In this episode, Dr. Darren Byler joins us to discuss China’s policies in Xinjiang and policy options for the international community. Dr. Byler analyzes the portrayal of Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic minorities in Xinjiang in comparison to other minorities in China and in relation to the Han majority. He describes how Chinese policymakers have shifted the discourse on policies towards Uyghur Muslims from concerns of “separatism” to concerns of “terrorism,” and evaluates the appropriateness of these terms to the Uyghur and Kazakh populations in Xinjiang. Finally, Dr. Byler discusses the camps in Xinjiang and the responses from the international community towards the camps, and offers suggestions for international policymakers moving forward.
Keyword:Chinese Communist Party
The Genesis of Chinese Thinking on Sovereignty: A Conversation with Bill Hayton
In this episode, Mr. Bill Hayton joins us to discuss the genesis of China’s thinking about sovereignty and how this history shapes Chinese foreign policy today. He discusses the influence of Western notions of sovereignty on China during the Qing Dynasty and argues that the dynastic tribute system is still reflected to some extent in China’s current international relations. Mr. Hayton frames the volatile South China Sea situation in terms of sovereignty, describing control of the islands as a deeply emotional issue that is emblematic of national pride for China. He also explains how views of sovereignty could affect China’s approach to arms control, resulting in reluctance to accept third-party inspection of compliance with international treaties. Lastly, Mr. Hayton sheds light on China’s vision of an international stage characterized by relationships between individual and sovereign states rather than coalitions and blocs.
Europe and China as Partners or Rivals?: A Conversation with Mikko Huotari
In this episode, Dr. Mikko Huotari joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between Europe and China. He highlights the multifaceted relationship between China and the European Union, noting that the EU has labeled China as both a strategic partner and a systemic rival. Dr. Huotari argues that while the coronavirus has been a driver of recent tensions in the Europe-China relationship, there has been a longer-term negative trend of worsening ties and a lack of progress on policy agendas between the EU and China. Dr. Huotari also evaluates the evolution of European sentiment towards China, security issues regarding China, and assesses the prospect for greater transatlantic cooperation between the United States and Europe on China policy.
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.
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.