ChinaTalk

Devin Stewart, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Council and author of "China's Influence in Japan: Everywhere, Yet Nowhere in Particular," unpacks the nuanced landscape of Chinese influence operations in Japan. He highlights Japan's strong societal resistance to these tactics and explores Japan's unique cultural isolation as a safeguard. The discussion includes propaganda techniques, public skepticism shaped by history, and political corruption linked to foreign influence. Music punctuates a reflection on personal struggles, offering a creative twist to the conversation.

Mara Hvistendahl, a staff writer at The Intercept and author of "The Scientist and the Spy," dives into the intricate web of US-China relations. She uncovers the political dilemmas surrounding a prominent American governor's ties with Xi Jinping. The conversation shifts to iFlyTek, China's AI leader, revealing its innovations in voice recognition and its troubling partnerships with the state for surveillance. Challenges arise with its inclusion on the U.S. entity list, raising eyebrows about the future of tech collaborations in a tense geopolitical landscape.

Hunter Shi hosts the Mandarin-language podcast 翻转体育 and offers sharp insights into Chinese sports, while Nate Duncan is known for his analytical prowess on the Dunk'd On Podcast. Together, they explore the underwhelming success of Chinese players in the NBA beyond Yao Ming, Yao's transformative role in reforming Chinese basketball, and the cultural implications of the NBA's ties with China. They also navigate the complexities surrounding Xinjiang and discuss the differing governmental responses to celebrity activism in sports.

Emily de La Bruyere, an analyst at Horizon Advisory specializing in Chinese science and technology policy, discusses the stark differences in S&T spending between China and the U.S. She explains China's strategy behind 'China Standards 2035' and its potential global impact. The conversation covers China's rare earth strategy and its implications for international relations, illustrating how these elements intertwine with logistics and military integration. De La Bruyere emphasizes the need for careful navigation of U.S. responses to avoid isolating allies.

Ivan Krastev, a Bulgarian political scientist, and Stephen Holmes, a NYU Law professor, dive into the decline of liberalism in Eastern Europe, linking it to the post-Cold War era and rising populism. They discuss how Western ideals often clash with local realities, highlighting the psychological effects of national identity amidst political transitions. The conversation also touches on China's authoritarian capitalism and its challenges to democratic reforms, as well as the cultural complexities faced by nations grappling with their historical narratives.

In a lively discussion, Jordan Schneider, the voice behind ChinaTalk, and Bobby Chesney, a law professor and Lawfare co-founder, dissect the ongoing saga of TikTok and WeChat amidst Trump's legal threats. They explore concerns about data privacy, national security, and the complexities of the Walmart-Oracle deal to save TikTok. The conversation also dives into U.S.-China negotiations and raises skepticism about whether the proposed changes will truly protect users from foreign influence.

Paul Huang, a freelance journalist and fellow at the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation, shares his insights on Taiwan's military challenges. He discusses the significant disparity between Taiwanese and Chinese forces, including issues of morale within the Taiwanese military. The conversation delves into surveillance tactics employed against journalists and the evolving political landscape in Taiwan. Huang critiques Taiwan's messaging around military readiness, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic defense strategy amid rising tensions.

Adam Tooze, an economic historian and professor at Columbia, joins Matt Klein, columnist and author, for a deep dive into history’s lessons for modern geopolitics. They discuss the parallels between 1920s economic models and today's U.S.-China relations. Tooze highlights how Nazi legal theory resonates in China and draws disturbing comparisons between Xinjiang's camps and Soviet gulags. The conversation also reflects on the historical context of oppression and power dynamics, aiming to unpack how past strategies can inform contemporary governance.

In this engaging discussion, Rui Zhong, a think tanker, and Xiran Jay Zhao, a novelist and commentary guru, dive into Disney's live-action Mulan. They critique its portrayal of feminism and cultural authenticity, arguing the film instead endorses outdated patriarchal values. The conversation highlights the struggles of modern feminism in China and examines historical figures who paved the way for women. Plus, they analyze masculinity in the film's anthem and the challenges of authentically representing Chinese narratives in Western cinema.

Turner Sparks, a former English teacher turned ice cream mogul, shares his wild journey of launching Mister Softee in Suzhou, China. With quirky flavors and a catchy jingle, he initially found success but faced a series of challenges, including regulatory hurdles and sabotage. Athena Cao, a savvy investor, and guest host, dives into the complexities of the local business landscape. From backstabbing competitors to lessons in cultural dynamism, this conversation reveals how entrepreneurial dreams can quickly melt under pressure.