scenarios like dogfighting and the implications for future warfare. Scharre discusses the U.S.'s competitive edge in talent and computing power against China. He also addresses the 'dictator's dilemma' that AI presents to the CCP and the complexities of regulating such technology amid rising geopolitical tensions. Plus, tips on interviewing like a pro in China!

Akshay Singh, a research associate at the Centre for International Policy Studies in Ottawa, dives deep into the hot topic of foreign influence and interference. He explores the proposed creation of a foreign agent registry in Canada to boost transparency. The conversation also touches on the complexities of local governments addressing these challenges, especially within the Chinese diaspora. Singh discusses China's United Front strategy and Canada's international alliances, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to foreign meddling.

Reva Goujon, an analyst at the Rhodium Group, and JP Kleinhans from SNV join Jay Goldberg of Digits and Dollars and Dylan Patel of SemiAnalysis for a riveting discussion. They delve into the CHIPS Act's funding priorities, revealing its impact on major semiconductor firms. The group also explores the existential implications of AI on global power dynamics and the rising risk of a tech 'splinternet.' Additionally, they examine the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China and how these dynamics shape the future of technological innovation.

Kevin Xu, an Obama-era official and creator of Interconnect, dives into the recent TikTok hearing, exploring its implications for U.S.-China tech relations. He discusses the scrutiny TikTok faces compared to American counterparts and the challenges posed by cross-border dependencies, especially in battery technology. Xu reflects on lost opportunities from the past, and how GPT-4 is revolutionizing translation, enhancing global collaboration. The conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of tech and the political dynamics shaping it.

Zvi Moskowitz, a Substack blogger dedicated to AI insights; Nathan Labenz, founder of Waymark and a red teamer for GPT-4; and Matthew Mittelsteadt, a Mercatus Center research fellow, dive into the world of AI. They explore how GPT-4's advancements will transform policy and economics. The trio discusses the U.S.-China tech rivalry and the implications for global AI safety, emphasizing the need for diverse governance perspectives. They also highlight AI's potential in education and healthcare, alongside ethical concerns and the risks of miscommunication.