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 the director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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Featured

China and the Global Rare Earth Trade: A Conversation with Julie Klinger

In this episode, Dr. Julie Klinger joins us to discuss China’s dominance in the rare earths industry. She explains what rare earths are, how rare earth supply chains gradually moved to China, and the ways in which China has dealt with the environmental consequences of rare earth production. Dr. Klinger also addresses China’s efforts to diversify the rare earths supply chain and the potential for China to curtail rare earth shipments to the US as part of the ongoing trade war.

Chinese Interests and Policies in the Middle East: A Conversation with Jon Alterman

In this episode, Dr. Jon Alterman joins us to discuss China’s growing ties to the Middle East and North Africa region, including Chinese geopolitical and economic interests as well as investment. Dr. Alterman analyzes how China has used the Belt and Road Initiative and high-level state visits to deepen its relationships with countries in the region. He also touches on the efficacy of China’s attempt to stay out of the region’s political disputes moving forward.

Rough Waters in the South China Sea: A Conversation with Greg Poling

In this episode, Greg Poling joins us to discuss China’s behavior, motivations, and strategy in the South China Sea, including recent incidents and escalating tensions with the Philippines and Vietnam. Mr. Poling analyzes whether China’s narrative in the South China Sea is a compelling one, and warns of the potential for unintended escalations of violence between claimant states. He also touches on China’s increasing militarization of the South China Sea, and critiques the Trump administration’s strategy to advance US interests in the region.

China and the World Trade Organization: A Conversation with Tu Xinquan

In this episode, Dr. Tu Xinquan joins us to discuss China’s relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the economic impact of its membership since joining in 2001. Dr. Tu evaluates China’s compliance with its WTO obligations, as well as its use of the WTO’s trade dispute mechanism. He also explains China’s recommendations for WTO reform and the role it seeks to play in the organization moving forward.

China’s Nuclear Strategy and Capabilities: A Conversation with Hans Kristensen

In this episode, Dr. Hans Kristensen joins us to discuss China’s nuclear policy, nuclear weapons capabilities, and nuclear doctrine. Dr. Kristensen assesses the significance of Beijing’s no-first-use policy and compares China’s nuclear arsenal with those of other major powers. He also explains potential factors that may lead China to increase its nuclear arsenal and alter its current nuclear strategy in the future.

China’s Evolving Role in the United Nations: A Conversation with Courtney Fung

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Fung joins us to discuss China’s role and actions as a United Nations Security Council permanent member, including its “status dilemma” in the UN, voting and veto records, and evolving position on the Responsibility to Protect. Dr. Fung addresses China’s significant interest in UN Peacekeeping Operations and its desire to play a larger role in global governance. She also offers insights on how China may become a more active participant in the UN, as well as whether China will support UN reform.

Carbon, Climate, and China: A Conversation with Barbara Finamore

In this episode, Barbara Finamore joins us to discuss China’s policies toward climate change, its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the implications for both the country’s energy markets and the global community. Ms. Finamore examines Beijing’s progress on meeting its emissions reduction targets and how its domestic climate change policies have changed over time. She also explains China’s growing use of clean energy technology through investments in new-energy vehicles, solar energy, and wind power.

The Real Costs of Huawei Technology: A Conversation with James Lewis

In this episode, Dr. James Lewis joins us to discuss China’s Huawei Technologies, including the potential inclusion of its technology in 5G infrastructure around the world. Dr. Lewis analyzes the economic and technological appeal of Huawei equipment and details the reasoning behind serious security concerns from the US and other democracies over using Huawei’s technology. He also discusses where countries stand in the global race to adopt 5G technology.