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Charting Progress in China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Conversation with Jonathan Hillman

In this episode, Mr. Jonathan Hillman joins us to discuss the geopolitical implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in advance of the second Belt and Road Forum. Mr. Hillman analyzes changes in expectations and objectives since the first Forum in May 2017, and expands on how current dynamics have affected the attitudes of China’s BRI partners and the U.S. toward the initiative. He also touches upon how Beijing’s economic and technological ambitions for the BRI have evolved.

China and Russia’s Converging Interests: A Conversation with Alexander Gabuev

In this episode, Mr. Alexander Gabuev joins us to discuss recent developments in China’s relations with Russia and the future trajectory of Sino-Russian ties. He analyzes the ways in which Beijing and Moscow have increased strategic and diplomatic cooperation to further their respective national and geopolitical objectives. Mr. Gabuev also addresses areas of disagreement in the relationship and challenges faced by both parties as they continue to deepen bilateral ties in the face of mounting security and economic pressures.

China’s Relationship with the International Order: A Conversation with Timothy Heath

In this episode, Mr. Timothy Heath joins us to discuss China’s views of and engagement with the international order. He analyzes China’s rise in the postwar era and details findings from a recent RAND Corporation report titled “China and the International Order.” Mr. Heath also assesses China’s behavior toward international norms and its development of multilateral institutions. He proposes how the US might be able to effectively manage China’s growing power and predicts key factors that could impact how Beijing approaches the international order moving forward.

Southeast Asia’s Shifting Security Views: A Conversation with Tang Siew Mun

In this episode, Dr. Tang Siew Mun joins us to discuss evolving Southeast Asian attitudes toward major powers in the region, especially China and the United States. He analyzes the results of a recent survey conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore titled “State of Southeast Asia: 2019.” Dr. Tang explains the impetus driving the shifts in regional views of relations with Beijing, engagements with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, and uncertainty about US commitment to and staying power in the region.

China and the 16+1 Mechanism: A Conversation with Justyna Szczudlik

In this episode, Dr. Justyna Szczudlik joins us to discuss China’s attempts to increase engagement with five Balkan states and eleven EU nations through the 16+1 mechanism. Dr. Szczudlik explains China’s motives for establishing the mechanism and how 16+1 relates to the Belt and Road Initiative. She also assesses how different countries in Central and Eastern Europe view China and the China-Poland relationship in particular.

Conflict and Compromise in China-India Relations: A Conversation with Jagannath Panda

In this episode, Dr. Jagannath Panda joins us to discuss China-India relations, including the significance of the April 2018 Wuhan Summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr. Panda explains how India has side-stepped conflict with China since the 2017 border standoff at Doklam, and analyzes how the economic component of the bilateral relationship has developed despite India’s opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and growing presence in the Indo-Pacific.

FOCAC and China-Africa Ties: A Conversation with Chris Alden

In this episode, Professor Chris Alden joins us to discuss the latest developments in China-Africa relations, including the impact of the most recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. Prof. Alden assesses the role of China’s infrastructure investment in Africa, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, and analyzes China’s growing security interests and presence on the continent.

China-EU Relations: A Conversation with Theresa Fallon

In this episode, Theresa Fallon joins us to discuss China’s evolving relationship with the European Union. Ms. Fallon assesses the outcomes of China’s recent and ongoing engagements in the region, including the Belt and Road Initiative. She also analyzes the impact of the Trump administration and US-China trade war on China-EU ties.