In this episode, Dr. Darren Byler joins us to discuss China’s policies in Xinjiang and policy options for the international community. Dr. Byler analyzes the portrayal of Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic minorities in Xinjiang in comparison to other minorities in China and in relation to the Han majority. He describes how Chinese policymakers have shifted the discourse on policies towards Uyghur Muslims from concerns of “separatism” to concerns of “terrorism,” and evaluates the appropriateness of these terms to the Uyghur and Kazakh populations in Xinjiang. Finally, Dr. Byler discusses the camps in Xinjiang and the responses from the international community towards the camps, and offers suggestions for international policymakers moving forward.
Keyword:Xi Jinping
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.
China’s Commitments to Fighting Climate Change: A Conversation with David Sandalow
In this episode, Mr. David Sandalow joins us to discuss China’s role in the global climate change agenda. Mr. Sandalow argues that Xi’s commitment in his speech to the UN General Assembly for China to become carbon-neutral by 2060 is an opportunity for China to present itself as a global leader on climate change policy. Mr. Sandalow also evaluates the progress China has made since signing the Paris Accords, how technological innovation will help China achieve its climate goals, and the potential impact of a Trump re-election or a Biden presidency on US-China cooperation to address climate change.
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.
The Galwan Valley Clash and China’s Approach to Sovereignty Disputes: A Conversation with M. Taylor Fravel
In this episode, Dr. M. Taylor Fravel joins us to discuss the June 2020 deadly clash along the China-India border and China’s broader approach to sovereignty disputes. Dr. Fravel assesses China’s role in the incident, and analyzes what China’s increased willingness to aggressively advance its interests on sovereignty-related issues signifies about the changing nature of Chinese foreign policy. He also explains the potential role of the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing’s decision-making in territorial and maritime disputes, and examines China’s potential reaction if the Galwan Valley incident pushes India closer to the US.
What’s Driving China’s Smart City Development?: A Conversation with Alice Ekman
In this episode, Dr. Alice Ekman joins us to discuss China’s smart cities and their impact on technological innovation and infrastructure development. Dr. Ekman explains Beijing’s motives behind its support for smart cities, illustrating the potential economic and political domestic benefits while illuminating the international reach of China’s surveillance model. Finally, she explains the potential risks posed by China’s smart city plans, and how the US and other countries should adapt and react to China’s efforts.
Wuhan Goes Viral: A Conversation with Yanzhong Huang
In this episode, Dr. Yanzhong Huang joins us to discuss China’s efforts to control the spread of a coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China. Dr. Huang analyzes Beijing’s response to this outbreak in comparison to its management of the deadly SARS epidemic, and assesses how China has worked with the World Health Organization and the international community to contain the virus. He also explains the risks that the outbreak poses to the legitimacy of Chinese leadership and offers insights into how the government may improve its ability to prevent and respond to future health crises.
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.