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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.

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.

China and the NBA Call a Timeout: A Conversation with Victor Cha

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha joins us to discuss the controversy surrounding China and the NBA, as well as the larger questions about Beijing’s treatment of foreign companies. Dr. Cha describes how the NBA incident has impacted American public opinion toward China, and how it compares to other situations where foreign companies have bowed to Chinese pressure when threatened with loss of access to Chinese markets. He also explains the concept of “predatory liberalism” and how Beijing is able to leverage it so effectively.

The Push, Pull, and Purse of Chinese Public Diplomacy: A Conversation with Samantha Custer

In this episode, Samantha Custer joins us to discuss Chinese public diplomacy and influence operations in the East Asia Pacific region. She sheds light on five key parts of China’s public diplomacy strategy as outlined in AidData’s latest report, Ties That Bind. Ms. Custer also explores the success China has achieved thus far as a result of its public diplomacy efforts and analyzes the implications for East Asia and beyond.