ChinaTalk

Jake Newby, author of the music substack Concrete Avalanche, dives into the captivating world of Chinese shoegaze. He discusses the emotional resonance of newer acts like NarrowLaneAngel and their impact on the scene. The podcast explores the nostalgia and depth found in the music, spotlighting notable bands such as Forsaken Autumn and their classic, dubbed the 'Chinese Loveless'. Newby also highlights the unique blend of traditional elements and modern influences in contemporary tracks, inviting listeners to appreciate this evolving genre.

Yakov Feygin, author of "Building a Ruin," dives into the economic struggles of the Soviet Union and parallels with contemporary China. He discusses the strengths and limitations of Stalin's economic model and Khrushchev's shift towards competition with capitalism. The conversation highlights how technological optimism inspired Soviet reforms, many of which echo in Chinese policies today. Feygin also unveils the ideological battles within the Soviet leadership and the historical insights that can inform China's future trajectory.

Dive into the world of Taiwan's semiconductor industry! The discussion features the unique role of TSMC and its strategic management practices. Explore how Taiwan's government supports this high-tech sector and the fierce rivalry with Samsung. The impact of AI on chip manufacturing and the concept of 'Silicon Shield' take center stage. Moreover, hear about the cultural differences in international relations and how they shape Taiwan's global strategies. A fascinating insight into a dynamic business ecosystem!

Yasheng Huang, an expert on China's economic and political development and author of "The Rise and Fall of the EAST," shares compelling insights into China's history. He discusses Mao's selective adoption of imperial governance and how it enabled radical policies. The conversation turns to China's rapid growth compared to India, revealing key governance factors. Huang critiques the failures of U.S.-China engagement and explores Xi Jinping's unique leadership role, touching on succession challenges and the potential for political instability in the future.

In conversation with Yasheng Huang, an influential author and scholar, the podcast delves into the impact of China's imperial examination system on governance and societal structures. Huang discusses how the keju system cultivated meritocracy within autocratic dynasties, enabling stability and growth. He reveals surprising connections between historical events and modern economic prospects in China and Taiwan. Additionally, they examine the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western political models, offering insights into the future of governance in the region.

Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy and former Obama official, delves into the landscape of innovation and R&D funding. He discusses how his organization targets mid-scale, transformative ideas like carbon sequestration and neurocognition datasets. Kumar highlights the challenges that government and universities face in R&D funding, while praising entities like OpenAI for pushing progress. He also evaluates U.S.-China competition and the critical importance of managing alliances in the pursuit of strategic innovation.

Michael Collins, acting chair of the National Intelligence Council, brings 28 years of intelligence experience focused on East Asia. He discusses how the intelligence community shapes policymaking and the unique challenges of assessing China’s military capabilities. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration with external experts and the need for transparency in national security narratives. Collins also explores the concept of 'narrative intelligence' and strategies to enhance long-term forecasting, addressing complexities in the U.S.-China relationship.

Peter Harrell, who advised on international economics in the Biden administration, and Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Trump official focused on China policy, delve into the future of U.S. competition strategies. They explore the bipartisan agreement on facing China and the impact of leadership on policy effectiveness. The duo also offers insights into export controls, the need for robust manufacturing, and innovative supply chain solutions. Their candid advice for future U.S. leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic foresight in addressing global competition.

Jeffrey Ding, a leading US scholar on China’s AI from George Washington University and author of "Technology and the Rise of Great Powers," discusses the pivotal role of general-purpose technologies in shaping global power dynamics. He emphasizes that while innovation is crucial, the true test lies in diffusion capacity. Historical examples from the UK and Soviet Union illustrate the challenges of adopting new technologies. Ding also explores how decentralized systems contributed to America's Cold War success and warns against complacency in US-China tech competition.

Brian Pomper, a partner at Akin Gump and former Chief International Trade Counsel, dives deep into the intricacies of global patent policy. He discusses the historical journey of America's innovation from the Constitution to the age of patent trolls and big tech's impact on the patent landscape. The fierce patent battle between Apple and Samsung highlights crucial issues surrounding standard essential patents. Brian also addresses how China's patent litigation approach is stirring debate in Europe, emphasizing the critical intersection of patent policy and international trade.