In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Professor Meg Rithmire to discuss U.S.-China economic relations and Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent visit to Beijing. Professor Rithmire explains that the main goal of Secretary Yellen’s visit was to convey the United States’ willingness to discuss difficult issues with Beijing and that the United States does not seek to contain or decouple with China. She explains China’s internal economic challenges and details that, in China’s perspective, its economic challenges can be tied to U.S. trade restrictions. The future of U.S.-China economic relations is still fragile and a long way from stable, Professor Rithmire argues, but both sides are attempting to make improvements by having more frequent meetings.
Keyword:international trade
China’s Coercive Trade Measures toward Australia: A Conversation with Jeffrey Wilson
In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Wilson joins us to discuss China’s expanding trade restrictions against Australia. Dr. Wilson analyzes China’s trade strategy of targeted geoeconomic sanctions and argues that Beijing’s goal is to maximize economic pain without hurting its own welfare. When considering whether China’s trade coercion against Australia is a violation of international law, Dr. Wilson contends that many of China’s actions fall into the grey zone. He discusses Canberra’s decision to file a case against China in the World Trade Organization and contends that Australia will be better positioned to fight the case if it has support from the international community. Finally, Dr. Wilson asserts that the future of China-Australia trade tensions may depend on how U.S.-China relations develop, since China views Australia as an ideal proxy for sending a message to the United States.
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 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.
Mounting Tensions Between China and Sweden: A Conversation with The Honorable Carl Bildt
In this episode, The Honorable Carl Bildt joins us to discuss the deterioration of China-Sweden relations in recent years, as well as changing attitudes in Sweden toward China. Mr. Bildt explains the extent to which Sweden is economically dependent on China, and how it has worked to counter Chinese pressure and interference. He also discusses ongoing diplomatic disputes in the China-Sweden relationship, including the arrest and sentencing of Gui Minhai, and the potential impact on Sweden if the bilateral relationship continues its downward spiral moving forward.
Friction in China-Czech Relations: A Conversation with Richard Turcsányi
In this episode, Dr. Richard Turcsányi joins us to discuss the ups and downs of China-Czech relations, as well as the attitudes within the Czech Republic toward China. Dr. Turcsányi explains the motivations behind the cancellation of the sister city agreement between Prague and Beijing, critical comments about China by the Czech intelligence agency, and China’s investment activities in the Czech Republic. He also discusses how Czech President Miloš Zeman struggles to balance his relationship with the domestic public and China.
Xi-Modi Summit in Chennai, India: A Conversation with Tanvi Madan
In this episode, Dr. Tanvi Madan joins us to discuss Xi Jinping’s October 2019 meeting with Narendra Modi in India, as well as how China-India relations have evolved since their Wuhan Summit in 2018. Dr. Madan analyzes the major strategic and economic factors that are shaping the bilateral relationship, and how US policy toward India affects Sino-Indian ties. She also addresses existing points of contention between the two countries, including disputes over the Kashmir region and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
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.