ChinaTalk

Logan Wright, an analyst at Rhodium Group specializing in the Chinese economy and real estate market, shares his insights on the Evergrande crisis and its implications for China's financial stability. He discusses the challenges faced by the property developer, the tightening regulations impacting the sector, and the broader economic ramifications. Wright also examines China's financial reforms amid rising credit risks and the long-term effects on global markets, emphasizing the urgent need for a strategic shift in the country's economic approach.

Julia Lovell, a prominent author known for her works on modern Chinese history, shares insights on the classic novel 'Journey to the West.' She delves into the origins of this literary masterpiece, focusing on the iconic character Sun Wukong. Lovell discusses Mao Zedong's surprising identification with the Monkey King and how adaptations during his reign censored over 90% of the story. The conversation also reveals the challenges of translating this rich text, highlighting themes of rebellion, humor, and cultural context.

Chris Miller, a history professor and Eurasia expert, joins independent researcher Kamil Galeev to explore Russia's evolving ambitions in East Asia. They dive into how the fur trade catalyzed Russian interests in Alaska and Hawaii. The conversation juxtaposes Russian expansion against China's historical stability, revealing key conflicts and dynamics. They also touch on the intrigues of Nikolai Rezanov's romantic endeavors in pursuit of trade. Unique anecdotes, like Mao's quirky shoe preferences, pepper this engaging discussion on imperial legacies and geopolitical implications.

Delve into China's shifting landscape with discussions on recent education and tech policies that spark government control and affect the middle class. Explore the wealth gap evolution since Mao's era and the Communist Party's balancing act. Unpack the tensions brewing between China and Australia, influenced by political spats and trade sanctions. Discover the transformative journey of launching a podcast, emphasizing the need for responsible analysis to foster informed global discussions about China's complexities.

Economist and historian Adam Tooze, known for his insights into 20th-century economic history, joins Matt Klein, co-host of the Overshoot newsletter, to dive into China's complex economic landscape. They discuss the CCP's human development achievements since 1949, the hyperinflation crisis from 1937 to 1949, and how past policies have shaped China's current economic strategies. Their analysis also touches on global economic trends and the potential implications for China's future in a rapidly changing world.

Eric Berger, a senior space editor at Ars Technica and author of "Liftoff," teams up with Corey Fitz, creator of the TaikoNautica newsletter, to dive into the revolutionary impact of SpaceX. They discuss how SpaceX almost faced failure early on and the intense commitment of its engineers. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges posed by the traditional space contracts, contrasting U.S. approaches with China's rapidly evolving space industry, all while exploring the crucial role of government support in fostering innovation.

Jake Eberts, the witty mind behind the @BadChinaTake account and a savvy China analyst in D.C., dives into the intriguing world of China Twitter. He spills the tea on his rise to infamy and the absurd conspiracy theories about his funding. Eberts reflects on the emotional toll of online interactions and the challenges of serious discourse amidst a sea of negativity. The conversation also unpacks the slippery narratives surrounding U.S.-China relations, urging a more nuanced perspective beyond simplistic views.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Colvin and Irina Liu from the Science and Technology Policy Institute delve into China's blossoming commercial space industry. They explore why many Chinese startups struggle with business savvy despite their technical skills. The impact of ITAR on the sector's growth and how developing nations fit into the space market are also discussed. The conversation uncovers the balance of government support and entrepreneurial independence in shaping China's ambitions in space.

Adam Marblestone, a Biophysics PhD and Schmidt Futures fellow, and Orin Hoffman, a Venture Partner at The Engine, delve into fascinating discussions about translational research using Roombas as a lens. They explore which 'valley of death' poses the toughest challenge for startups and how woolly mammoths might play a role in tackling climate change. The conversation highlights the unique hurdles faced by innovators in tough tech and the critical need for collaboration and innovative governance to drive impactful advancements.

Chris Miller of Tufts and I discuss our report Labs over Fabs, our case for the US to be spending money more broadly than currently conceived by the CHIPS act. (https://chinatalk.substack.com/p/labs-over-fabs-risc-vs-promise)   Please consider supporting ChinaTalk! https://glow.fm/chinatalk/  JP Kleinhans (@JPKleinhans) joins to cohost and discuss his April 2021 report that argues it's dumb for Europe to drop billions on some shiny new fabs. https://www.stiftung-nv.de/sites/default/files/eu-semiconductor-manufacturing.april_.2021.pdf The BIS filings we were talking about: https://www.regulations.gov/document/BIS-2021-0011-0001/comment  Outtro music: Masiwei of Higher Brothers' Dark Horse sessions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qymY1YezhTY    Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices