A weekly discussion of current affairs in China with journalists, writers, academics, policymakers, business people and anyone with something compelling to say about the country that's reshaping the world. Hosted by Kaiser Kuo.
The podcast discusses various aspects of China, including the study of microplastics, contrasting opinions on changes in Beijing post-COVID, China's economic state and energy transition, optimism about China's medium-term prospects, changing perceptions and infrastructure in Beijing, and a guest's experience in the Beijing metal scene and uncertainty about U.S.-China relations.
This episode explores the city of Beijing through the lens of poetry. Anthony Tao, a poet and writer, shares his journey into poetry and how it allows him to express his thoughts on Beijing. The discussion covers various aspects of life in Beijing, including its challenges, unique experiences, and the disconnect between outside perceptions and lived experiences. The episode also delves into poetry as journalism and reflects on the complexities of identity and belonging. Throughout the conversation, specific poems from Tao's collection are discussed, capturing the essence of Beijing and evoking nostalgia.
The episode features an unscripted conversation between the host and Zichen Wang, discussing Wang's background and career journey. They also delve into topics such as writing a newsletter for a Western audience, providing accurate information about China, insights on US-China relations, contrasting expectations and realities in China, challenges and reforms in Chinese society, anticipated topics at the upcoming Party Central Committee plenum, and economic reforms and social safety nets in China.
This episode explores the history of US-China relations during the 1970s, focusing on the role of non-state actors and cultural exchanges. It covers topics such as microplastics, American radicals attracted to Mao's politics, early efforts to reengage with China, Nixon's opening to China, ping pong diplomacy, cultural exchanges and diplomacy, challenges and promises in US-China relations, scientific exchanges and diplomacy, deepening relationship through exchange visits, fostering deep contacts and mutual understanding, and recommended books and current projects.
The episode covers a wide range of topics related to current affairs in China, including books, ideas, research, cultural trends, and the World Economic Forum's annual meeting of the new champions. It explores unique characteristics of a city with a blend of American, Midwest, Chinese, and Russian influences. The episode also delves into China's challenge to American leadership, Western politics' response to China's rise, global trade dynamics, diplomatic relations, Russo-Chinese relationship, non-compliance, China's global investments and development challenges, China's shift towards green energy and economic recovery post-COVID, combative policy thinking, and China's crucial role in climate change.
This episode explores the ecological consequences of extreme modernist ideologies in China, focusing on the Great Leap Forward period and its disastrous policies. It discusses the challenges faced in agriculture, water scarcity, air pollution, and soil contamination. The episode also delves into China's efforts towards ecological civilization and provides insights on breaking old habits and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Additionally, it examines China's environmental policies in a global context and concludes with recommendations and book/movie suggestions.
The episode explores various aspects of ecological history, including what makes a life fulfilling, the transition to environmental anthropology, challenging traditional historiography, the environmental impact of capitalism and state socialism, resilience in social ecological systems, overcoming societal limits, societal values and resilience, the conservation phase and ecological buffers, ecological challenges in Zomia, solar energy and development in Central Asia, and increased awareness of environmental issues.
This episode explores China's education system through personal experiences of a foreign writer teaching in Chengdu. It covers topics such as student profiles, rural vs urban students, attitudes towards government propaganda, parenting and education, societal issues in China, covering stories during the pandemic, character identification in 'Animal Farm', China's unique dynamic, challenges faced by the speaker, teaching experience, and recommended readings.
The episode discusses the impact of US-China rivalry on Ukraine and Taiwan, exploring strategic perspectives from various experts. It covers reactions in Taiwan to the invasion of Ukraine, different opinions on Taiwan's statehood, Russia's actions towards its former territories, nationalism and financial support for war capacities, Taiwan's alignment with democracy and concerns about US foreign policy, concerns about US foreign policy towards Taiwan and Ukraine, Xi Jinping's considerations and China's relationship with Europe, US-China decoupling and Taiwan's security, challenges in decoupling from China and oversimplified worldviews.
This episode explores Deng Xiaoping's southern tour in 1992, which served as a significant epilogue for his biography. It discusses the tensions and challenges in economic reform, Deng Xiaoping's strategic signaling, carefully managed coverage, Jiang Zemin's support for economic reform, urban development and Deng Xiaoping's influence, debates and shifts in Chinese politics, and Deng Xiaoping's diminishing presence.