In this episode, The Honorable Carl Bildt joins us to discuss the deterioration of China-Sweden relations in recent years, as well as changing attitudes in Sweden toward China. Mr. Bildt explains the extent to which Sweden is economically dependent on China, and how it has worked to counter Chinese pressure and interference. He also discusses ongoing diplomatic disputes in the China-Sweden relationship, including the arrest and sentencing of Gui Minhai, and the potential impact on Sweden if the bilateral relationship continues its downward spiral moving forward.
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
Unveiling China’s Digital Currency Goals: A Conversation with Kevin Desouza
In this episode, Dr. Kevin Desouza joins us to discuss China’s plans to create a national digital currency. Dr. Desouza explains Beijing’s underlying motivations for developing its own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and how it aligns with China’s broader goal to become a leader in technology and innovation. He highlights the key benefits of using digital currencies and the possible effects on the Chinese economy, as well as discusses the potential impact of COVID-19 on the roll-out of a CBDC in China.
Xi Jinping’s Military-Civil Fusion Project: A Conversation with Greg Levesque
In this episode, Greg Levesque joins us to discuss China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) program. Mr. Levesque explains the central role of MCF in the Chinese Communist Party’s strategy to make China a world-class military power by 2049, and details the steps Beijing has taken thus far in integrating the military and civil sectors. He also highlights some of the challenges that China faces in its efforts to implement MCF. Finally, Mr. Levesque describes how MCF may pose a threat to US interests and offers recommendations for how the US and its allies can effectively respond.
Examining China’s Influence in the World Health Organization: A Conversation with Jeremy Youde
In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Youde joins us to discuss China’s evolving role in the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Youde outlines how China’s contributions to the WHO have changed over time, and highlights its main sources of influence in the organization. He also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed some of the challenges that the WHO and the international community face when working with China. Finally, he explores the risk that Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO poses to global health, and offers insights on Taiwan’s prospects for achieving a greater role in the organization following COVID-19.
Prospects for China’s Inclusion in Strategic Nuclear Talks: A Conversation with David Santoro
In this episode, Dr. David Santoro joins us to discuss the prospects for China joining a strategic nuclear dialogue, and what such a dialogue might achieve. Dr. Santoro maintains that China may be amenable to entering into bilateral talks with the US on strategic stability in the near term that could pave the way for trilateral nuclear talks with the US and Russia in the long run. He explains the challenges policymakers face in pulling China into an arms control agreement that aims at capping the number of Chinese nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Dr. Santoro also offers recommendations for how the US, China, and Russia can realistically make progress to narrow their differences on arms control going forward.
China’s Arctic Ambitions: A Conversation with Anne-Marie Brady
In this episode, Dr. Anne-Marie Brady joins us to discuss China’s growing influence in the Arctic region, where melting sea ice has uncovered a new theater of geopolitical competition. Dr. Brady breaks down China’s priorities in the region, including its economic, scientific, and security interests, and details its engagement with other Arctic states. She also offers recommendations for how countries can better understand—and therefore respond to—China’s Arctic ambitions.
China’s Booming E-Commerce Market: A Conversation with Jacob Cooke
In this episode, Jacob Cooke joins us to discuss the explosive growth of the e-commerce market in China and the rise of the Chinese digital consumer. Mr. Cooke examines China’s dominance in global e-commerce and how the market in China differs from markets in the US and around the world. He also examines the latest trends in e-commerce, including cross-border e-commerce, and their impact on China’s larger digital economy as well as its international image.
China’s Increasing Engagement with Africa: A Conversation with Joshua Eisenman
In this episode, Dr. Joshua Eisenman joins us to discuss China’s economic, political, and security interests in Africa, and the efforts it is making to achieve them. Dr. Eisenman analyzes China’s engagement on the continent through means such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the creation of a Chinese military base in Djibouti. He also discusses the validity of concerns about the ability of African countries to assert agency in their relationship with China. Finally, he touches on the variables that may determine the trajectory of China-Africa relations over the next decade.