ChinaTalk

Lennart Heim, an information scientist at RAND specializing in AI diffusion export controls, and Jimmy Goodrich, a RAND advisor with insights into AI regulations, discuss critical current events. They explore the Biden administration's export controls, dissecting who is allowed to build data centers amidst U.S.-China competition. The conversation dives into the complexities of AI chip regulation, challenges like chip smuggling, and the geopolitical implications of global data center construction. They highlight the delicate balance between innovation and national security.

R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, shares insights from his 35 years in diplomacy. He discusses the nuanced strategies of U.S.-China negotiations, contrasting them with Cold War tactics. The ambassador dives into China’s alliances with Iran and North Korea, questioning their impact on credibility. He emphasizes the role of European alliances in countering Chinese aggression and explores areas for productive engagement between the U.S. and China. Finally, he reflects on the personal and emotional aspects of diplomatic farewells.

Divyansh Kaushik, a computer science PhD and vice president at Beacon Global Strategies, dives into the intriguing clash between tech policy and MAGA narratives on immigration. He discusses how pro-immigrant sentiments exist among Trump allies in Silicon Valley and the potential for high-skill immigration reform. Mani Subramani, a professor and father, shares insights on the cultural pressures of immigrant parenting, balancing traditional expectations with individual potential, and the role of education in shaping futures. Together, they explore the complexities of the immigration debate and its impact on American society.

Jake Newby, author of the music newsletter Concrete Avalanche, joins to share his favorite tracks from China in 2024. He discusses the unique sounds emerging from the scene, blending genres like Afrobeat with traditional vibes. A standout is an electronic piece created in a Tibetan monastery featuring Buddhist chanting. Jake emphasizes how technology and social media are giving these artists a global platform, redefining modern Chinese music and its cultural influences. Dive into the eclectic mix that captures the vibrant essence of China's musical evolution!

Chris Miller, author of "Chip War" and a technology geopolitics expert, joins Lennart Heim, an information scientist at RAND, to dissect AI's geopolitical landscape. They delve into China's surprising algorithmic advancements and the shifting focus of U.S. export controls. The duo highlights the complex dynamics of AI chip production and the challenges posed by national security concerns. They also explore the evolving AI business models and the need for collaboration amid fierce US-China competition.

In this engaging discussion, Em, the insightful writer behind Active Faults, unpacks the chaotic world of Chinese pop culture in 2024. They dive into a reality TV show that mixes celebrity couples and divorce rumors, exposing cultural complexities. Em critiques the commercialization of boy idols and nationalist talent competitions while highlighting audience disillusionment in the evolving entertainment landscape. With themes of authenticity versus corporate greed, this chat presents a captivating glimpse into the future of China’s entertainment industry.

Nathan Lambert, an AI researcher at the Allen Institute and author of the Interconnects newsletter, discusses the emerging AI narratives for 2024 and 2025, focusing on the rise of Chinese open-source models. He shares insights on navigating the political challenges of AI and emphasizes the need for practical applications, particularly in everyday life. Lambert also sheds light on the innovative training methods at the Allen Institute, where simplicity in reinforcement learning is unlocking AI's potential, balancing advanced technology with user-friendly solutions.

Dylan Patel, an analyst at SemiAnalysis, and Greg Allen from CSIS discuss Biden’s recent chip export controls and their shortcomings. They highlight how China’s stockpiling may undermine the effectiveness of the new regulations. The conversation delves into the complexities of law enforcement versus foreign policy, emphasizing that the current regulatory design is overly complicated. They argue for a more straightforward approach to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry amidst fierce competition with China.

Dylan Patel, co-founder of SemiAnalysis, and Doug O'Laughlin, an analyst at the same firm, dive deep into the semiconductor industry's pivotal narratives for 2024. They discuss the growing energy demands from datacenters and the competitive landscape shaped by giants like Intel, Nvidia, and Huawei. The conversation also touches on the rise of Chinese AI firms and the geopolitical factors affecting semiconductor dynamics. With the tech industry's rapid evolution, they explore what lies ahead for chip manufacturing and AI innovation.

Hal Brands, a professor at Johns Hopkins and author of the influential 'Makers of Modern Strategy', dives into the evolution of warfare and statecraft. He shares insights on compiling the latest edition of his series, including compelling case studies like Tecumseh's resistance. The discussion touches on military revolutions, from the atom bomb to quantum computing, and the interplay between technology and strategy. Brands emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding modern geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding U.S.-China relations.