ChinaTalk

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.

Adam Tooze, a Columbia University professor focused on economic and political history, and Matt Klein, a Barron's columnist and author, dive deep into the nuances of global economics. They challenge Ricardo's theories of comparative advantage in today's world, explore Stalin's socialist approach in response to capitalist powers, and examine how global inequality could be tackled. The duo also touches on vaccine diplomacy's role in geopolitical trust, the EU's carbon tax impact on trade, and the historical connections between economic shifts and political ideologies.

Shen Lu, a reporter at Protocol and co-founder of CN Storytellers, dives into the vibrant yet complex world of feminism in China. She discusses the emergence of Clubhouse as a crucial platform for open dialogues, particularly around women's rights. Key topics include the Xianzi case as a pivotal moment in the Me Too movement and the challenges women face in tech industries rife with misogyny. Shen also highlights the importance of community support among Chinese media professionals navigating these turbulent waters.

Aizhe, the founder of 故事FM, is a pioneering voice in Chinese podcasting, dedicated to amplifying everyday stories. He discusses the evolution of storytelling in journalism and its vital role in bridging cultural gaps. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing authenticity with commercial success and the impact of personal narratives in modern China. Aizhe also highlights the importance of preserving diverse voices and shares insight into the emotional aspects of interviewing in a regulated environment, revealing the profound connections formed through storytelling.

Didi Kirsten Tatlow is an Asia-based journalist, while Anna Puglisi, Ryan Fadasiak, and Andrew Spear bring deep insights from their experience in counterintelligence and technology research. The discussion delves into China's strategies for acquiring foreign technology, questioning whether these tactics are harmful or just a natural part of globalization. They explore the dichotomy in Western perceptions of China's motives, the implications of globalization, and the importance of fostering transparent international relations amidst rising geopolitical tensions.