In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Ambassador Derek Mitchell joins us to discuss the implications of the 2021 Myanmar coup for China-Myanmar relations. Ambassador Mitchell analyzes the current state of China-Myanmar relations, describes its historical development, and outlines China’s interests within the region after the coup. He argues that while China faces widespread public antagonism amongst the population in Myanmar, it still commands significant influence due to the investments that it has made in Myanmar as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as its continued association with communist groups in northeastern Myanmar. Nonetheless, Ambassador Mitchell contends that Myanmar is not without leverage when it comes to interacting with China, as it can make use of its relations with Japan, Europe, the United States, and even Russia to prevent China from developing a monopolizing influence.
ChinaPower PODCAST
The ChinaPower Podcast dissects critical issues underpinning China’s emergence as a global power. By bringing together the leading experts on China and international politics, the series offers our listeners critical insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by China’s rise. These extended discussions are hosted by Bonnie S. Glaser, senior adviser for Asia and the director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Ms. Glaser is concomitantly a non-resident fellow with the Lowy Institute in Sydney and a senior associate with Pacific Forum.

Bonnie S. Glaser
Small and Medium-sized Powers’ Response to China’s Rise: A Conversation with Luke Patey
In this episode, Dr. Luke Patey joins us to discuss the implications of China’s rise in a dynamic world and how the rest of the world should respond. Dr. Patey challenges the idea that an ascendant China will lead to a world in which small developing countries become a sphere of influence for China. Alternatively, he contends smaller nations are not content to play a subservient role and there is room for pushback when China overreaches. He stresses that middle powers such as Japan and India can play a significant role in shaping global affairs and the global economy. Lastly, Dr. Patey argues national leaders should escape the hawks-and-doves dichotomy, explaining that the importance of China demands more nuance because various countries’ business, political, and security relations with China are interconnected.
China’s Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: A Conversation with Peter Martin
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Mr. Peter Martin joins us to discuss his new book China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy. Chinese diplomacy in the past several years has become more assertive and its diplomats have used sharper language –hence the name “wolf warrior diplomacy,” which comes from a Chinese film. Peter Martin’s research traces the roots of wolf warrior diplomacy to the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and its first diplomat, Zhou Enlai. Martin discusses China’s diplomacy today and its impact. He explains that although there are some critics in China of wolf warrior diplomacy, it is popular among the general public amid rising nationalist sentiment in the country. Mr. Martin describes the motivations behind wolf warrior diplomacy and how diplomats are being been rewarded for their aggressive rhetoric and posture.
Controlling Advanced Technology Exports: A Conversation with Roslyn Layton and James Lewis
In this episode, Dr. Roslyn Layton and Dr. James Lewis discuss how to control the proliferation of technologies for military use with a special focus on China. Our guests explain the history of US export policy regarding advanced technology, noting the delicate balance between opportunities for private enterprise and the needs of national security. Dr. Layton and Dr. Lewis describe the Wassenar Agreement and its impact on current US advanced technology exports to China. They also analyze China’s actions in retaliation to international technology export restrictions. Lastly, our guests evaluate how the Trump administration has acted in its approach to China and recommend actions the incoming Biden administration should take.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020: Debate 5
This special episode features audio from the China Power Project’s fifth annual conference, which comprises five live online debates. It features keynote remarks by Representative Rick Larsen on the challenges and opportunities posed by China’s growing power and the view from Congress. Experts also debate whether selective US-China economic decoupling will set back China’s emergence as a global high-tech leader.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020: Debate 4
Will China use significant military force against a country on its periphery within the next five years? Experts discuss in this special debate episode.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020: Debate 3
Will China exploit the Covid-19 pandemic to shift the geopolitical balance of power in its favor? Experts discuss in this special debate episode.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020: Debate 2
Is “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong dead? Experts discuss in this special debate episode.