China In Context: Recent Episodes
SOAS China Institute
China In Context is a weekly podcast providing expert analysis on politics, culture and international relations, featuring voices from the SOAS China Institute, University of London. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett.
After the sudden emergence of the Chinese company DeepSeek’s generative AI model in January, there has been much excitement about the future of innovation in China. But continuing US efforts to limit the sale of the latest AI chips to China are a reminder of the tensions surrounding this area. The recently announced deal for a partial US takeover of Chinese social media platform TikTok’s American operation may hint at the potential for cooperation. But Jensen Huang, CEO of chipmaker Nvidia, has warned that restrictions on chip production will only encourage the development of China’s own semiconductor industry, with China already just ‘nanoseconds behind’ in AI. Yet how far is Chinese innovation handicapped by political controls? And as China seeks to promote new sectors like robotics and cloud computing, can it avoid the type of overcapacity already seen in its electric vehicle industry? To discuss these issues, we’re joined by Duncan Clark, a specialist in Chinese technology since 1994, when he founded the investment advisory company BDA in Beijing. An early advisor to Jack Ma, founder of the e-commerce giant Alibaba, he’s also author of the book ‘Alibaba — The House that Jack Ma Built’, and is co-chair of the Asia Society France.
Books referred to in the episode:
- Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future by Dan Wang
- Apple in China – The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company by Patrick McGee
Image © 光画社 (Kōgasha) / Adobe Stock
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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This month’s huge parade in Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia prompted much debate — both about the array of new missiles, drones and other military technology on display, and about the presence of not only Vladimir Putin, but also the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. But while Beijing is happy to demonstrate its newfound military confidence, the parade is also a reminder of the increased attention China has been paying to its own role in World War II, with a growing number of museums and exhibits dedicated not only to its fight against Japan, but also — despite current tensions — to wartime military cooperation between China and the US, in the form of the Flying Tigers and the Doolittle Raiders. Melinda Liu, veteran Beijing bureau chief of Newsweek, and Vice-President of the Royal Asiatic Society in Beijing, discusses the contemporary resonances of these wartime echoes, as well her family connection to a period of history which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the image China presents to the world.
Photo: Kremlin.ru / CC BY 4.0
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, marked his 90th birthday earlier this month with an announcement that his successor as Tibetan Buddhism’s most senior religious figure would be a reincarnation, to be identified after his death by the staff of his office in Dharamsala in northern India — where he has lived since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The announcement is likely to set up a clash with Beijing, which says it alone has the right to confirm the selection of the next Dalai Lama, and points to its possession of historical relics, including a golden urn from the Qing dynasty traditionally used to select the reincarnations of senior lamas. So how will Tibetans inside and outside China respond if two different Dalai Lamas are nominated? Could the exiled community abandon the current Dalai Lama’s emphasis on seeking only autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule? And how will this affect India, which has offered shelter to the Tibetan exiled administration, but has recently been seeking to improve its relations with Beijing? Tsering Shakya, professor of Tibetan history at the University of British Columbia, and Robbie Barnett, professorial research associate at SOAS and former professor of contemporary Tibetan studies at Columbia University, join us to share their thoughts.
Photo by Norbu Gyachung
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The shockwaves from Donald Trump’s airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear programme continue to reverberate. China condemned the attack as violating the UN Charter and warned that it risked destabilising the Middle East, an area where Beijing has fast-growing economic and diplomatic links — indeed China is now the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, and after the strikes the US asked it to persuade Tehran not to cut off oil supplies from the Gulf. So will the attack change China’s policy in the Middle East — and could it also have implications for China’s aim of regaining sovereignty over the island of Taiwan, with which the US has close defence ties? We hear the views of Rana Mitter, ST Lee Professor of US-Asia relations at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, and Professor Jonathan Fulton of Zayed University, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and author of a new book, Building the Belt and Road Initiative in the Arab World (Routledge, 2025) on China’s relations with the Arab world.
Photo: Khamenei.ir / CC BY 4.0
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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China's one child policy may have ended a decade ago — but its consequences are still being felt — not least in the continuing gender imbalance in the country's population: for several decades, the combination of restrictions on family size with traditional attitudes favouring male children, especially in rural areas, led to many female babies being aborted. China is currently estimated to have at least thirty million more men than women — and a new documentary film explores the impact this has had, particularly on young men from the countryside, who can struggle to find a mate in China's increasingly competitive dating market. Director Violet Du Feng, previously shortlisted for an Oscar for her film 'Hidden Letters' about the secret Chinese women's language Nüshu, joins us to discuss 'The Dating Game', which follows three young men who go on a week long 'dating camp' run by a self-styled 'dating coach' in an attempt to reinvent themselves, and find love.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The sudden emergence of DeepSeek’s AI chatbot earlier this year reminded the world of just how fast Chinese technology is developing. But it’s also highlighted continuing tensions over China’s technological rise — US Vice President JD Vance recently spoke of America being in an ‘arms race’ with China for control of Artificial Intelligence: the US has banned the export of its most advanced chips to China, and is now trying to stop companies around the world from using China’s own latest chips. It’s also sanctioned numerous Chinese tech firms due to security fears. The EU meanwhile has imposed tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles, amidst concerns about unfair subsidies. But as its technology improves, is China winning the ‘tech war’? And what does this mean for Taiwan, currently the world’s largest chip manufacturer? These topics are explored in a new audio book, ‘Global Tech Wars - China’s Race to Dominate’, by James Kynge, who recently left the Financial Times, where he reported on China for almost three decades. Now a senior fellow at MERICS (the Mercator Institute for Chinese Studies) in Berlin, he discusses his findings with presenter Duncan Hewitt.
Image © Adobe Stock
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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After the drama of Donald Trump’s Liberation Day and the 145 percent tariffs he imposed on China, and Beijing’s retaliation with 125 percent tariffs, the two countries have agreed a 90 day pause while they engage in further negotiations. But with the US recently announcing that it would seek to punish any business using advanced chips made by the Chinese IT giant Huawei anywhere in the world, and Beijing threatening retaliatory measures against anyone who complies, what are the prospects for a meaningful and lasting trade deal? On this episode we hear the views of two Americans with decades of experience in China, Kenneth Jarrett, a former US Consul General in Shanghai who is now the Senior Advisor in Shanghai for the strategic advisory firm Albright Stonebridge Group , and Jim McGregor, Chairman for Greater China of the consultancy APCO Worldwide, and formerly the head of Dow Jones in China.
Image © Adobe Stock
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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In the face of Donald Trump's tariffs, will China's plans to boost its domestic consumer economy succeed — or could the government in Beijing be tempted to introduce massive stimulus measures, as it did after the financial crisis in 2008? In this episode of China in Context, leading scholar Yasheng Huang, professor of global economics and management at MIT's Sloan School of Management, explains why China's political resilience in a trade war may be greater than its economic resilience — and argues that, despite the current obsession with high technology, reforms of land ownership and the rights of rural citizens and migrant labourers could be key to China’s long term economic prosperity.
Professor Huang's forthcoming book, Statism with Chinese Characteristics — a revised version of his 2008 work Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics — draws on lessons from China's response to the 2008 crisis to highlight the country's current challenges.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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Taiwan is facing a range of challenges — from Donald Trump's threat of 32% tariffs on its crucial exports to the US, to massive Chinese military exercises off its coastline aimed at intimidating the island's leaders. If that weren't enough, the DPP administration, led by President William Lai, has seen its budget slashed by Taiwan’s legislature, which is now dominated by its main rival, the KMT, or Chinese Nationalist Party. It's resulted in months of protests and political wrangling. So how will Taiwan's economy and society cope with these challenges? In the latest episode of China in Context, Dr. Michael Reilly, senior fellow on the Taiwan Studies Programme at the University of Nottingham, and a former British diplomat who was previously the UK's senior representative in Taiwan, analyses the island's political and economic situation, in conversation with Duncan Hewitt.
Photo credit: 總統府 / CC BY 2.0
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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At this month’s legislative session China announced policies to maintain GDP growth at 5%, boost consumption and the private sector and promote AI and high tech industry, from quantum computing to the low altitude economy. But will it be enough to reassure consumers and investors — and does the higher than GDP growth increase in defence spending in the budget, and the continuing crackdown on corruption hint that the leadership’s top priorities are still security and stability rather than growth? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute and co-author of the recent book, The Political Thought of Xi Jinping, and George Magnus, former Chief Economist at UBS, and a Research Associate at SOAS and at the Oxford University China Centre, share their views.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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In this episode we look at the life and work of Lynn Pan, one of the most imaginative of writers in English about modern China and particularly Shanghai, who died last year, and was commemorated at a special event at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival earlier this month. Her books, including In Search of Old Shanghai, The New Chinese Revolution, Sons of the Yellow Emperor, Shanghai Style and When True Love Came to China, were accessible, often witty, and always deeply researched. Duncan Hewitt discusses her legacy with Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking and Her Lotus Year, Frances Wood, SOAS Research Associate and former curator of Chinese collections at the British Library, and Michelle Garnaut, founder of the Shanghai Literary Festival. With a further contribution from Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Chancellor’s Professor of History at University of California, Irvine.
Photo of Lynn Pan by Robert Martin.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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With the US imposing new tariffs on Chinese exports, the state of the country’s domestic economy has become all the more crucial. Despite healthy export growth in recent years, at home consumer confidence has plummeted, with rising youth unemployment and a slump in the once booming housing market. Will recent government steps to reassure consumers and entrepreneurs and stimulate property sales be enough to revive the economy? Or does soaring local government debt mean more creative solutions are required?
In this episode, we hear two perspectives on China’s economic challenges — from economist Andy Rothman, founder of Sinology LLC, and Professor Victor Shih, director of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California San Diego, and author of the newly published book, Elite Conflicts and the Path to Economic Decentralization(2025, CUP).
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese exports may only boost the trend for Chinese companies to seek new markets and manufacturing bases overseas — including in Africa, where China is now the biggest trading partner and source of loans. On this episode, we discuss 'Made in Ethiopia', a new film looking at the human impact of Chinese involvement in Africa's industrialisation, with its directors Xinyan Yu and Max Duncan — and debate China's wider relationship with the continent with Professor Carlos Oya, head of the Department of Development Studies at SOAS, University of London.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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SOAS China Institute (SCI)
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Donald Trump is promising to challenge China on everything from its exports to its global influence over the next four years, but what could this mean in practice? Professor Miles Yu of the Hudson Institute, principal advisor on China policy to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the first Trump administration, and Professor Evan Medeiros of Georgetown University, former senior director for Asia at the White House National Security Council under President Obama share their views on China in Context.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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SOAS China Institute (SCI)
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At the recent COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, China was seen as having played a part in getting an agreement — albeit a much criticised one — to increase funding to mitigate the climate crisis. And with Donald Trump threatening to pull the U.S, out of climate change mechanisms, Beijing’s role could become even more important. But China, now the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, continues to reject calls for it to be given developed nation status, which would require it to make increased financial contributions to tackle climate change. Journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, discuses China's role in the climate talks, and its domestic environmental problems, with presenter Duncan Hewitt.
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In the light of recent developments, this episode was edited on 10 December 2024 to remove a more detailed reference to the podcast's former host, Duncan Bartlett, who left China in Context in September 2024. The SOAS China Institute would like to express its condemnation of his abhorrent behaviour, of which it was unaware at the time, and for which he has now been jailed, and expresses the utmost sympathy to his victims.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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What will Donald Trump’s re-election mean for relations between China and the US? Is Beijing alarmed by his threats of massive new trade tariffs, and the unpredictability that he likes to boast about? Or will it see his relative lack of interest in global affairs — and his love of a deal — as a chance to increase its leverage and put more pressure on Taiwan, while boosting its influence in the South China Sea? Presenter Duncan Hewitt discusses these issues with Jim McGregor, Chairman for Greater China at APCO Worldwide, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, and BBC Asia correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes.
This podcast was recorded on 13 November 2024, shortly before it was confirmed that Donald Trump had nominated Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The Chinese Communist Party guides the thinking of the masses through slogans. Some of these are written in huge letters on walls around the country. They are studied by party members, who try to figure out how society should respond. One of the most famous slogans is "reform and opening up." It has been in constant use since the late 1970s and although its meaning has changed significantly since then, Sinologists believe it remains a guiding principle for Xi Jinping. In this podcast, presenter Duncan Bartlett asks Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, about the meaning of the phrase and its significance.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The head of the CIA, Bill Burns has described Vladimir Putin as a bully who presents the greatest threat to world peace. The idea that Russia and China may partner to launch a joint provocation is a particular concern for the US and its allies. In this podcast, Samuel Ramani from the defence think tank RUSI provides his assessment of the risks associated with the so-called "no limits" partnership between China and Russia. The presenter is the usual host, Duncan Bartlett.
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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The battle for supremacy in Asia has a new flashpoint in the South China Sea. It is known as the Sabina Shoal and it lies near the Philippines, a nation which is locked in a maritime dispute with China. This has led to collisions between boats, the use of water cannons and threats of a serious escalation. Other nations are watching warily. In this podcast, the Daily Telegraph's Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith offers a compelling account of her experiences in the region to presenter Duncan Bartlett.
There is a rising mood of bipartisan hostility towards China in Washington ahead of the 2024 election. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, he intends to impose steep tariffs on Chinese exports. His Democratic party opponent, Kamala Harris has said that "America, not China" will win the competition for the 21st century. In this podcast, James McGregor, Director of APCO Worldwide, uses his extensive knowledge of China-US relations to analyse the positions of the presidential candidates. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
Two pandas which have been on an extended diplomatic mission to Australia are soon to be recalled to China. Fu Ni 福妮 and Wang Wang 网网) (PRON: "wong wong") have been living happily together at Adelaide Zoo since 2009. However, China wants them back by the end of 2024. They’ll be replaced by a younger pair of animals. Australia’s government seems pleased with the panda deal. But what about its relationship with China in other areas? In this podcast, regular host Duncan Bartlett speaks with Professor James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology in Sydney.
Taiwan and China are practicing for war. China's People's Liberation Army has increased the number of ships and warplanes conducting drills around the island. The Taiwanese air force has responded with live-fire exercises. In this podcast, Bill Emmott, chair of the IISS think tank, discusses what might deter China from using force against Taiwan. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
The world's biggest technology company Apple has close ties to China. Although it is based in California, where it designs famous products, a huge proportion of its gear is assembled in China. Furthermore, Chinese consumers continue to crave Apple iPhones. But critics allege that in order to gain the approval of the Communist Party, Apple assists with censorship and the suppression of political dissent. In this podcast, Benjamin Ismail from the Apple Censorship Project shares his views with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
NATO's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg has warned that China is conducting a huge military build-up. He says China is investing heavily in modern missiles, including an arsenal of nuclear weapons. NATO has ordered its forces to be prepared to counter China's assertive behaviour in the South China Sea and threats to Taiwan. However, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi insists that it is NATO which presents the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. In his view, NATO intervention in the region is bound to "trigger confrontation and escalate tensions." In this podcast, Dr Mercy Kuo from Pamir Consulting analyses the rhetoric from both sides. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
A bi-partisan group of politicians in Washington has called for sanctions to be imposed on officials in Hong Kong. They claim the officials - acting on instructions from Beijing - use tough laws to try to silence political opposition and intimidate those who advocate for democratic principles. In this podcast, veteran journalist Stephen Vines explains the impact of legislation in Hong Kong on the media and wider society. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The war in Ukraine has made the Russian leader Vladimir Putin something of a pariah in the West but he still meets regularly with Xi Jinping. In theory, Russia and China enjoy a no-limits partnership. But are there constraints on their relationship? Abigaël Vasselier is a former diplomat and is currently Director for Policy and European Affairs and heads the Foreign Relations team at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a think tank based in Berlin. She is also a SOAS alumna. On this podcast Abigaël discusses Russia and China with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Manufacturers of Chinese electric vehicles intend to build their companies into powerhouses to rival Volkswagen and Renault. The Chinese government backs their expansion into new markets, including Europe. This has caused political tension and as a result, a trade war is looming between China and Europe. On this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Plus Economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics, discusses the situation with Zeyu Xu of Xinhua News in Beijing.
The best-selling book Wild Swans by Jung Chang contains harrowing accounts of life in China during the 20th Century. It covers the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the civil war, the establishment of the CCP and the Cultural Revolution. In this podcast, Dr Chang gives a riveting account of how these momentous events impacted her mother and grandmother. She also shares her perspective on the lives of women in today’s Chinese society. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
North Korea is a troublesome neighbour for China. At one level, its Workers' Party, led by Kim Jong-Un, claims fraternity with the Chinese Communist Party. But Marshall Kim follows his own agenda, including belligerent rhetoric against South Korea, the United States and Japan. He's also nurturing his relationship with Vladimir Putin. In this podcast, former BBC China editor Howard Zhang explains how China views the situation in the region. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
China has a strategy to forge partnerships with countries in the so-called Global South. This pits it against other influential nations which also claim to be international leaders. Furthermore, many people in developing countries resent being pressed to pick sides. The podcast includes a discussion on Chinese foreign policy between Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute and regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Tension rose in East Asia following the inauguration of the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-Te in May 2024. China dispatched fighter jets, bombers armed with live missiles and naval vessels into areas very close to Taiwan’s east coast. Was this a signal that under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China could be prepared to launch an amphibious assault on the island, with a clear ambition to take out its democratically-elected president and place it under the rule of the CCP? In this podcast, Rear Admiral Mike Studeman from the United States Navy discusses the risk of conflict over Taiwan with regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
Tibet, on China's border with India, is seen as having great strategic importance to Beijing. The region, which has been prone to unrest, has been under Chinese control since 1950. Its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is in exile in India but plans to visit the United States this summer. In this podcast, Michael Bristow, China Correspondent for the BBC World Service, discusses Tibet's political significance with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China's leaders have taken a sharply critical tone against Israel over its war with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. They have also suggested that the United States is exploiting and exasperating long-running conflicts in the Middle East. In this podcast, Richard Spencer, a correspondent for The Times newspaper, warns that a regional conflagration would be damaging for both China and America. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
China is becoming a dominant force in the online realm in Southeast Asia. Partnerships through a network known as the Digital Silk Road enable China to have extensive influence on how people access the internet in countries such as Cambodia, Nepal and Thailand. In this podcast, campaigner Michael Caster explains what he sees as a battle for free speech in the region. The podcast is presented by regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, regards China as a "pillar of the new world order." Mr Orban admires leaders such as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, who are challenging the western-led system. Professor Hanns Maull from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) believes that Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary in May 2024 showed that he is "promoting autocracy." The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
Xi Jinping is urging Chinese companies to compete vigorously with other countries in the development of advanced technology, including high end computer chips. There is an ideological basis to the strategy: Xi Jinping has spoken about China becoming much more self-reliant. But the battle for supremacy in tech causes tension in the realm of international relations, as Dr Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow at the SOAS China Institute explains to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Japan has taken a tough stance on China, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida firmly committed to upholding the American vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” But China is also a huge market for Japanese companies for which talk of “decoupling” from China is regarded as commercial folly. In this podcast, Duncan Bartlett, a Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, offers his views on how the two Asian rivals see each other. The host is John Andrews, former Asia Editor of The Economist.
China's factories have pumped out so many solar panels that other countries are complaining. Some people are said to be lining their garden fences with the panels, due to a global glut of theproduct. This is being held up as an example of a new type of "China shock". Previously, China’s economic rise caused a shock to trade and the labour markets. Companies which were unable to withstand the intense competition often laid off staff. In this podcast, Rory Green, China Economist, GlobalData TS Lombard discusses the situation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China has emphasised its pro-Palestinian stance during the Israel-Gaza war. It has been critical of Washington’s handling of the situation, especially the American policy of arming Israel. In this podcast, Dr Mercy Kuo from Pamir Consulting considers how China’s role in the Middle East has developed since President Xi Jinping came to power. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
The introduction of advanced surveillance technologies has given the Chinese Communist Party powerful tools. It collects information related to people’s spending habits. It is also able to record how they act at work, and even in their homes. Is the state justified in using these tools to influence people’s behaviour? In this podcast, Professor Minxin Pei at Claremont McKenna College in California, USA discusses his recent book The Sentinel State: Surveillance and the Survival of Dictatorship with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea region are creating economic and security concerns globally. The US and UK have responded with airstrikes against Houthi sites in Yemen, in an attempt to prevent the group from endangering freedom of navigation and disrupting trade. The repercussions are also felt in China, a powerful maritime nation. On this podcast, Christopher S. Tang, a professor in Business Administration at the Anderson School of UCLA in California, considers how China and other countries are seeking to mitigate the risks. The podcast is hosted by regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
China is quickly amassing weapons and systems to militarily overwhelm Taiwan, according to a senior US admiral. John Aquilino told a recent hearing in Washington that China could be poised to take such an action within the next six years. If conflict breaks out, it would be a grave matter to deal with, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel. In this podcast, Dr Gerrit van der Wees, who teaches Taiwan’s history and current affairs at George Mason University in Washington, considers the crucial relationship between Taiwan and the United States. The podcast is hosted by regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
The government of Anthony Albanese in Australia has sought to stabilise the relationship with China and avoid heated rhetoric. As a result, China has agreed to relax a 200% tariff on Australian wine, which was imposed during a period of diplomatic strife. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong says: “We seek to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.” In this podcast, James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at University of Technology in Sydney, offers his analysis of the situation in conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee has been instructed by his superiors in mainland China to enact further strict security legislation in the city without delay. Pro-democracy advocates warn the move will have a detrimental impact on civil liberties. The proposed new laws cover treason, insurrection, incitement and collusion with external forces. Penalties range from a few years in jail to life imprisonment. In this podcast, renowned law professor Michael C Davis - who lived in Hong Kong for many years - offers his analysis of the proposed new laws to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The authorities in China are trying to put an end to a three-year stock market decline and win back the confidence of overseas traders. It is not proving an easy process. Investors cite a range of reasons to be cautious about the Chinese market, including a slowdown in growth, doubts about the reliability of information and opaque policymaking. In this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Economist at Pantheon Economics, discusses the volatility on the Chinese market with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Just a few years ago, it would have been inconceivable that a Chinese company would disrupt the automotive industry by exporting vast quantities of cheap, reliable electric vehicles. But the Chinese company BYD has overtaken Tesla in terms of overall sales and it is determined to win market share from long-established car giants, such as Volkswagen and Toyota. Does BYD's success result from generous government subsidies? Or, as its bosses claim, it is just better at taking risks than its rivals? In this podcast, Dr Mercy Kuo, Executive Vice President and geopolitical risk advisor at Pamir Consulting, offers her analysis of BYD and other Chinese companies to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Protest art was everywhere in Hong Kong a few years ago. Then the Chinese authorities introduced tough new laws which they said were designed to prevent sedition. Most of the art was torn down and some of its creators fled the city in fear. However, memories are kept alive online, especially of a statue portraying a young female protestor, dubbed Lady Liberty, who brandished a flag reading “Free Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times.” San San F. Young - director of the documentary Hong Kong Mixtape - tells Lady Liberty’s story to regular podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
Chinese politics have been transformed since Xi Jinping became paramount leader in 2012. He has accumulated power in a way unprecedented since the era of Mao Zedong and he expects China's people to study his ideology, just as Chairman Mao's supporters studied his 'Little Red Book'. Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, and Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow at the SOAS China Institute, have co-authored a new book on the philosophy of the Chinese leader, 'The Political Thought of Xi Jinping', which was recently published by Oxford University Press. In this podcast, Professor Tsang discusses the book's themes with Isabel Hilton, visiting Professor at King's College London and the founder of China Dialogue.
Believers in the Chinese zodiac say that this could be an auspicious year for Xi Jinping. It’s been 12 years since he replaced Hu Jintao as general secretary of China’s Communist Party. Xi uses sophisticated media systems to ensure that all citizens study his thoughts. This has helped to ensure that he has overwhelming control of the Chinese political system and society. In this podcast, Chun Han Wong, a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, discusses how Xi views leadership, Taiwan and US-China relations. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
Giorgia Meloni - leader of a right wing party - has confounded her critics since becoming prime minister of Italy. She has taken on major diplomatic challenges and is currently enjoying attention as the president of the G7 group of industrialised nations. Ms Meloni has said that Italy will no longer be a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a scheme designed to promote investment in infrastructure. In this podcast, the author and journalist Bill Emmott discusses Ms Meloni’s political approach with regular host, Duncan Bartlett. Mr Emmott is Chair of the IISS think tank.
China's population is shrinking. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that it has fallen by about three million in two years. This puts pressure on the economy, as the number of people in work is also in decline, at the time as the group of retired and elderly people is increasing. One hope is that 2024 will see a bump in births, as it is the year of the dragon in Chinese astrology, a symbol of good fortune. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting considers China’s demographic dilemma during a discussion with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China has sought to portray Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te Lai, also known as William Lai, as a dangerously pro-independence provocateur. The Chinese Communist Party has reiterated that there is only one China in the world and has claimed that Taiwan is part of China. In this podcast, historian Dr Gerrit van der Wees considers how the new president will handle relations with China, as well as decide on foreign policy towards other countries, such as the US and Japan. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden have exchanged greetings to mark the start of the new year, noting the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said cooperation between China and the US is an imperative. Nevertheless, many potential obstacles stand in the way of a smooth relationship, as James McGregor, Chairman of APCO Worldwide’s Greater China region, explains in this podcast. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China has been trying to persuade the world’s super wealthy that it remains a good place to invest. It throws parties where the finest champagne flows to show its enthusiasm for international business. Yet confidence has been undermined by political interference in the affairs of many firms. In this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Plus economist, Pantheon Macroeconomics, discusses China’s tactics with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
In the early 1990s, China enjoyed a period of rapid economic progress, as the government emphasised the importance of so-called pillar industries, including construction. In this podcast, Rory Green, Chief China Economist, TS Lombard suggests it's time for China to concentrate on new pillars to support the next stage of its development. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett from the SOAS China Institute.
The FBI claims that spying by China represents the "defining threat of this generation". It says a vast network of agents in China and abroad are gathering secrets on an unprecedented scale, spreading disinformation and disrupting democratic processes. In this podcast, Calder Walton from Harvard University explains the conclusions of his new book 'Spies: The epic intelligence war between East and West' (2023) to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The overall assessment of the historic summit between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden seems to have been positive. There was a softness in Biden’s tone, and Xi seemed happy during and after their long meeting. However, there were sticking points. Joe Biden described the Chinese leader as a dictator during a press conference. And according to the US side, Xi Jinping is still posing a threat to Taiwan. In this podcast, Professor Christopher Tang at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, offers his appraisal to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China’s currency, the yuan, has seen its value against the US dollar depreciate sharply this year. That may reflect foreign disillusionment with China’s economic prospects and policy making. Many investors are also unnerved by a regulatory crackdown on technology companies, with the Communist Party insisting on more centralised control. In this podcast, George Magnus, a research associate at the SOAS China Institute and Oxford University's China Centre, discusses China’s economic challenges with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China says it will do its utmost to restore peace to the Middle East and has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip. Its proposal has been rejected by Israel as the ground assault on Gaza continues. Meanwhile in China itself, feelings on the Middle East conflict are gathering intensity, with social media revealing an anti-semitic streak among some influencers. In this podcast, the journalist and author Howard Zhang explains China’s approach to the Middle East in conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
For ten years, China has been pushing other countries to partner with it through the Belt and Road initiative (BRI). While some nations such as Russia are fans of the project, it has largely been snubbed by the West. In this podcast, Fraser Howie, a respected independent analyst on China, considers whether the BRI is becoming an obsolete concept. The host is Duncan Bartlett from the SOAS China Institute.
In a bid to strengthen ties with Western nations, Xi Jinping has issued a stern warning against "decoupling" from China's economy. He urged leaders to view China's development as an asset, not a threat. Nevertheless, official data reveals a sharp decline in Chinese imports to the United States. In this podcast, Thomas Gatley, China Strategist at Gavekal Dragonomics, reflects on the situation in conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Supplying state secrets to another country is a crime which carries a heavy penalty in China. TV reporter Cheng Lei spent several years in prison for espionage, although her family and supporters insist she was innocent. Now she’s been released and is back home in Australia. In this podcast James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, explains why this case is significant to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China’s Communist Party has a particular way in which it wants its story to be told. However, some people challenge its interpretation of history. They’re keen that dark periods of China’s recent past - such as the Cultural Revolution - are not erased from memory. Some counter-historians are prepared to take great risks in the face of state-censorship. In this podcast, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ian Johnson shares what he has learned from China’s underground story-tellers in conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Powerful military forces are amassed in East Asia and in war games, America and China role play deadly encounters. China says America is stoking the fire of regional tensions, while the US insists it is the duty of its armed forces to keep the peace through deterrence. In this podcast, Dr Zuri Linetsky, a research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation, explains what he learned about the balance of power during training exercises with the US Air Force. The host is Duncan Bartlett, editor of Asian Affairs.
China is pushing hard to play a greater role in international affairs, often at the expense of the United States. It sees itself as a peace-broker and an initiator of dialogue between quarreling nations. But what is the ideology which guides grand plans such as Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative? Regular host Duncan Bartlett is joined by Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute.
China is coming to terms with a worrying symbol of economic decline: deflation. Falling prices are linked to a slump in the property market and a decline in exports, hitting many businesses hard. In this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Plus Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics explains why this represents a problem for the global economy. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
China’s spies are active in many countries and are sometimes intercepted and exposed. Meanwhile, Western countries, especially America, have developed sophisticated systems to monitor China through massive intelligence gathering. In this podcast, Jonathan Berkshire Miller from the Macdonald Laurier Institute explains how to measure the success of a spy in a conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The Internet of Things has revolutionised how we interact with technology, seamlessly connecting people, devices, and data. China is making an enormous financial investment in this field of technology - aiming for unprecedented global reach. In this podcast, Charles Parton, an Associate Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy, explains to host Duncan Bartlett why he is concerned about the security implications.
The UK government has taken a relatively hawkish approach to China, with the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, declaring that Beijing poses the “biggest challenge of our age to global security and prosperity”. Nevertheless, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly travelled to Beijing with the goal to stabilise relations. In this podcast Duncan Bartlett discusses Britain’s dilemma over China with guest presenter, Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting.
Throughout the course of history, China has exerted enormous influence over Korea. Korean kings were obliged to pay homage to Chinese emperors yet in the modern era, the relationship is in flux. The pro-US policies of President Yoon Suk-Yeol are causing some people in China to accuse the South Koreans of disloyalty. In this podcast, host Duncan Bartlett is joined from Seoul by Rory Green, Chief China Economist and Head of Asia Research at Global Data TS Lombard.
The Pentagon says that China has repeatedly turned down its requests to hold high level talks between army commanders. Experts worry that the lack of dialogue heightens the risk of a miscalculation leading to conflict.
In this podcast, Howard Zhang, China Editor at the BBC, appraises the situation in a conversation with regular host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
Russia and China claim to have a “no limits” partnership. Nevertheless, the invasion of Ukraine has created a rift. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that China would uphold an “independent and impartial position” on Ukraine and will seek a political settlement. In this podcast, Dr Moritz Rudolf, from the Yale University Law School Paul Tsai China Centre discusses Sino-Russian relations with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
China is on course to reach its targets for wind and solar power five years ahead of time, helping shore up its position as the world leader in renewable energy. However, the Chinese government is also building many new coal-fired power stations and fossil fuels are expected to make up a significant proportion of the country’s energy mix for decades to come. In this podcast, host Duncan Bartlett discusses China’s power paradox with Dorothy Mei and Martin Weil from Global Energy Monitor.
Joe Biden has used tough language about Xi Jinping, saying he “does not have a democratic bone in his body” and describing him as a dictator. The Chinese complain they are being provoked. In this podcast, Bill Bishop, author of the Sinocism newsletter, shares his views on President Biden’s choice of language. He speaks with the podcast’s regular host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
The transatlantic alliance, known as NATO, is looking to the East. The leaders of Japan and South Korea joined its 2023 summit in Lithuania as observers and the meeting ended with a joint statement from NATO members which included many scathing remarks about China. In this podcast, renowned author and Sinologist Jonathan Fenby offers his analysis of the way NATO and China perceive each other. The host is Duncan Bartlett who, like Jonathan, is a Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has been asserting itself as a confident and strong country. But how firm are the foundations of Xi’s power and what are the risks associated with a system in which one person has so much influence and authority? In this podcast, Bernhard Bartsch from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) discusses Xi Jinping with regular host, Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
China’s economy is struggling to regain momentum following the pandemic. Dwindling export demand has held back the manufacturing sector and there’s been a slump in property prices. In this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Plus Economist Pantheon Macroeconomics, discusses the options available to help revive China’s fortunes with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
The Republican politician who chairs Washington’s Select Committee on China, Mike Gallagher, has said that he views the ruling Chinese Communist Party as "as an enemy of the United States." Other members of his party are also vocal in their criticism of China, with many describing it as a threat. In this podcast, James McGregor, Chairman of APCO Worldwide’s Greater China region and Zuri Linetsky from the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington discuss the Republican Party's position on China.
Xi Jinping challenges the liberal values of the west and hopes to forge a new world order which does not denigrate China’s Communist party system. This has major implications for China’s role within international institutions and its relations with other countries. In this podcast, Dr Moritz Rudolf from Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center discusses the ideology of President Xi’s “Global Civilisation Initiative” with regular host Duncan Bartlett.
President Biden is pursuing re-election for a second term, urging voters to give him four further years. He has promised a thaw in relations with China, yet intense competition between the superpowers suggests a softening of tone is unlikely. In this podcast, James McGregor, chairman of APCO World wide's Greater China region, offers his expert perspective on the Biden Administration's foreign policy to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
There are allegations that China has been interfering in the Canadian political system and preventing free speech. In the spring of 2023, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat, alleging that he had been harassing a politician. Soon afterwards, a Canadian frigate was intercepted by a Chinese warship in the Taiwan Strait. In this podcast, Zuri Linetsky, research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington and Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, discuss Canada's strategy for China and the Indo-Pacific.
When Joe Biden went to Hiroshima for the G7 summit in May, he declared that there will soon be a thaw in relations between the US and China. Dialogue has increased but some fundamental disagreements still keep the two countries very far apart. In this podcast, renowned author and journalist Jonathan Fenby offers his reading of the situation to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Every field has its jargon and the field of Sinology - or China studies - has many special terms. Two terms which are in common use at the moment are de-risking and decoupling but their precise meaning is somewhat ambiguous and dependent on context. In this podcast, James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney, offers his definitions of the words to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
Previous summits of G7 leaders have rebuked China’s actions in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and have berated its relationship with Russia. In this podcast, Dr. Moritz Rudolf from Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center considers what the 2023 meeting of G7 leaders in Hiroshima, Japan has in store for China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol received widespread praise in the international media for his historic five day state visit to the United States in April 2023. Joe Biden reassured Mr Yoon that America will defend South Korea in the face of threats. In this podcast, Dr John Nilsson-Wright of Cambridge University discusses the changing dynamics in East Asian politics with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
The British government appears to be taking a position of "robust pragmatism" towards China. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly says the UK should not "pull the shutters down". However, in Hong Kong, resentment lingers towards the UK over its response to the imposition by China of stringent national security laws, as Dr Mark Clifford, President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, explains in an interview with regular podcast host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
Australia is facing the most challenging strategic circumstances since the second world war, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His government has labelled the intense competition between China and the United States “the defining feature of our region and our time”. Yet under Mr Albanese’s leadership, Australia is attempting to “stabilise” the relationship with China, and the Prime Minister is due to visit Beijing in 2023. In this podcast, James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, explains Australia's diplomatic strategy to regular podcast host Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
The French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn criticism for suggesting that Europe should not get embroiled in the issue of Taiwan. Following a meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, Emmanuel Macron suggested to reporters that the Americans and the Chinese are ramping up tension on the issue and that Europe would be wise to step back. In this podcast, Hanns Maull, Senior Research Associate at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, provides his analysis of French President Macron’s remarks in a conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
Xi Jinping has an ambition to make the yuan a currency that is in widespread use internationally. Russia now accepts Chinese yuan in exchange for oil and gas and Brazil is also considering using yuan, rather than dollars, when trading with China. In this podcast, experts consider the role of the yuan in international finance and the risks involved. Zuri Linetsky, research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington, DC discusses the topic with Daniel McDowell, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in the United States.
Xi Jinping is keen to deepen China's links with Arab states and countries in the Persian Gulf. Investment in the region's infrastructure is supported through the Belt and Road Initiative. In return, China expects to be able to secure long-term contracts for its energy. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking credit for a recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In this podcast hosted by the SOAS China Institute, Zuri Linetsky from the Eurasia Group Foundation discusses China's role in the Middle East with Tuvia Gering, a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.
China’s leaders have claimed that the country will contribute to one third of global economic growth in 2023. They also boast that China is more stable than many other countries, which are experiencing problems related to high inflation and bank failures. Yet China faces economic pressures which seem to be holding back a strong rebound following the lifting of Zero-Covid restrictions. In this podcast, Zuri Lintetsky from the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC discusses the political and economic outlook for China with Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.
China and the United States agreed to work together on climate issues in 2021. However, since then, a deterioration in their relationship has hampered efforts to curb emissions and work towards theParis Agreement's goals for tackling climate change. In this podcast, Isabel Hilton of China Dialogue discusses China’s environmental dilemmas with guest host Zuri Linetsky, from the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC.
China has grand plans for Africa. It has pledged to increase its investment in the continent, thus "narrowing the North-South gap and supporting and assisting other developing countries in accelerating development." But given China's own relatively slow rate of economic growth, can it afford to do this? And how should African nations weigh up the costs and benefits of teaming up with China? In this podcast, Maria Repnikova, Associate Professor in Global Communication at Georgia State University, explains what she has learned during field work in China and Ethiopia. The presenter is Zuri Linetsky, research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington, DC.
China is conducting a sustained global campaign to promote its interests. In some cases, it tries to win support by investing in the infrastructure of other countries. It also makes a concerted effort to persuade people to think positively about China by sending upbeat messages through the media. This approach is sometimes termed “soft power” and it is distinctly different from the sharp power of the military. In this podcast, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, explains what Xi Jinping is aiming to achieve. The guest presenter is Dr Zuri Lintesky, Research Associate at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC.
The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will play a prominent international role in 2023. She will attend a summit of G7 leaders in Japan and Joe Biden may well invite her to Washington to try to shore up the Transatlantic alliance. Meanwhile, Italy’s relationship with China is in flux. A few years ago, there was much talk of 'win-win' relationships. However, Ms Meloni displays a nationalist streak, which doesn’t bode well for collaboration with the Chinese. In this podcast, the writer and journalist Bill Emmott shares his interpretation of the political factors which influence Italian foreign policy. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
The Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida issues regular warnings to the leaders of other G7 countries about risks to international security. His concerns include Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's growing missile prowess and rising tensions around Taiwan – including Chinese military exercises that involve firing missiles into waters near Japan. In this podcast, regular presenter Duncan Bartlett gives his views on the relationships between Japan, the G7 countries and China. The guest presenter is Paul Hodges, Founder of New Normal Consulting.
Young men in Taiwan must ramp up their battle skills. From 2024, they will be conscripted into the army for a full year. During this time, they will receive training in how to fight at close-quarters battle as well as learning how to fire missiles and operate drones. The government says the training is necessary to deal with a threat from China. But how do young people themselves feel about the issue? Howard Zhang, the Editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, went to Taiwan to find out. He shares his findings with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
In 2022, China's population fell by an estimated 850,000 people, triggering dramatic reporting in the media. A headline in The New York Times said it heralded a demographic crisis. Reuters talked of "alarm", while a writer on the South China Morning Post insisted that the demographic shift marked "a watershed moment in Chinese history". In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Founder of New Normal Consulting shares his considered view of the demographic challenges faced by China. He is interviewed by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
The international media asked an important question in November 2022: Is China experiencing the start of a revolution? The debate was sparked by the actions of protesters in many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, holding up blank sheets of paper. Xi Jinping dismissed the so-called "white paper protests" as merely a sign of frustration by students and young people. But soon after they took place, there was a significant change in China's policy towards Covid-19. In this podcast, Professor Yuen Yuen Ang from Johns Hopkins University discusses the significance of the rallies with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
In the view of Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, East Asia could be the next Ukraine. He has warned that "the situation around Japan is becoming increasingly severe with attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force." Mr Kishida has two countries in mind: North Korea and Japan’s long-term regional rival, China. The fear is that a war could break out, drawing Japan into the crisis. In this episode, Bill Emmott, Chair of the Japan Society of the UK discusses Japan’s dilemmas with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine and a former Tokyo correspondent for the BBC.
There is a mood of anxiety as China celebrates the Lunar New Year. With families and friends gathering for a season of feasting, there is a worry that there could be a surge in Covid-19 infections, costing many lives. In late 2022, the Chinese government ended its so-called “Zero-Covid” policy and lifted travel restrictions. In this podcast, Mark Williams, Chief Asia Economist at Capital Economics discusses the outlook for the Spring Festival with host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
There would be catastrophic consequences if China invades Taiwan and tries to reunify the island with the mainland by force. Taiwan has said it will fight back with advanced weapons supplied by the US. Joe Biden says the American military would become involved. As well as the human cost, the economic consequences would also be severe. In this podcast, renowned Sinologist Charles Parton considers if economic factors will deter a conflict. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
The U.S. Department of Defense maintains that China is using increasingly aggressive and bullying behaviour on the Taiwan Strait and is planning an invasion. Beijing dismisses this as an exaggeration and berates the US for stirring up anti-Chinese feelings on the island. Meanwhile, other countries in Asia warn of catastrophe in the event of a war. In this podcast, Dr Zuri Linetsky of the Eurasia Group Foundation discusses Taiwan with host Duncan Bartlett.
Politicians in the UK are careful about how the official aid budget is spent. The money is expected to meet the needs of refugees coming to Britain, as well as helping people in regions affected by war, food shortages and natural disasters. In such circumstances, the government intends to slash aid to China. In this podcast, aid commissioner Sir Hugh Bayley discusses how the decision was reached with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
Chinese state media keeps itself busy finding things to criticise about other countries, with America the number one target. Contentious elections - such as the recent US midterms - gain a lot of attention in the Chinese press and are not portrayed in a favourable light. There’s also plenty of coverage of America’s violent crimes, social problems and corruption scandals. In this podcast, Mark Hannah, a senior fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation, discusses how Chinese media views the US and the implications for international relations. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
At the 20th Party Congress meeting held in Beijing, Xi Jinping reassured the faithful that he will remain at the helm of the vessel, even though he warned that high winds, choppy waters and even dangerous storms lie on the journey ahead. Such rhetoric is designed to evoke memories of brave emperors and mythical adventurers, for although Mr Xi describes himself as a twenty-first century Marxist, he likes to be connected with a legacy which stretches back centuries. In this podcast, Rana Mitter, professor of the History and Politics of Modern China at the University of Oxford, explains the historical background to current political trends. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
As the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping has capacity to take decisive action on many issues, especially as he has surrounded himself with loyalists on the Standing Committee of the Politburo. He has identified 'security' as one of the top priorities for his third term in power. In this podcast, Howard Zhang, Editor of the BBC's Chinese service, considers what that means for the Chinese economy, the lives of Chinese citizens and China's relations with other countries. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
The Chinese Communist Party believes that the nation is destined to lead the world, with Xi Jinping at the helm. Yet in Washington, there’s bipartisan consensus that China presents a serious threat to the stability of the global order. Other countries face a dilemma of picking a side between the great powers. In this podcast, renowned Sinologist Charles Parton explains the gap between China’s view of its role in the world and the way it is perceived by other countries. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
Xi Jinping receives more media attention than almost anyone else in the world, although he’s never done a sit-down interview, or taken questions at a regular press conference. The media were able to take a close look at him and other Chinese leaders during the recent Congress meeting of the Communist Party, held in Beijing. Howard Zhang, Editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, analyses how the press covered the event. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
There was a dramatic moment at the 20th Party Congress when former leader Hu Jintao was unexpectedly escorted off stage, after what appears to have been a power struggle with his successor, Xi Jinping. In this podcast, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute explains why Hu Jintao’s departure could mark a decisive break with a collective approach to leadership, as Xi Jinping tightens his grip on power. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
When US presidents deliver a State of the Union address, it’s generally big news for a few days, before their words are largely forgotten. However, when a Chinese leader speaks to the Party Congress, his words are remembered for years. Long speeches delivered in the Great Hall of the People are diligently studied by those looking for political information. Dr Holly Snape from the University of Glasgow explains how to interpret the key ideas. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China’s leaders have a vision, guided by Karl Marx. They believe they have a duty to create a just, equitable, socialist society, with the eventual goal of a communist system. Until then, China must go through a process of change, a period known as “Socialism with Chinese characteristics''. Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses how views about revolution are evolving. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
The island of Taiwan bristles with high tech weapons, many of which are supplied by the United States. It’s part of a strategy to deter an invasion by the People’s Republic of China - a threat which has loomed over Taiwan for more than 70 years but which is now regarded as a more intense and immediate risk than ever. Jacob Stokes from the Center for New American Security in Washington explains the implications for regional security. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
The former foreign minister of Australia, Alexander Downer, says the relationship with China has “fundamentally changed” in the past few decades. “I think it’s become a great deal more dangerous,” he told Sky News. As a result, Australia has beefed up its military deterrence against China and has moved closer into defence pacts with the United States and the United Kingdom. In this podcast, analysis of the security situation is provided by Dr Charles Edel, Australia Chair and Senior Advisor at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
The political systems of China and the United States are based on very different models. This ideological gap affects the way they behave towards each other and also impacts their relations with the rest of the world. As a result, many countries feel that they are being pressed to pick sides between America and China and this can be an uncomfortable dilemma. In this podcast, host Duncan Bartlett discusses the changing global order with John Andrews, author of the book The World in Conflict.
China and Germany found many reasons to be friendly in the aftermath of the Cold War. China cited the economic advantages to both countries as a win-win situation. Three decades later, relations between the two states have become increasingly tense. Chancellor Olaf Scholz takes a much more hawkish line on China than his predecessor Angela Merkel and Germany has even sent a warship to Asia, to patrol near Taiwan. In this podcast, Yanmei Xie, a geopolitical analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics, offers her analysis of the changing relationship and its implications for business. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
For decades, South Korea has sought to maintain harmonious relations with both the US and China. But as the competition between the great powers intensifies, the balancing act has become more tricky. In this podcast, Dr Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at New College, University of Oxford, explains how China-South Korea relations have developed since Yoon Suk-yeol became South Korea’s president in the spring of 2022. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China is a proud nation which plays a key role in many international institutions, including the United Nations. It enjoys diplomatic relations with liberal democracies and when Xi Jinping speaks to Joe Biden, he places himself on a par with the American president as a world leader. Yet when the People’s Republic was initially forged through revolution, the outside world was aghast and it took many years before China’s Communist government was accepted. What has led to this profound change in attitudes towards China? And how does the Communist Party seek to present itself as the legitimate leader of the nation? Dr Mark Clifford, an author and former editor of the South China Morning Post considers the basis of Communist Party leadership. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
Presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers from many countries have urged China to press Russia to stop its military actions in Ukraine. But are they right to assume that a word in Vladimir Putin’s ear from Xi Jinping would lead to a cease fire? It is hard to judge whether Xi Jinping is angry or frustrated with Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. Dr. Marcin Kaczmarski, a lecturer in security studies at the University of Glasgow, is better placed than most people to read the signals, as he’s made the relationship between China and Russia his principle area of research for many years. In this podcast he discusses the Ukraine situation with host, Duncan Bartlett.
For many decades, people in Hong Kong enjoyed a level of freedom which was in marked contrast to life in other parts of China. Following the end of the British colonial era in 1997, the Communist Party promised that Hong Kong would remain highly autonomous for fifty years under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. Yet when mass street demonstrations erupted in 2019-2020, China responded with sweeping national security legislation, leading to many arrests and the dismantlement of civil society. Mark Clifford, author of Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow The World, shares his reflections with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
One of the loudest messages from the Chinese Communist Party is that it has delivered wealth to citizens by creating an environment in which the economy grows and thrives. However, as a result of the zero-Covid policy and other factors, the economy has hit the buffers. Gross domestic product rose just 0.4% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022 missing expectations and suggesting a recession could be on the way in parts of China such as Hong Kong and Shanghai. In this podcast, Paul Hodges from New Normal Consulting considers China’s economic outlook with host, Duncan Bartlett.
The Chinese Communist Party routinely encourages people to be patriotic and to love their country. Textbooks which are studied in all of China’s schools highlight achievements of which they should be proud - including, of course, the success of the Communist Party. The rise in nationalism is not exclusive to China. Yet contemporary Chinese nationalism cultivated by the CCP alarms its neighbours and other outsiders, partly because it often appears to demean foreigners. In this podcast, Professor John Fitzgerald from Melbourne discusses the complex nature of nationalism and patriotism in China with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China is a land of contradictions. This shows up in a stark gap between rich and poor, which is evident through the contrast between conspicuous consumption in the big cities and the much more basic way of life in the countryside. In fact, even though it may not feel like it, the wealth gap is gradually narrowing. But is this down to government policy? And does the resentment caused by inequality present a potential threat to political stability? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, offers his analysis of the situation, in conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
Much of the hard work in running China falls to about 40 million party and government officials, known as cadres. These include powerful figures, such as provincial governors, bosses of state-owned enterprises and chief prosecutors. Originally, cadres were defined as professional revolutionaries, dedicated to the goals of the Communist Party. They still need to be loyal Communists but most of them spend more time on paperwork than insurrection. In this podcast, Professor John Fitzgerald, author of Cadre Country (2022), reveals the sophisticated political processes employed by the Chinese Communist Party. The presenter is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
The international media uses strong words to describe China’s system of governance. American newspapers often inform their readers that China’s regime is “authoritarian” or “totalitarian”, or both. Yet supporters of the Communist Party say that China has developed a political system which perfectly suits its culture and that "socialism with Chinese characteristics” is a form of democracy, superior to that of the 'decadent west'. So what is the best terminology to properly describe the politics of contemporary China? Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses this issue with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
The danger of war in the Taiwan Strait is growing. This island’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which favours Taiwan’s de jure independence, is becoming increasingly friendly with the United States. President Biden has said America will fight to defend Taiwan if it is attacked. The threat from China is clear whenever its aircraft fly into Taiwanese airspace. Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute offers his analysis of the situation, in conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
British foreign policy, including towards China, is being forged under fraught circumstances. The Conservative government is losing favour not just with the press and the public but has also experienced battles among its own members. Politicians are sometimes referred to as hawks or doves on China, yet how suitable are such labels? And how much do Britain’s elected representatives really understand China? Sam Hogg founder of Beijing to Britain discusses politics with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 70
Broadcast date: 21 June, 2022
China does not play fair when it comes to the intellectual property of American companies, according to the Biden administration. It is not a new allegation. The US has been complaining about having ideas stolen by China and the issue helped prompt a 'trade war' when Donald Trump was president. Last year, China amended its laws on patents and copyright. How far do these changes go in satisfying America’s concerns? In this podcast, Benjamin A Jacobs, the Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce China Centre, explains how businesses see the problem and talks through the response among policy makers in Washington. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 69
Broadcast date: 14 June, 2022
A decade into the leadership of Xi Jinping, China appears to have even greater potential to transform global affairs than at any stage since it began to open up to the outside world, about thirty years ago. We often hear it said that China is ambitious and assertive on the foreign policy front.
Yet how well do we really understand the objectives of Xi Jinping’s foreign policy? Beyond the wolf warrior rhetoric and promises of win-win partnerships, what does China ultimately want in the world? Podcast host Duncan Bartlett puts these questions to Dr Bates Gill, Professor of Asia-Pacific Security Studies at Macquarie University in Sydney and the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence with the Asia Society, Australia.
China In Context: Episode 68
Broadcast date: 7th June, 2022
As the global order changes, Germany is recasting its relations with China. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel visited China 12 times and forged a close relationship with Xi Jinping. However, under the current German leader Olaf Scholz, there’s a widening diplomatic gulf between the nations, with a growing wave of criticism of China’s human rights record. Both China and Germany face dramatic slowdowns in their economies. So how much do they need each other as trading partners? In this podcast Bonnie S Glaser,Director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, guides podcast host Duncan Bartlett through a complex international relationship.
China In Context: Episode 67
Broadcast date: 31 May, 2022
Political ties between Beijing and Hong Kong are growing tighter as a new Chief Executive prepares to take power in the city. John Lee is an avid proponent of the national security legislation which was brought in to crack down on dissent in Hong Kong, following anti-government protests. Mr Lee is a former police chief and the main candidate favoured by the Chinese Communist Party. His promotion has caused concern among those who campaign for greater democracy and freedom of speech in Hong Kong. Howard Zhang, editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, considers the outlook for the city in conversation with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 66
Broadcast date: 24 May, 2022
Twenty percent of China’s international trade flows through Shanghai, so when the port was hit by a lockdown at the start of April 2022, the repercussions quickly rippled across the globe. Companies such as Apple, Tesla, Adidas and Este Lauder all warned of disruption to their supply chains and the likelihood of higher costs for consumers. The enforced period of isolation has been a worrying time for Shanghai’s 25 million residents. In this week’s podcast, Frank Tsai - who’s been confined to his apartment in Shanghai for many weeks - speaks to presenter Duncan Bartlett about his experiences and considers the economic implications of China’s so-called “zero-Covid” approach. Frank Tsai is the founder of China Crossroads.
China In Context: Episode 65
Broadcast date: 17 May, 2022
South Korea’s new president is enjoying attention from both the United States and China. Yoon Suk-yeol spoke with President Biden just a few hours after he was elected and is preparing to host the US leader in Seoul in May. Mr Yoon has also spoken on the telephone with Xi Jinping, who assured him that China and South Korea are “inseparable partners”. It is a delicate balancing act but there are strong indications that Mr Yoon is more inclined to strengthen the alliance with the US than to draw closer politically to China. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, founder of New Normal consulting, discusses South Korea’s strategy towards China with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 64
Broadcast date: 10 May, 2022
China is one of very few countries to hold permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, a committee with the daunting brief to maintain peace and security throughout the world. The mood is often fractious, with China and Russia on one side, at loggerheads with Britain, France and the United States on the other. Xi Jinping recently proposed a new "global security initiative" that upholds the principle of "indivisible security", although he offered few details on how this might be implemented. In this podcast, Bonnie S Glaser, Director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, offers her analysis of China’s role at the UN. The podcast is hosted by the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 63
Broadcast date: 3rd May, 2022
China regards its money as an ambassador to the world. It would like the yuan - or renminbi - to be held in just as much esteem as the euro, or even the US dollar; in other words, a truly global currency. Yet there are major barriers to the internationalisation of the renminbi, including its limited convertibility and China’s cautious approach towards financial openness. Arthur Kroeber, a founding partner of Gavekal Dragonomics, offers his perspective in this conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 62
Broadcast date: 26 April, 2022
China has refused to condemn Russia’s belligerence in Ukraine, drawing accusations that Beijing has supported Moscow’s invasion. When Western nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia and supplied Ukraine with weapons, China warned that such moves add fuel to the fire. China’s leaders insist they are committed to promoting peace through negotiations with both Ukraine and Russia. In this podcast Howard Zhang, editor of the BBC’s Chinese Service, analyses the messages coming from Beijing with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 61
Broadcast date: 19 April, 2022
The Chinese Communist Party operates an advanced surveillance network, which maintains strict control over all forms of information. Agents keep a particularly close watch over what is discussed on websites and social media. Those who step out of line with their comments on politics face being detained. There are frequent reports of politically motivated arrests and state-sanctioned “disappearances.” These include disturbing testimonies from people who say they have been held in a so-called system of "black jails" - secret prisons in which inmates are cut off from all contact with the outside world. On this podcast Michael Caster, the co-founder of Safeguard Defenders, a human rights group which has made a detailed study of the way political dissidents are treated by the authorities in China, offers his perspective on the issue to host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 60
Broadcast date: 12 April, 2022
People who invest money in China are seriously concerned about the wave of Covid-19 which has spread across the country in the spring of 2022. With daily cases numbering in the thousands, cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have been subject to lockdowns. The longer the crisis continues, the more profound the impact on China’s economic growth. There are international implications, too, as many countries depend on Chinese supply chains for vital goods and services. In this podcast, Janet Mui, head of market analysis from Brewin Dolphin, discusses the situation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 59
Broadcast date: 5th April, 2022
The plight of the people who live in the Chinese province of Xinjiang is a matter of heated debate at the United Nations, in parliaments and on social media. It is here that human rights abuses against the Uyghurs are taking place, according to the United States, the European Union and the UK - all of which have responded with sanctions on Chinese officials. Shoppers are also drawn into the debate, through a campaign to discourage people from buying clothes made from cotton which has been picked or processed by Uyghur prisoners. But do sanctions or boycotts bring about a change which benefits the Uyghurs? Professor Darren Byler, an expert on Chinese Central Asia, who teaches at the Simon Fraser University in Canada, considers the ethics. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 58
Broadcast date: 29 March, 2022
China has a very serious image problem when it comes to the treatment of of the Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups in the north-western province of Xinjiang. Internet searches on the topic throw up phrases such as “genocide” and “forced labour”. Some researchers estimate that since 2016, more than one million people have been detained without trial. However, while China's critics accuse it of crimes against humanity, the authorities insist that peace and stability has returned to a restive area, once plagued by violent unrest and terrorism. In this podcast, Michael Clarke, editor of The Xinjiang Emergency and a Visiting Fellow at the Australia-China Relations Institute, discusses the situation with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 57
Broadcast date: 22 March, 2022
Speeches by Xi Jinping are full of references to the events over the past hundred years, as well as stories from China's ancient past. For Mr Xi, the narrative follows China’s steady progress towards prosperity following a century of humiliation, which began with the Opium War in the 1840s. But some historians say that the Party's version of history is too narrow-minded and nationalistic. By brushing over past problems, they say, China misses the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and avoid future mistakes. In this podcast Zeyu Xu, a journalist from the news agency Xinhua in Beijing, discusses the party's approach to history with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 56
Broadcast date: 15 March, 2022
China is a far richer nation than it was 40 years ago, when it began to integrate with the global economy. However, income disparity has also widened, which is a concern to the Chinese Communist Party, especially as it seems to be an affront to its socialist principles. Xi Jinping has begun a campaign to narrow the gap between rich and poor and create what he calls “material and spiritual wealth”. The campaign has a slogan: “common prosperity”. In this podcast, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University in California considers the implications, both for businesses and for China’s poorest citizens. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 55
Broadcast date: 8th March, 2022
China's leaders have revealed that they are worried about a number of threats to economic growth, some of them quite serious. Premier Li Keqiang adopted a downbeat tone in a recent speech, expressing his concern at a "complex and grim domestic and international environment" and acknowledging "new downward pressure on the economy". A key concern is a sharp slowdown in the property sector. There are also ongoing costs associated with the pandemic, as China takes a zero-tolerance approach to Covid-19. In this podcast, Tommy Wu from Oxford Economics in Hong Kong offers his expert analysis on the risks facing China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 54
Broadcast date: 1st March, 2022
Just as much of the world seems to be emerging from the pandemic, the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong is getting worse. By February 2022, hospitals were in danger of becoming overwhelmed with sick patients, with thousands of people being diagnosed with the coronavirus every day. Xi Jinping said Hong Kong must “mobilise all forces and resources” in the fight against the Omicrom variant. In this podcast, Tommy Wu of Oxford Economics discusses the implications for Hong Kong with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 53
Broadcast date: 22 February, 2022
Xi Jinping claims that China has achieved a tremendous feat by raising the standard of living of its citizens. "No other country can lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in such a short time," he said in 2021, describing the achievement as "a human miracle that will go down in history." However, another huge challenge awaits; keeping China out of the so-called “middle-income trap” - a stage of economic development at which wage levels stagnate. If that happens, it would prevent China from joining the ranks of rich nations, even if its economy is the largest in the world, overtaking America in its total size. In this podcast, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University discusses China's trajectory of development with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 52
Broadcast date: 15 February, 2022
In January 2022 China's ambassador to the US, Qin Gang, warned Mr Biden: "If the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely will involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict." He continued: "Let me emphasise this, the Taiwan issue is the biggest tinderbox between China and the United States."
In this episode, podcast host Duncan Bartlett discusses how to reduce the risk of conflict over Taiwan with Michael Swaine, Director, East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington DC.
China In Context: Episode 51
Broadcast date: 8th February, 2022
China is one of the most hotly debated topics in American politics and the cause of much division. In both the Senate and Congress, representatives tussle over whether China should be regarded as a strategic competitor, a threat, or a malign influence. Think tanks in Washington offer their interpretations, too.
The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft stands out as being one of the few groups in favour of more cooperation between the US and China. It also challenges a lot of the popular rhetoric on China. In this podcast, Michael Swaine, Director, East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute speaks to Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 50
Broadcast date: 1st February, 2022
As China strives to become more self-reliant, the Chinese Communist Party is keenly promoting a strategy it calls "dual circulation". This pushes for more goods and services to be developed in China, serving domestic consumers, while at the same time China keeps up enthusiastic trade with the rest of the world.
The Party takes the view that the state must play a central role in business activity. But can state-run entities thrive in a competitive environment? Dr Eunsuk Hong, who lectures on China's economy and management at SOAS, discusses these questions with the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 49
Broadcast date: 25 January, 2022
China’s increasing influence has profoundly changed the power dynamic in Asia. For decades, its economic growth has outstripped that of Japan and under Xi Jinping, there's also clear ambition to build the People's Liberation Army into a world class military. That army, through its coastguard division, constantly irks Japan by sailing vessels into the waters near the Senkaku, or Diaoyu islands, which Japan insists are its sovereign territory. Thus Japan has grown increasingly wary of China both as an economic rival and as a threat to its national security. Bill Emmott, chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies - a think tank based in London which provides insight into matters relating to security and political risk, discusses the situation with Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.
China In Context: Episode 48
Broadcast date: 18 January, 2022
Chinese athletes brought glory to their country at the Tokyo Olympics through shooting, diving, weight lifting and table tennis. China hopes the Winter Olympics in Beijing will further boost the nation's international reputation by creating a harmonious atmosphere among skiers and snowboarders. However, the delegations of many countries face a dilemma. Are they obliged to take a stance on China's human rights record? Or should they endeavour to separate politics from sport? In this podcast, renowned author Bill Emmott, chair of the Japan Society of the UK, discusses the response of the Japanese delegation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 47
Broadcast date: 11 January, 2022
Ministerial contact between China and Australia was severed in 2021 as a result of a bitter trade dispute, which has impacted exports of Australian wine, barley, lobster, beef and coal to China. On the security front, Australia has signed up to AUKUS, a nuclear-powered submarine agreement with the United Kingdom and the United States, in a move widely seen as an attempt to counter China's influence. In this podcast Dr Bates Gill, Chair, China Policy Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney takes stock of the situation as Australia prepares to hold a federal election. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 46
Broadcast date: 4th January, 2022
Europe is shifting its thinking on China in profound ways. The European Union, once criticized as “soft on China'', has now become outspoken on human rights issues and even sent an official parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. Deep business ties remain but within the EU, public opinion is becoming more sceptical towards China in many European countries, including some which were previously regarded as pro-Beijing. In this podcast, Professor Hanns W. Maull from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin discusses EU-China relations with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 45
Broadcast date: 14 December, 2021
Big changes are taking place in China's relationship with Germany. Foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, from the Green party, has signalled a more assertive stance, especially on human rights issues, after the commerce-driven pragmatism of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 16 years in power. Ms Baerbock is a key figure in the new cabinet led by Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, Germany's new Chancellor. In this podcast Hanns Maull, Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin analyses the political situation in both Germany and China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 44
Broadcast date: 7th December, 2021
The highest grossing films at the Chinese box office are war movies. Wolf Warrior 1 and 2, and The Battle at Lake Changjin, portray heroic Chinese soldiers battling against foreign enemies, including the Americans. These big budget productions are overseen by an arm of the state known as the China Film Administration. Are they therefore a form or propaganda, or can they be defined as art? Dr Xiaoning Lu, a lecturer in Chinese culture and cinema at SOAS, shares her views on the political messages of the films, in conversation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 43
Broadcast date: 30 November, 2021
America`s president, Joe Biden, held talks by video link with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping in November 2021. Mr Xi said he was “ready to take active steps” to improve relations between the countries and Mr Biden called for cooperation “where our interests intersect.” Yet the language was often confrontational, suggesting more clashes lie ahead. In this podcast, Dr Olivia Cheung, a specialist in the political thought of Xi Jinping at the SOAS China Institute, gives her expert analysis of the meeting and its implications for the rest of the world. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 42
Broadcast date: 23 November, 2021
There was a major breakthrough at the Cop-26 climate change conference when China and the United States issued a joint declaration. They said they would work together to achieve the 1.5C temperature goal set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. It paves the way for a historic virtual summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping before the end of 2021. In this podcast, Qinduo Xu a political analyst from Chinas Pangoal Institution gives his view on Xi Jinpings climate policy to host Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 41
Broadcast date: 16 November, 2021
Chinese culture and philosophy have influenced Japan. The languages have an overlapping system of writing and there are fusions of ideas in many spheres. Politically however, the countries seem very far apart, especially given Japan`s determination to side with the United States in the great-power rivalry between America and China, which shapes international relations in Asia and beyond. Japan recently had an election, in which Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was victorious. In this podcast, Rory Green, Head of China and Asia Research TS Lombard, talks about Japan's approach towards China with Duncan Bartlett, a Research Associate at the SOAS China Centre and former BBC Tokyo Correspondent.
China In Context: Episode 40
Broadcast date: 9th November, 2021
China's leader Xi Jinping often visits museums and his speeches are full of analogies from history. His books, such as the Governance of China suggest he seeks to learn lessons from history as a way of deciding how China should be run today. One of the themes which often comes up is China's so-called “Century of Humiliation". Dr Andrea Janku, a Senior Lecturer in the History of China at SOAS, University of London, explains the significance of the concept to podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 39
Broadcast date: 2nd November, 2021
The crisis at the Chinese property group Evergrande Group has brought into focus the exorbitant lifestyle of its chairman, Hui Ka Yan. After vying with Jack Ma for the title of Asia's richest man, Mr Hui's fortune is plunging, as his company defaults on crucial debt repayments. Neither the government nor the central bank seem prepared to bail him out. Yet with liabilities running into hundreds of billions of dollars, Evergrande is seen by investors as a reminder of the risks of doing business with China. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Chairman Of New Normal Consulting discusses the issues with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 38
Broadcast date: 26 October, 2021
What does it feel like to live on an island which the Economist magazine recently described as “the most dangerous place on earth?” Most people in Taiwan try to get on with their lives as normal, despite the undercurrent of fear caused by a threat of invasion by China. Tensions between China and Taiwan are at an all-time high, just as relations between the US and China reach an all-time low. In this podcast, Liam Gavan Gibson from Taiwan News explains the mood in Taipei and analyses the big speeches given by the presidents of Taiwan and the PRC in the autumn of 2021. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 37
Broadcast date: 19 October, 2021
There are a lot of choices on the menu of China's restaurants these days and shops are brimming with ingredients from all around the world. As the disposable income of China’s middle class grows, people want to eat better. Of course, many people still have a taste for traditional dishes. But there’s also a craving for food made from foreign ingredients, such as premium rib-eye steak from the United States, or sweet pumpkins from Japan. In this podcast, Professor Bob Ash from the SOAS China Institute explains the social and political implications of this change in eating habits. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 36
Broadcast date: 12 October, 2021
No country in the world has experienced famines as severe as the ones which cost tens of millions of lives in China in the middle of the last century. Yet now China proudly claims there`s more than enough food for all its citizens and even plenty left over. As people get richer, their taste changes. That means more fish and meat on the table and it also increases demand for foreign treats. In this podcast, Professor Bob Ash from the SOAS China Institute discusses China's rich and varied food culture with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 35
Broadcast date: 5th October, 2021
Students in Hong Kong are being encouraged to study China in a new way. The curriculum is subject to approval by the Chinese Communist Party and encourages reflection on patriotism and adherence to the National Security Law, which was introduced following anti-China demonstrations in the city. Some university lecturers say the system is an affront to academic freedom. Other teachers are keen to dispel negative views of China derived from misleading media and fake news. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute Steve Tsang talks about principles of teaching Chinese politics both in Hong Kong and in London. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 34
Broadcast date: 28 September, 2021
Xi Jinping is a geopolitical superstar. Since he became China's leader in 2012, he has been the subject of an enormous number of press reports, documentaries, books and scholarly articles. Much of what we know about this powerful leader is based on what we know through the media, but can we trust the people who are relaying information about him? In this episode of China In Context, the BBC`s China Editor Howard Zhang explains how his team covers stories about Xi Jinping and reveals the difficulty of breaking through the barriers of secrecy and propaganda. The podcast is hosted by the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 33
Broadcast date: 21 September, 2021
As China rises up the international news agenda, the clamour to report on its politics, social and domestic affairs intensifies. But that also means the Communist Party of China is sensitive to what is reported about the Chinese government and the country by the foreign media. In this week's episode of China In Context, the BBC China Editor Howard Zhang sets out his principles for covering the country in conversation with Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 32
Broadcast date: 14 September, 2021
It has been more than three years since former US president Donald Trump launched a 'trade war' against China. The Chinese government says it was a waste of time - it insists the clash with the US hasn’t suppressed China's development and there’s still a massive amount of trade going on between the two countries. China set an economic growth target of about six percent for 2021 and it’s likely to easily surpass that, if official figures can be believed. Tommy Wu, lead economist for China at Oxford Economics uses his data-analytic skills to compare China and the US. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 31
Broadcast date: 7th September, 2021
China’s leaders often boast of their country’s economic achievements, especially recently, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The official narrative is simple. While the rest of the world continues to endure great economic pain, China is almost back to full strength. In reality, the situation’s much more complicated - partly because GDP growth can be measured in various ways and it’s always presented in a very flattering light by the official Chinese media. And while some sectors and regions in China do seem to be booming, others are struggling. Tommy Wu, lead economist for China at Oxford Economics scrutinises the data with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 30
Broadcast date: 31 August, 2021
The People's Republic of China is officially an atheist country – yet gods and immortals still hold great influence over people’s lives. There are hundreds of millions of followers of the main religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam – as well as Falun Gong, the largest of several banned new religious movements.
Those groups don’t have much in common theologically but each offers an alternative perspective on life to the ideology of the ruling Communist Party. This often creates political tension. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS looks at the changing perceptions of religion in China with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 29
Broadcast date: 24 August, 2021
Christianity has enjoyed a major revival in China in recent years. However, the relationship between the Christians and the Communists is growing increasingly uneasy. Given Christianity’s association in many Chinese people’s minds with western values, the line between religion and politics sometimes becomes blurred. In some places, particularly Zhejiang province, churches have been demolished and crosses torn down, drawing condemnation of China from religious leaders abroad. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS, discusses China and Christianity with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 28
Broadcast date: 17 August, 2021
Since Joe Biden became the American president, the United States has hinted it would consider holding a dialogue to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear and missile development. However, North Korea has made clear it’s not interested in the possibility of any contact with the US. The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the photogenic Kim Yo-jong, has warned of confrontation. So what could China do to help matters? Is it interested in reducing the tension between North Korea and the US? In this podcast, Dr Edward Howell, Lecturer in Politics at New College, University of Oxford, analyses the tense relationship between North Korea, China and the United States. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 27
Broadcast date: 10 August, 2021
A formidable iron curtain separates China and its neighbour, North Korea. Even before Covid-19, North Korea had a reputation as the most isolated society on Earth. Since the start of the pandemic, North Korea seems to have become even more isolated and its link to China is almost closed. Dr Edward Howell, Lecturer in Politics at New College, University of Oxford gives his appraisal of the complex relationship between China and North Korea in this discussion with podcast host Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.
China In Context: Episode 26
Broadcast date: 3rd August, 2021
Xi Jinping has invested heavily in China’s armed forces, determined to create a world-class military with sophisticated, modern weapons. China’s People’s Liberation Army has more than a million men and women under arms. But questions remain about this unusual army. Is it actually the People’s army - or the Party’s army? How loyal are the troops to Xi Jinping? And what would provoke them into a battle? Gordon Arthur is the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media and knows China well, having lived in Hong Kong for 20 years. In this podcast, he considers the strength and sophistication of the PLA and assesses the risk of war. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett from Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 25
Broadcast date: July 27, 2021
The seas around China are patrolled by the navy of the People’s Liberation Army, which is on constant standby for conflict. The primary threat, as far as China is concerned, is the United States of America. But there is another challenge to China’s growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific. In recent years, America, Australia, India and Japan have been conducting joint military exercises near China under the auspices of the Quad – a coalition focussed on defence and security. Gordon Arthur, Asia Pacific Editor for Shephard Media, gives his view on defence and security issues in the region. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 24
Broadcast date: July 20, 2021
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases yet its government insists it is following a path towards a green transformation. So where does the rhetoric end and the action begin? And how much cooperation can we realistically expect between China and other countries which say they want to reach an international consensus on tackling climate change? Isabel Hilton, the founder of China Dialogue, a website that analyses environmental issues, discusses climate diplomacy with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 23
Broadcast date: July 13, 2021
Chinese people enjoy a close relationship to nature and inhabit one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. However, rapid industrialisation and pollution have had a terrible impact on the environment and caused some species to become critically endangered, or even extinct. There is particular concern about the damage caused by coal mining, one of the key sources of energy to fuel the Chinese economy. In this podcast, a renowned expert on China’s environment, Isabel Hilton, gives her view on what the authorities should do to promote biodiversity.
China In Context: Episode 22
Broadcast date: July 06, 2021
Alibaba is the world’s biggest e-commerce company and touches the lives of nearly everyone in China. Its founder is a flamboyant and outspoken billionaire, Jack Ma. However, Mr Ma’s been keeping a low profile since a clash with the Chinese government in 2020, when a plan to float Alibaba’s fintech operations on the stock exchange was suddenly halted by the authorities. Then, in the spring of 2021, regulators slapped Alibaba with a $2.8bn fine, saying it had abused its market position for years. Fraser Howie, a prolific author on the Chinese financial system, explains the significance of Alibaba to Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 21
Broadcast date: June 29, 2021
China was the first country to experience a Covid-19 epidemic, responding with lockdowns and travel bans, long before anywhere else. Yet within a few months, life in China seemed to have returned more or less to normal and in the spring of 2021, China announced it had achieved its fastest annual economic growth on record. Despite these impressive achievements, experts warn that economic stresses remain. Tommy Wu, lead economist for the Asia-Pacific region at Oxford Economics, gives his analysis of the situation in China in a conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 20
Broadcast date: June 22, 2021
Throughout the European Union, a fierce political debate is raging about how to approach the relationship with China. Should China be prevented from investing in important industries, like nuclear power and 5G communication? Or would it be better to take a more pragmatic approach, recognising the potential that China has to stimulate economic growth and employment in Europe, as the region struggles to recover from the pandemic? Professor Hanns Maull, a Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin. explains through how the debates about politics and economics affect the thinking about China within the EU. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 19
Broadcast date: June 15, 2021
Since the early 1980s, Germany and China have been in a fruitful symbiotic relationship, which has fuelled the growth of both their economies. Many Chinese factory workers use German machines to make goods which they export back to Europe and the rest of the world. However, since the start of 2021, the mood between China and Germany has soured considerably, after China imposed sanctions on Germans who had criticised its policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The situation is growing more tense ahead of the election which is due in Germany in the autumn of 2021. Professor Hanns Maull, a Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin, outlines the various strands of thinking about China within Germany in this podcast hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 18
Broadcast date: June 8th, 2021
China’s global influence and its economic growth have been significantly enhanced by its relationship with developing countries. They are critical in supplying natural resources, especially the fuel and raw materials for China’s thousands of factories. Developing countries are also growing in importance as promising markets for goods exported from China. Furthermore, many developing countries have welcomed the investment that comes with belonging to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – creating a sense of competition in some regions between China, the United States and its allies. Duncan Bartlett discusses these topics with Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS.
China In Context: Episode 17
Broadcast date: June 1st, 2021
China’s international image took a blow in the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak, due to allegations of an official cover-up of the disease in Wuhan. Soon afterwards, the Chinese government sought to restore its reputation by encouraging companies to send masks and personal protective equipment to many other nations. This was followed by a wave of vaccine diplomacy. Millions of people in China and other nations have received Chinese jabs. Yet regulators in the US, Britain and the EU have turned down the Chinese vaccines, dismissing them as ineffective or even potentially dangerous. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS, talks about China’s healthcare policy in this episode of the China In Context podcast, hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 16
Broadcast date: May 25th, 2021
South Korea and China have a complex relationship. For many decades, South Korea was much more economically advanced than China and it is regarded by the United States as a key ally in Asia, helping to maintain the balance of power as a counterweight to Communism. Yet since China has become increasingly powerful in economic terms, it has found ways to pressure South Korea into meeting its demands. China also retains friendly relations with North Korea - a country with an army which stands prepared to wage war on the South at a moment’s notice. In this episode of China In Context, Rory Green, an economist covering China and South Korea at TS Lombard, talks through the geopolitics of North Asia with Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 15
Broadcast date: May 18th, 2021
The concept of ‘The People’ is a highly charged term in China and one that constantly appears in the rhetoric of the Communist Party. The official name of the country is the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the central bank is the People’s Bank of China and the leading newspaper is The People’s Daily. So how do China’s leaders define ‘The People’ that they claim to represent? And is there a role in society for people who have a different political ideas to the CCP? Distinguished China expert Clyde Prestowitz explores some of the meanings and resonances of the word ‘people’ in a conversation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China in Context: Episode 14
Broadcast Date: May 11th, 2021
Many sociologists have noticed parallels between Chinese Communism and religion. Both offer sacred texts, prophets and moral guidance. Furthermore, many aspects of China’s ideology seem to be drawn from old myths, ancient seers and even superstition. Clyde Prestowitz has been exploring the intriguing connections between politics and religion in his new book The World Turned Upside Down: America, China and the Struggle for Global Leadership (Yale, 2021). In this podcast, he discusses his ideas with the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 13
Broadcast date: May 4th, 2021
China displays an intense form of nationalism. People are expected to regard their nation as strong and united and to view outside criticism as a threat to progress. The Chinese Communist Party insists on loyalty from its members and encourages people who work or study abroad to remain patriotic. In this podcast, Professor Christopher Hughes from the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics looks at the domestic and international implications of China’s stringent nationalism. Hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 12
Broadcast Date: April 27th, 2021
Taiwan’s status as a self-governing island, with its own government and diplomacy, is facing unprecedented challenges. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China often presents Taiwan as a secessionist province, which has no legitimacy as a country. Yet Taiwan is rich and successful. It is home to a huge semiconductor manufacturing industry, producing chips which are used all over the world, including China. In this podcast, Professor Christopher Hughes from the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics appraises the risks of conflict between the neighbours. Hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 11
Broadcast date: April 20th, 2021
China has a growing number of people who live alone. As a result, many people’s way of life has become more personalized, geared towards their own careers and individual interests. There’s also a booming industry in online dating services, as well as events like “Singles Day” an online retail extravaganza in which people are urged to splurge on a present for themselves. Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, University of London, discusses the changing social attitudes towards dating, marriage and living alone in China with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 10
First broadcast 13th April, 2021
Because of the one child policy which ran from 1979 to 2016, millions of people in China have grown up without brothers or sisters, especially in urban settings. The media sometimes describes them as “little emperors” or “little empresses” and this suggests they may be spoiled or indulged by their parents. But they also face unique pressures and responsibilities as Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, University of London explains to Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 9
First broadcast 6th April, 2021
China’s global influence has increased enormously since it started opening up to the world in the early 1980s. On occasions, General Secretary Xi Jinping has suggested that his country’s system is “superior” to that of other nations. China is also proud of its dominant position in sectors such as manufacturing. So how does China plan to use its power and influence? Is it trying to change the world in its own image? George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, discusses China’s aims with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 8
First broadcast March 30th, 2021
The Chinese state places great importance on national security. It believes its duty is to protect the people from foreign attack and invasion and as China’s economy has grown, so has spending on the military. George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, believes that as well as protecting itself from outside threats, the Chinese Communist Party also uses a national security agenda to safeguard its own power. He discusses his ideas with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 7
First broadcast 23rd March, 2021
China often boasts that it is on target to become the world’s biggest economy and that in the process it’s lifting millions of people permanently out of poverty. Yet the government also acknowledges that as the population gets older, caring for the elderly creates a huge responsibility, which could have a profound effect on the economy. In this podcast, George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, discusses demographics with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 6
First broadcast 16th March, 2021
Should Communists care about being beautiful? In Maoist China, western ideas of beauty were derided as bourgeois. It was said to be far better to judge a woman’s worth by her intelligence, patriotism, and adherence to socialist values. Yet, as China opened up to the world, femininity flowed back into fashion and now Chinese women spend a fortune on their appearance. In this podcast, Dr Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, considers whether contemporary ideas around beauty empower women, or trap them into consumerism. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 5
First broadcast 9th March, 2021
It is an expensive choice to have children in China, especially in big cities. Most parents struggle to afford child care and only a few employers do much to support the careers of working mothers. A new term has been coined to describe women’s challenges: the “motherhood penalty” (生育惩罚 shēngyùchéngfá). In this podcast, Dr Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, explains why anxiety over the cost of parenting is having a huge impact on the birthrate and on China’s demographics. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 4
First broadcast 2nd March, 2021
Criticism over China’s handling of the outbreak of coronavirus had a negative impact on its international image. Initially, there was also grumbling within China itself, although complaints seem to have died down, perhaps due to censorship. Despite coronavirus, China’s economy is growing rapidly. It’s also giving away Chinese vaccines to other countries. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, discusses how the pandemic has affected the reputation of China and the Communist Party with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 3
First broadcast 23rd February, 2021
Beijing imposed a wide-ranging national security law on Hong Kong in June 2020. It claims this has quelled unrest, improved stability for business and settled the issue of sovereignty. However, many Hong Kongers feel their basic freedoms have been curtailed and there’s been a backlash against China from democratic countries, including America and the UK. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, discusses how the security law is changing Hong Kong’s society with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 2
First broadcast 16th February, 2021
The Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States lasted for nearly four decades, casting a shadow of fear across the world. Nowadays, with China and the US locked in a constant arms race and tussle for influence, many people - including President Xi Jinping - have warned that a new Cold War is upon us. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, spells out the dangers during a conversation with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 1
First broadcast 9th February, 2021