In this episode, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Chad Sbragia joins us to discuss the 2020 Department of Defense (DoD) annual report to Congress entitled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. Deputy Assistant Secretary Sbragia discusses a range of topics including China’s capacity to launch an assault on Taiwan, China’s nuclear strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, military-civil fusion, and China’s perception of global governance. Mr. Sbragia also highlights the growing alignment between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and China’s broader national strategy, and he explores the implication of PLA modernization for stability and crisis prevention in the coming years.
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
The Impact of China’s Dominant Position in Global Supply Chains: A Conversation with Wang Tao
In this episode, Dr. Wang Tao joins us to discuss the factors behind China’s shifting role in global supply chains. Dr. Wang explains how China came to play such a dominant role in global manufacturing and the potential consequences of reshoring or moving supply chains elsewhere. She also details the results of a recent survey on North Asia CFOs about intentions to move production out of China, particularly analyzing the COVID-19 pandemic’s role in these decisions. Finally, Dr. Wang speaks to the potential impact of the Hong Kong national security law on supply chain decisions.
US-China Relations in Free Fall?: A Conversation with Lu Xiang
In this episode, Dr. Lu Xiang joins us to discuss souring relations between the US and China. Dr. Lu assesses the overall state of the bilateral relationship, and breaks down recent points of friction like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hong Kong national security law. He also analyzes how the possible outcomes of the 2020 US presidential election might contribute to the improvement or further deterioration of US-China ties. Finally, Dr. Lu shares his expectations for the US-China relationship over the next five to ten years.
The Galwan Valley Clash and China’s Approach to Sovereignty Disputes: A Conversation with M. Taylor Fravel
In this episode, Dr. M. Taylor Fravel joins us to discuss the June 2020 deadly clash along the China-India border and China’s broader approach to sovereignty disputes. Dr. Fravel assesses China’s role in the incident, and analyzes what China’s increased willingness to aggressively advance its interests on sovereignty-related issues signifies about the changing nature of Chinese foreign policy. He also explains the potential role of the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing’s decision-making in territorial and maritime disputes, and examines China’s potential reaction if the Galwan Valley incident pushes India closer to the US.
What’s Driving China’s Smart City Development?: A Conversation with Alice Ekman
In this episode, Dr. Alice Ekman joins us to discuss China’s smart cities and their impact on technological innovation and infrastructure development. Dr. Ekman explains Beijing’s motives behind its support for smart cities, illustrating the potential economic and political domestic benefits while illuminating the international reach of China’s surveillance model. Finally, she explains the potential risks posed by China’s smart city plans, and how the US and other countries should adapt and react to China’s efforts.
Strategic Shift Underway in UK Relations with China: A Conversation with Charles Parton
In this episode, Charles Parton joins us to discuss China’s evolving relationship with the United Kingdom following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Mr. Parton examines how the UK’s strategic thought toward China has changed over the past decade, and describes how London has only recently awoken to the potential threat China poses to its interests. He also offers insights into what an effective UK approach toward China could look like going forward and outlines steps the UK could take to develop a China strategy that safeguards the UK’s national interests.
China’s Standard-Setting Agenda: A Conversation with Emily de La Bruyère
In this episode, Emily de La Bruyère joins us to discuss China’s push to set international technical standards for the next generation of emerging technologies. Ms. de La Bruyère explains Beijing’s motives behind its China Standards 2035 plan, as well as the major industries and technologies that stand to be most affected by it. She also discusses how the plan relates to other policies and initiatives like Made in China 2025 and Military-Civil Fusion. Finally, she explains the potential risks posed by China’s standard-setting agenda, and how the US and other countries should respond to China’s push to dominate standard-setting in emerging high technologies.
China Courts Closer Ties with Nepal: A Conversation with Gaurab Shumsher Thapa
In this episode, Gaurab Shumsher Thapa joins us to discuss the trajectory of China-Nepal relations and China’s geostrategic interests in Nepal. Mr. Thapa explains the history of China-Nepal relations and analyzes China’s motives in increasing engagement with Nepal in recent years. He also discusses Nepal’s foreign policy of non-alignment and how this serves Nepal’s interests as geopolitical tensions heat up throughout the region.