In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Yanzhong Huang to discuss the impact of China’s zero-Covid policy and how reopening has affected the country. He explains that China’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic evolved over three phases, the most recent of which occurred in December 2022 with the end of strict controls. Dr. Huang argues that mounting social and economic pressure pushed the Chinese government to make a dramatic policy shift without warning. Lastly, he examines how the end of zero-Covid could contribute to China’s economic recovery, but could also undermine the public’s confidence in Chinese leadership.
Keyword:Xi Jinping
China’s Role on the Korean Peninsula: A Conversation with Dr. Victor Cha
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Victor Cha to discuss the changing dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and the relationship between China and North Korea. He explains that despite outward appearances, the China-DPRK relationship is deeply fraught and not as close as it may seem. Dr. Cha reveals that between a strict Covid-19 lockdown and the sanctions imposed between 2016-2017, North Korea’s dependence on China has fallen and Beijing may now lack adequate tools to place pressure on Pyongyang. Lastly, Dr. Cha challenges the notion that the United States and China share goals for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. Rather, he contends, the two share common ground in wanting to prevent conflict on the peninsula.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2022: Debate 2
This special episode of the ChinaPower Podcast is the second of two featuring the audio from the China Power Project’s seventh annual conference. This debate took place on November 17, 2022 and featured two experts debating the following proposition: “Beijing views a strong China-Russia relationship as a net strategic asset.”
Changing Dynamics between China and Europe: A Conversation with Meia Nouwens and Veerle Nouwens
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Meia Nouwens and Veerle Nouwens join us to unpack the relationship between European countries and China. They begin with an overview of Europe’s relations with China, caveating that the relationship at large is similar, but different countries vary in their approaches to China. Meia explains that European views of China are shifting from seeing it as a potential partner to more of a competitor or systemic rival. Veerle also emphasizes that while European countries and Taiwan have maintained trade relations for years, China has grown more critical of these dialogues, and it is increasingly important for Europe to have clear and consistent messaging about its views on Taiwan. Lastly, they identify important factors that may impact the future of China-Europe relations, including U.S. policy towards China and China’s behavior itself.
China and the National Defense Strategy: A Conversation with Mara Karlin
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Mara Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities at the Department of Defense (DoD) joins us to discuss the latest National Defense Strategy (NDS). Dr. Karlin explains the nature of the new NDS, talking through its renewed focus on China. She states that the DoD views China as “the pacing challenge” for the U.S. military and addresses the range of ways the U.S. military is developing in light of China’s increasing power. Lastly, Dr. Karlin addresses PLA behavior around Taiwan and explains how individual DoD priorities will serve to address challenges presented by China down the road.
A Chinese Reporter’s View of the 20th Party Congress: A Conversation with Chungyan Chow
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Chungyan Chow joins us to discuss China’s recent 20th Party Congress. Mr. Chow explains the procedures of the Party Congress, explaining how reporters gain access and how major speeches are choreographed. He also analyzes Xi Jinping’s speech, arguing that the relative brevity of the speech, when compared to his 19th Party Congress speech, demonstrates Xi’s power. Lastly, Mr. Chow discusses the implications of China’s new leadership on U.S.-China relations, as U.S. policymakers will have to forge relationships and negotiate with new faces in China’s foreign policy establishment.
Controlling China’s Access to Semiconductors: A Conversation with Emily Benson and Gerard DiPippo
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Emily Benson and Gerard DiPippo join us to discuss the recent U.S. export technology controls targeting China’s access to chips. Ms. Benson and Mr. DiPippo explain these recent export control regulations and note that they will impact large portions of China’s technology industry. They also discuss the important role that U.S.-based semiconductors play in the U.S.-China relationship and explain that they have become an essential tool in U.S. economic policy targeting China. Lastly, Ms. Benson and Mr. DiPippo comment on the economic and political impact these export controls will have not only in China, but also on semiconductor firms around the world that rely on China as a key export market.
Evaluating Chinese Foreign Policy Decision-Making: A Conversation with Susan Shirk
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Susan Shirk joins us to discuss trends in China’s politics and how the U.S. can best manage its China policies. Dr. Shirk explains the recent history of China’s politics and how the political climate has shifted since the presidency of Hu Jintao. She also discusses the role of Xi Jinping within China’s government, arguing that Xi’s ongoing anti-corruption campaigns are meant not only to dispel corruption, but also to enforce discipline and centralize power around his leadership. Lastly, Dr. Shirk comments on the state of U.S. policy making towards China, presenting steps that could be taken in both Beijing and Washington to create more substantive and effective relations between both countries.