ChinaTalk

Doug Irwin, the John French Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College and author of Clashing Over Commerce, dives deep into the history of U.S. trade policy. He discusses the flawed logic of the Tariff Act of 1930 and draws captivating parallels to today’s trade debates. Irwin also reveals fascinating examples of 'tariff engineering,' like how Honda cleverly navigated motorcycle tariffs with minor modifications. The conversation uncovers the evolution of trade policies, shedding light on their implications for modern economic dynamics.

Douglas Fuller, an associate professor at City University of Hong Kong and author of Paper Tiger, Hidden Dragons, dives into China's tech ambitions. He examines the nation's strategies to dominate the semiconductor industry, revealing the complexities of technology transfer amidst a trade war. Fuller discusses the diverse financial paths of companies like Huawei and ZTE, the role of State-Owned Enterprises in innovation, and the competitive landscape against U.S. firms in AI chip development, offering a nuanced perspective on China's tech future.

Danit Gal, a former Yenching Scholar and AI ethics expert, dives into the cultural nuances of AI in East Asia. She discusses the unique approaches Japan, South Korea, and China take toward integrating AI into society, revealing contrasting themes of companionship and ethical governance. Gal shares a funny anecdote about a robotic monk in China and its existential response, while also examining the tech connections between Israel and China amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation touches on how these dynamics affect global supply chains and alliances.

In this discussion, Lauren Teixeira, a freelance reporter based in Chengdu, shares her insights on the vibrant cultural scene outside China's first-tier cities. She explores the challenges of discussing contentious issues like the anti-Extradition Bill protests amidst a restrictive information environment. Lauren also delves into China's emerging pop culture scene, influenced by K-pop, and highlights the struggle for creative expression among youth facing political constraints. Discover how contemporary artists are shaping a new narrative in a complex socio-political landscape.

Chris Miller, an associate professor at Tufts University specializing in Russian politics, shares insightful perspectives on Sino-Soviet dynamics. He discusses how Deng Xiaoping's reforms drew lessons from the USSR, particularly in the late 1970s. The conversation navigates the complexities of Soviet economic policies under leaders from Stalin to Gorbachev and explores pivotal moments, like Gorbachev's visit to China, that shaped their reform approaches. Miller also highlights the lasting impressions of the USSR's collapse on Chinese leadership, including Xi Jinping's reflections on stability and change.

Dongwoo Kim, a postgraduate research fellow specializing in AI at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, dives into the dynamics of AI development in East Asia. He addresses misconceptions about AI, connecting it to everyday technologies like Google and Facebook. Dongwoo highlights the challenges faced by Chinese researchers abroad, especially regarding funding and collaboration. He also discusses Japan's Society 5.0 initiative, South Korea's strategic AI plans, and the urgent need for greater tech literacy to navigate the future of AI.

Graham Webster, a China digital economy fellow and coordinating editor of the DigiChina project, shares his expert insights on China's digital landscape. He discusses the complexities of China's AI policies and the nuances of its legal regulations, particularly regarding data privacy. The conversation sheds light on the real implications of the controversial social credit system and explores the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China amidst a technological cold war. Webster emphasizes the need for informed dialogue about global cybersecurity and surveillance.

Professor Julia Lovell, author of "Maoism: A Global History," discusses the global reach of Maoist ideology in the 50s and 60s. She explores how diverse groups, from the Black Panthers to the Shining Path in Peru, adopted Mao's ideas. Lovell highlights the 'counterculture craze' that drew Western youth to Maoism, seeing it as a model for protest. Additionally, she addresses the complexities of Mao's foreign policy, including its effects on Vietnam and humanity's darker encounters with Mao-inspired movements across different regions.

Professor Julia Lovell discusses the intricate legacy of Maoism, emphasizing its contradictory nature and global impact. She delves into Mao's ideology, the Sino-Soviet split, and his embrace of contradictions. The episode touches on the role of Song Ching Ling in supporting the CCP, Edgar Snow's portrayal of Mao, McCarthyism's impact on Chinese expertise in the US, and Mao's influence on global insurgency.

Yi Yang, the founder of JustPod and a former senior editor at Yicai China, dives into China's booming podcast industry. He discusses the rise of companies like Ximalaya and the sharp differences between Chinese and Western content styles. The conversation touches on podcast monetization, censorship challenges, and unique storytelling formats that resonate with Chinese audiences. Yi also shares insights about bridging the cultural gap in podcasting and how listeners are evolving their habits in this vibrant audio landscape.