ChinaTalk

Rana Mitter, a Professor of Chinese history at Oxford, delves into China's World War II legacy and its effect on modern nationalism. He discusses how the recent film 'The Eight Hundred' reflects a changing narrative around this pivotal period. Mitter emphasizes the shift in historical recognition, comparing the significance of 1945 to 1949. He also highlights the once-stigmatized Kuomintang heroes and how oral histories help preserve their stories. Intriguingly, he draws parallels between China's suffering during the war and Holocaust narratives, exploring their impact on current diplomatic relations.

Matt Brazil, a historian and co-author of 'Chinese Communist Espionage, An Intelligence Primer,' discusses the intricate history of the Chinese Communist Party's use of espionage. He highlights key events like the assassination attempt on Zhou Enlai and how such acts shaped public perception. Brazil contrasts China’s state security evolution under Deng Xiaoping with Western intelligence strategies. He also dives into the humor of economic espionage consulting, and shares insights on the impact of supercomputers on surveillance and military tactics.

Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy and current senior fellow at Johns Hopkins, delves into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations. He discusses the implications of trade policies on military risks and the strategic necessity for a 500-ship Navy. Danzig explores the contrasting approaches of U.S. and Chinese firms, questioning risk tolerance and the balance of openness versus security. He also shares unique fiction recommendations, offering listeners a creative respite from geopolitics, emphasizing the richness of storytelling.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Brown, the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, shares insights from his extensive experience in tech leadership. He highlights the rising threat of industrial espionage and the need for strategic collaboration in U.S.-China tech competition. Brown emphasizes the importance of advancing basic research and adapting military procurement to keep pace with innovation. The conversation also covers the nuances of research methodologies in both nations and the urgency for the U.S. to form solid strategies to maintain technological leadership amid rapid change.

Neil Thomas, a research associate at the Paulson Institute's MacroPolo, offers deep insights into Chinese business and politics. He dives into KFC's remarkable marketing strategies that helped it thrive in China. Thomas discusses the fascinating 'Toilet Revolution' sparked by tourist complaints, transforming public sanitation. He also explores the evolution of Chinese propaganda under Xi Jinping, highlighting how storytelling methods blend with media. The conversation is lively, reflecting on fast food culture with a humorous rap that critiques the chicken served.

Duoduodiliao dives into the vibrant world of Chinese hip hop, showcasing his favorite tracks from 2020. The blend of soul rap, Caribbean beats, and drill music highlights the genre's evolution. He spotlights P08's poetic lyricism and explores the unique perspectives of Chengdu's rap scene. The inspiring journey of Uyghur rapper A3 sheds light on cultural identity and the socio-political landscape in Xinjiang. This engaging discussion illustrates how hip hop serves as a powerful medium for artistic expression and storytelling.

Peter Harrell and Liz Rosenberg, both CNAS fellows and former Obama administration officials, delve into the evolution of U.S. sanctions policy and its effectiveness in U.S.-China relations. They discuss how the Trump administration refined coercive economic measures and the role of law enforcement in combating trade malpractices. The conversation also highlights the ethical challenges of sanctions compliance, the dynamic shifts between administrations, and even creative pitches for TV shows centered around sanctions themes, mixing serious analysis with a touch of humor.

Wendy Cutler, a former trade diplomat with 28 years at the US Trade Representative and now vice president of the Asia Society, shares her insights on US-China trade policy. She discusses how President Biden might engage Beijing by leveraging allies' concerns. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics since China's WTO entry, the challenges of state intervention in China's economy, and the importance of modernizing the WTO to maintain global trade stability. Wendy also reveals some creative trade policy ideas, including a surprisingly humorous concept involving a Strategic Shiraz Reserve.

Xiaowei Wang, the author of "Blockchain Chicken Farm," delves into the fascinating impact of technology on rural China. She shares insights about Taobao villages, where Halloween costumes are crafted amidst cultural transformations. The discussion includes blockchain's role in ensuring food safety in chicken farming, revealing the creative and skeptical responses from farmers. Wang also recounts her travels in Guizhou, highlighting the unique blend of nostalgia and modernization, and offers a humorous take on pearl parties juxtaposed with culinary innovations.

Emily Weinstein, an expert on open source research of Chinese technology at CSET, dives into the complexities of analyzing China's technological landscape. She shares insights on deciphering Chinese media and the challenges of language translation tools. The conversation reveals the intricacies of China’s talent acquisition strategies like the Thousand Talents Program, and explores military-civil fusion in the aerospace sector. Additionally, Emily critically assesses AI's role in China's COVID-19 response, highlighting both its applications and limitations.