In this episode, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Chad Sbragia joins us to discuss the 2020 Department of Defense (DoD) annual report to Congress entitled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. Deputy Assistant Secretary Sbragia discusses a range of topics including China’s capacity to launch an assault on Taiwan, China’s nuclear strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, military-civil fusion, and China’s perception of global governance. Mr. Sbragia also highlights the growing alignment between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and China’s broader national strategy, and he explores the implication of PLA modernization for stability and crisis prevention in the coming years.
Keyword:US-China relations
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.
US-China Relations in Free Fall?: A Conversation with Lu Xiang
In this episode, Dr. Lu Xiang joins us to discuss souring relations between the US and China. Dr. Lu assesses the overall state of the bilateral relationship, and breaks down recent points of friction like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hong Kong national security law. He also analyzes how the possible outcomes of the 2020 US presidential election might contribute to the improvement or further deterioration of US-China ties. Finally, Dr. Lu shares his expectations for the US-China relationship over the next five to ten years.
China and the Global Rare Earth Trade: A Conversation with Julie Klinger
In this episode, Dr. Julie Klinger joins us to discuss China’s dominance in the rare earths industry. She explains what rare earths are, how rare earth supply chains gradually moved to China, and the ways in which China has dealt with the environmental consequences of rare earth production. Dr. Klinger also addresses China’s efforts to diversify the rare earths supply chain and the potential for China to curtail rare earth shipments to the US as part of the ongoing trade war.
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.
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.
The Slippery Slope of US-China Competition: A Conversation with Wu Xinbo
In this episode, Dr. Wu Xinbo joins us to discuss the state of US-China relations amid increased tension and competition under the Trump administration. He analyzes US intentions toward China as well as China’s views on President Trump, and offers insights on how the two countries will handle sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. Professor Wu forecasts the road ahead for US-China relations in the coming decade along with the implications for the global economy and the international situation.