ChinaTalk

Yueran Zhang, a sociology PhD student at UC Berkeley, dives into the fascinating legacy of the Chongqing Model under Bo Xilai. They discuss how Bo leveraged mass mobilization to challenge enemies and the implications for Xi Jinping’s governance. The conversation also highlights the 2018 Jasic protests, showcasing a resurging labor movement influenced by young Marxists. Zhang critiques the contrasting strategies of wealth redistribution in Chongqing versus the technocratic approach in Shanghai, offering rich insights into China's evolving political landscape.

Scott Rozelle, a Stanford professor and co-director of the Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, dives deep into the urban-rural divide in China. He discusses the alarming educational disparities and their impact on economic growth, comparing China's situation to Mexico's historical challenges. Rozelle emphasizes the need for better local government funding in rural education and health, critiques the current poverty alleviation strategies, and highlights the importance of investing in human capital to secure a stable future for China.

In this conversation, Yuka Koshino, a Research Fellow at IISS specializing in Japan-China relations, and Akira Igata, Executive Director at the Center for Rule-making Strategy, delve into Japan's evolving view of China over the past two decades. They discuss Japan's delicate balance of technological diplomacy amid rising tensions and how cultural exchanges impact public sentiment. The talk also touches on Japan's strategic alliances in response to China's coercion, particularly concerning Taiwan, all while highlighting the intricate dance of innovation and foreign policy.

Derek Sandhaus, author of "Drunk in China: Baijiu and the World's Oldest Drinking Culture" and co-founder of Ming River Baijiu, dives into the fascinating world of Baijiu. He shares insights about the drink's evolution from a peasant’s beverage to a national symbol. The podcast highlights Baijiu's diverse flavors and the challenges of introducing it to Western palates. Sandhaus discusses the cultural appreciation needed for Baijiu to bridge East and West, while revealing personal stories that illuminate the rich tapestry of Chinese drinking culture.

Dan Tobin, a Professor at the National Intelligence University, delves into the ideological competition between the U.S. and China. He discusses how Xi Jinping's leadership has shifted China's political narrative towards a blend of national rejuvenation and socialism. The conversation touches upon the complexities of CCP ideologies, critiques simplistic interpretations of China's ambitions, and emphasizes the need for collaborative democratic responses. Tobin also highlights the importance of adapting area studies to better inform contemporary policy-making regarding China.

John Verwey, an expert on the Chinese semiconductor industry and former government strategist, dives deep into the evolution of China’s chip sector. He discusses government funding influences and contrasts China’s ambitious initiatives with the slow progress of its semiconductor goals. Verwey explores the implications of the U.S. CHIPS Act on global technology dynamics and sheds light on the challenges of export controls. He highlights the strategic choices China faces in its quest for self-sufficiency and technological dominance in the industry.

Michèle Flournoy, a prominent former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and co-founder of CNAS, joins Eric Lofgren to delve into critical military strategies. They explore China's strategies in systems destruction warfare and the pressing need for the U.S. to modernize its defense investments by potentially divesting from legacy weapon systems. The conversation highlights the importance of AI and ML in reshaping military decision-making and advocates for a comprehensive 'Manhattan Project' approach to technology in defense, addressing the competitive landscape with China.

Te-Ping Chen, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of 'Land of Big Numbers,' shares her insightful journey from journalism to fiction. She discusses her writing process and the compelling characters inspired by her experiences in China. Te-Ping highlights the emotional complexities faced by individuals living under state control and how fiction fosters empathy. The conversation also touches on the intersection of personal ambition and societal roles, and reflections on the future of journalism in an ever-changing landscape.

Dan Rosen, the founding partner of Rhodium Group and a veteran in China-focused economic analysis, dives into three decades of insights on China's evolving landscape. He discusses the intricacies of U.S.-China economic decoupling and navigates China's current debt challenges. The conversation also critiques the value of track two dialogues in addressing political issues. Finally, Rosen reflects on the shift towards brevity in reporting, highlighting the need for concise communication in today's fast-paced world.

Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University and author of 'Indo-Pacific Empire,' dives into the complex geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. He discusses historical maps like the 15th-century Kangnido, the promising yet thwarted 1947 Asian Relations Conference, and Australia’s evolving role amidst rising tensions with China. Medcalf offers insights into the Quad alliance, touching on the necessity of strategic collaboration between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. to navigate contemporary challenges and enhance regional stability.