Sinica Podcast

Peter Hessler, a highly-regarded writer and author, shares insights from his new book about China's evolving educational landscape. He discusses his experiences teaching at Sichuan University and contrasts the lives of students from rural and urban backgrounds. Dilline angst in the Chinese education system and the significance of 'educated acquiescence' are highlighted. Hessler also reflects on cultural dynamics, the absurdities of contemporary life in China, and the surprising support for Trump among Chinese immigrants, weaving humor throughout his narratives.

Experts discuss the impact of US-China rivalry on Ukraine and Taiwan, comparing the situations in both countries. They explore Taiwan's strategic preparations amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict and analyze the social origins of policies in China, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The podcast also delves into the Sino-American rivalry, implications of Trump's return on Taiwan, and China's lessons from Taiwan in the wake of the Ukraine War.

Jonathan Chatwin, author of a book on Deng Xiaoping's 1992 Southern Tour, discusses the event's impact on economic reforms. Topics include Deng's strategic signaling, his personal experiences influencing policy decisions, and the influence of traditional Chinese culture. The conversation also touches on urban development in China post-tour and recommendations for learning more about Deng Xiaoping and Chinese history.

Former Beijing resident Ed Lanfranco shares stories about his vast collection of historical artifacts, including old Chinese brands, maps, Tiananmen Square incident, patriotic music records, and a US-China panda button. He also talks about his Tiananmen '89 collection, SARS epidemic artifacts, and Underground City tour. Plus, recommendations on Chinese books and a progressive metal album.

Broadway writer & producer Jay Kuo discusses Beijing's gay community in the '90s, the Half-and-Half bar in Sanlitun, changes after legal rulings, obstacles faced, his 'China priors', China in the U.S. election, and TikTok divest-or-ban law.

Sulmaan Wasif Khan discusses his book on Taiwan's history, covering topics like American trusteeship, Mao's interest in Taiwan, the crisis of 1962, Taiwan independence movement, Chiang Ching-kuo legacy, Lee Teng-hui's story, and shifts in US-China relations. He analyzes Taiwan's evolving importance, parallels with Ukraine, and feedback on his book. Khan explores the complexity of Taiwan's political landscape, highlighting the interplay between democracy, geopolitics, and historical decisions.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez discusses her new podcast exploring U.S.-China relations. Topics include challenges of understanding Xi Jinping, interviews on nuclear issues, Western journalists in China, and the importance of quality diplomacy. The conversation delves into the difficulties of covering China from the outside, meeting Yo-Yo Ma, and future plans for the podcast.

Political scientist Iza Ding discusses authoritarian teleology, resilience, and regime legitimacy in China. She challenges Western academia's framing of authoritarianism and the China model. Ding emphasizes the importance of cognitive empathy and avoiding essentialism in area studies. Also, she shares writing advice and recommends a biography on The Wife of Bath and guitarist Kent Nishimura's recordings.

Leading IR scholar Dá Wēi discusses Chinese perspectives on US-China relations, including domestic politics, policy differences, and the future trajectory of the relationship. The conversation explores the evolving global dynamics, challenges in understanding different viewpoints, and the importance of personal connections in shaping diplomacy.

Guests Cindy Yu and Christopher T. Fan discuss Netflix's adaptation of The Three-Body Problem, focusing on Chinese IP, audience reception, character portrayals, allegorical interpretations, and implications for Chinese soft power. They explore dualistic themes in Chinchin Zhang's work and offer book recommendations. A critical analysis of the adaptation's departure from the original story, cultural representation, and missed opportunities in showcasing positive cultural aspects is highlighted.