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Re-calibrating the BRI: A Conversation with Wang Huiyao

In this episode, Dr. Wang Huiyao joins us to discuss the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s vision for the project as a global cooperative effort. Dr. Wang discusses how objectives for the project have evolved since it was first announced in 2013, and analyzes China’s efforts to drive greater investment and participation from the private sector as well as international institutions. He also explains China’s attempts at increasing the transparency of BRI projects in response to criticism and concerns voiced by the international community.

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.

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.

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.

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.