Sinica Podcast

Ilaria Mazzocco, Deputy Director at CSIS and a seasoned expert in China's electric vehicle landscape, dives deep into the rapid growth of the EV industry in China. She reveals how state subsidies and strategic policies played pivotal roles in this explosion. The conversation highlights international responses to China's model, comparing U.S. and EU approaches. Mazzocco also touches on the fierce competition among Chinese firms and their aspirations for global expansion, alongside the implications of U.S. protectionism on this dynamic market.

In this discussion, Jane Hayward, a lecturer at King's College London and creator of the YouTube channel Jane Hayward China, shares her journey of making academic insights on modern China accessible through video. She discusses the challenges of navigating misconceptions and the impact of the YouTube algorithm on audience dynamics. Hayward also explores the complexities of Qing history and its modern implications, while reflecting on the importance of balancing scholarly content with engaging presentation. Her popular videos engage viewers in conversations about China's narratives.

Michael Swaine, Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute specializing in Chinese defense and U.S.-China relations, discusses urgent strategies for managing crises between the two nations. He defines crisis prevention and highlights tensions in the South China Sea, drawing lessons from past interactions. Swaine emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding to avoid miscalculations, and the role of effective communication in navigating sovereignty issues, particularly regarding Taiwan. His insights underscore the need for clear dialogue to prevent escalations.

Thomas Meaney, editor of Granta and an expert on contemporary Chinese literature, discusses the magazine's latest issue dedicated to Chinese writers. He delves into the complexities of curating these narratives amid political tensions and emphasizes the significance of representing both mainland and diaspora voices. The conversation explores recurring themes like 'losers' in literature, the intriguing Dongbei Renaissance, and the relationship between storytelling and visual art. Meaney also highlights standout pieces and the challenges of translation in showcasing this vibrant literary culture.

Cameron Johnson, a supply chain expert and educator at NYU Shanghai, shares insights on the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the challenges of decoupling. He discusses the intricacies of building domestic supply chains, particularly in the EV and semiconductor sectors, emphasizing America's reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Johnson also touches on the geopolitical shifts in Southeast Asia and the importance of understanding China's competitive ecosystems. His predictions for the impact of the upcoming U.S. elections add an intriguing layer to the conversation.

In this discussion, Da Wei, Director at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, delves into a revealing public opinion poll on Chinese perceptions of international security. He highlights a growing national confidence coexisting with pessimism about U.S.-China relations. The conversation touches on Chinese views regarding the Russo-Ukrainian War, the effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy, and the evolving perception of the U.S. as a power-based rather than values-based country. Da Wei also reflects on the generational divide in attitudes toward international security.

Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang, journalists at Xinhua News Agency and co-hosts of "Got China," bridge the gap between Chinese and Western journalism. They share personal stories about their journeys in state media and discuss the challenges of perception. The duo delves into American misconceptions about China's economy, debunking ideas like 'China collapse theory.' They provide insights into recent government policies impacting the real estate market and explore their ambitious plans for their YouTube show, aiming to enrich the dialogue on global affairs.

Bryce Whitwam, a veteran ad man turned doctoral student, dives into the booming world of China's livestreaming e-commerce. He discusses the significant trends reshaping consumer habits and the importance of influencer authenticity in driving sales. Bryce reveals why platforms like Taobao are losing ground to more niche competitors, and shares insights from his interviews on how livestream commerce merges shopping with entertainment. Plus, he explores potential disruptions and comparisons to similar trends emerging in the U.S.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, an Associate Professor at Syracuse University and author of Retrofitting Leninism, discusses the intricacies of China's political landscape. He elaborates on the concept of whole-process democracy and the roles of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Gueorguiev also dives into the hawkish sentiments in Chinese public opinion, revealing how satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the government shapes foreign policy views. His insights offer a fascinating lens into authoritarian resilience and the complexities of U.S.-China relations.

David Moser, a longtime Beijing resident and associate professor, shares insights on the complex dynamics of criticism between the U.S. and China. He reflects on his experiences with state media and the evolving role of outsiders in influencing China. Moser highlights the contrasting approaches to democracy and governance, discussing China's 'whole-process democracy' and its implications. The conversation touches on cultural pride, moral intuition, and the challenges of expressing authentic views in a controlled media landscape.