Shows
The China Memo22. China's Luxury Market: From Boom to MaturityChina's personal luxury goods market contracted 3–5% in 2025 following a sharper drop in 2024. But the aggregate numbers mask a wide dispersion: Hermès grew while LVMH, Burberry, and Kering declined double digits in Asia. This episode traces three phases of Chinese luxury demand — the boom years, the post-Covid correction, and the current maturation — and identifies the three structural forces that make this more than a cyclical reset: Guochao brand competition moving up the value chain, grey market and resale normalisation, and the policy overhang around conspicuous consumption. Three markers to watch: onshore spending trajectory relative to macro conditions, Guochao brand perform...
2026-10-0622 min
China CompassAre China's NEW Visa Rules an Open Door? + Evangelism in the Mysterious Mountains of GuilinDue to our ongoing China conferences, I am unable to record a new podcast this week. What follows is a lightly edited show from 2024, that focuses primarily on Guangxi, the province where the grandfather of my current travel partner, Dan Bausum, lived and served. We're going to be sharing some of the stories from today's podcast with the Chinese leaders this coming week. They love to hear the stories of the missionaries who first brought the Gospel to China!
Donate to help cover the expenses for these Chinese pastors/leaders/missionaries: MCI3.org (or contact me for...
2026-09-2149 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeChina Hosts Iranian FM Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting | China in FocusIran’s foreign minister is in Beijing as China weighs its role in the Iran conflict ahead of the expected Trump–Xi summit in Washington.The Chinese Communist Party is using American organizations to sway public opinion. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are scrutinizing the network.The European Union says it’s targeting China’s unfair trade practices, which are putting European companies at a disadvantage.Switching gears to the Huawei trial: A T-Mobile employee testified Wednesday that Huawei employees appeared to take photos of a testing robot in a T-Mobile lab they were not...
2026-09-1719 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeBeijing Bans Talent and Others From Leaving China | China in FocusChina tightens restrictions on who can enter and leave the country, while Americans living in or traveling to China risk arrest and detention.Should the United States slow AI development over concerns that the technology could threaten humanity—or accelerate it to compete with China? Casey Fleming, chairman and CEO of BlackOps Partners, weighs in.The Pentagon offers its strongest admission yet about U.S. weapons in space. The systems are designed to protect U.S. assets and deter competitors, including China and Russia.The Pacific island nation of Palau stands by Ta...
2026-09-1623 minChina CompassCharlie Kirk’s China Warning: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins”I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me (@chinaadventures) on X, email any questions/comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com), and find verything else at PrayGiveGo.us!
In honor of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, I’m re-sharing a lightly edited version of the episode from this time last year when I let him "take the mike", as he discussed many of his thoughts on China in detail on his own show just a week before he was killed.
After a lengthier-than-expected introduction, we work through Kirk’s China takes one by on...
2026-09-1246 minThe China Memo18. What Hermès in China Tells Us About the Luxury DivideIn the first half of 2024, LVMH, Richemont, Burberry, and Kering all reported double-digit revenue declines in Asia. Hermès posted an increase. This episode investigates three competing explanations for that divergence: ultra-HNWI client insulation, the scarcity model creating a demand floor, and the possibility that Hermès is simply experiencing the same slowdown on a delayed timeline. The honest read is that all three contain real content — and that the divergence reflects a stratified Chinese luxury market where the top of the pyramid is holding while the layers beneath compress. Three markers to watch: whether Asia-Pacific growth continues decelerating in 2...
2026-09-0623 minChina CompassChina’s Visa-FREE Boom, Beware the Banned VPNs, Tibetan Internet BlockadeOn today’s China Compass podcast, we work our way through three inter-related articles that flow together, starting with China’s relatively open borders, its banning of many VPN services, and its long-time blockade of Tibet, both physically and virtually. Last, we look at all the Pray for China cities of the week.
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me (@chinaadventures) on Twitter/X where I post new Chinese city prayer profiles every single day, including amazing pics and links to more China resources.You can...
2026-09-0559 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeCanada, U.S. Urged to Unite Against China | China in FocusAluminum trade groups are calling on the United States and Canada not to get stuck in trade wars but to focus on competition from China. What led to the collapse of U.S.–Canada trade negotiations?A new tariff under consideration is putting U.S.–China relations under renewed pressure—just one month before President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Xi Jinping. How is China responding?China-backed hackers have been taken down. U.S. officials say the hackers targeted critical infrastructure, including the Department of Justice, NASA, the Federal Reserve, and the Senate...
2026-08-2823 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeCanada, U.S. Urged to Unite Against China | China in FocusAluminum trade groups are calling on the United States and Canada not to get stuck in trade wars but to focus on competition from China. What led to the collapse of U.S.–Canada trade negotiations?A new tariff under consideration is putting U.S.–China relations under renewed pressure—just one month before President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Xi Jinping. How is China responding?China-backed hackers have been taken down. U.S. officials say the hackers targeted critical infrastructure, including the Department of Justice, NASA, the Federal Reserve, and the Senate...
2026-08-2823 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeU.S. Sanctions Russia, Iran, China and India | China in FocusA cross-border network is under fire. The U.S. is sanctioning entities in Russia, Iran, and China. Officials say they provided support for Iran’s military.Tesla, SpaceX, and China: A new report raises questions about a potential merger, while CEO Elon Musk pushes back. We explore what’s behind the report and the growing trend of companies separating from China operations.China’s economy shows new signs of weakness. Factory activity fell in July as demand declined, while ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and Europe create more challenges for Beijing.F...
2026-08-0122 minChina in Focus - NTD on Odysee6G Race: US and Allies Take on China | China in FocusIt’s said that whoever writes the rules for 6G will shape the future of the global economy. The technology is expected to power artificial intelligence, robots, and drones. The United States just rallied more than 20 allies to ensure democracies write the rules for the next generation of wireless technology.President Donald Trump is weighing in on a reported weapons deal between China and Iran. Here’s why he says Beijing’s actions could impact U.S.–China relations.The war in the Middle East is cutting off the flow of money from China to Iran...
2026-07-3122 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeIran to Receive Missile Systems From China: Reuters | China in FocusFormer White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared Wednesday before a U.S. Senate hearing over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He refused to answer questions more than 100 times. What are senators' reactions to Fauci’s newly released diary?New made-in-China missile systems are reportedly heading to Iran. Why is the deal between Beijing and Tehran drawing attention in Washington?U.S. authorities are targeting "SIM farms" linked to Chinese criminal networks. These facilities are equipped with thousands of SIM cards used for large-scale telecom fraud, including phishing and scam calls.
2026-07-3023 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeChina: U.S. Forced Labor Tariffs Capped at 20 Percent | China in FocusNew U.S. tariffs reignite trade tensions with China. Beijing says Washington agreed to cap forced labor-related tariffs on Chinese goods at 20 percent. We look at what the new tariffs mean for U.S.–China trade.Allen Zhang, research assistant at the Heritage Foundation, says, "A lot of Chinese products are flowing into different markets, undercutting American prices and generally making it hard for American businesses to sustain their operations."The race for 6G is already underway. The United States is teaming up with allies to shape the next wireless era—and counter China's infl...
2026-07-2820 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeU.S., China set stage for September Trump-Xi summit | China in FocusSecretary of State Marco Rubio meets with China's top diplomat as both sides prepare for a possible leaders' summit in Washington this fall. Meanwhile, the Quad sends a strong message on Indo-Pacific security.The United States is weighing new sanctions on China. This time, the fight is over artificial intelligence and alleged technology theft. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "We are finding watermarks of our U.S. large language models on many of the Chinese models."Flooding has swept across China, including the financial hub of Shanghai. Rainwater leaked through roofs, pouring...
2026-07-2321 min
The China in Africa PodcastWhat's Next for China-Africa Trade?There's good news and bad news for African countries in the latest China trade figures released this week. On the positive side, African exports to China surged in May and June, driven by strong demand for oil, metals, and agricultural products. China's new tariff-free policy for African goods is clearly beginning to make a difference. The downside is that almost all of this export growth came from raw, unprocessed commodities, reinforcing Africa's position at the bottom of the industrial value chain. Today, roughly 90% of Africa's exports to China are raw materials, and the latest trade data shows...
2026-07-1744 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeUS Coast Guard Deployed Near China; China’s Q2 Economic Growth Misses Forecasts | China in FocusThe U.S. Coast Guard has deployed forces near China as Washington seeks to counter Beijing’s maritime pressure in the region.President Donald Trump drops fees on cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and reinstated the blockade targeting Iran's oil shipments. What impact will these U.S. moves have on China?China fired a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean that landed near U.S. ally Australia. What message is Beijing sending to the world?“This is really like a dog marking its territory,” Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Mar...
2026-07-1621 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeChina Evacuates 2.8 Million People Amid Typhoon Bavi | China in FocusNearly 3 million people have been evacuated across China as Typhoon Bavi sweeps through East Asia. We have more on the trail of destruction left by the most powerful storm to hit China this year.More than a dozen countries are calling on Beijing to exercise restraint in the South China Sea. The effort extends beyond the United States and its allies in Asia.China is suddenly halting exports of a gas critical to semiconductor production. Here's why chipmakers are sounding the alarm.Lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic are zeroing in...
2026-07-1423 minThe China in Africa PodcastAfrica's China Trade Challenge Isn't Market Access. It's Market Readiness.When China removed import tariffs on goods from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations earlier this year, many hailed the move as a breakthrough that could boost African exports and help narrow the growing trade imbalance between the two sides. While tariff-free access makes it easier for African products to enter the Chinese market, experts caution that tariffs are only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger challenge, says Jing Gu, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, is ensuring that African exporters are truly prepared to compete in one of...
2026-07-1047 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeMassive Flooding, Tornadoes Devastate Parts of China | China in FocusGutted buildings, trapped residents, and one man watched his parents get lifted into the air by a tornado—a look at how massive flooding and tornadoes have devastated parts of China.A strategic railway bridge in Iran was hit by U.S. strikes, damaging a key trade route to China and Russia. The strikes came after Iran resumed attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.Military threats from Russia and China are reaching a new level. The world's largest military alliance is responding with billions of dollars in new defense investments.As...
2026-07-1021 minThe China Memo15. The Glass Backbone: How China's Optical Fiber Feeds the AI EraThe AI conversation is dominated by chips. But before any compute can do useful work, data has to move — through thin strands of glass called optical fiber. And China makes more of it than the rest of the world combined: over half of global fiber and cable, around 65 percent of fiber-optic components, and a single Wuhan cluster called Optics Valley that accounts for roughly a quarter of the international market. This episode traces the arc from China's first optical fiber, pulled in a Wuhan lab in 1976, to the glass backbone now feeding China's AI infrastructure through the "East Data, We...
2026-07-0421 min
China ShortCuts1st July 2026: EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations
This episode contains segments on:
European Commissioner Maros Šefčovič meets with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao;China’s January-May 2026 industrial profits;China’s June 2026 purchasing managers’ index; andMeasures for Industrial and Supply Chain Security Investigations.
Listeners are also invited to attend the event Exclusive Dialogue with Professor Adam Tooze: China Shock 2.0 and EU-US-China Economic Ties on 3rd July online or in person in Beijing.
Contact:
We’d love to hear your feedback. Contact us at website@europeanchamber.com.cn.
Follow the European Chamber on LinkedIn, X, WeChat (europeanchamber), and sign up for...
2026-07-0106 minThe China Memo14. China's Second Great Grid: The Hardware Behind Net Zero and AIChina has crossed an inflection point in its energy transition: the binding constraint is no longer whether it can manufacture renewable energy equipment, but whether its grid infrastructure can absorb, transport, and time-shift what that equipment produces. This episode maps the build-out — the pumped-storage hydro fleet, the battery additions, the UHV transmission lines, and the co-location of data centres with renewable energy clusters — and identifies the structural stakeholders: who benefits from the infrastructure layer, who bears the timing risk from weak market design, and what the second-order commercial shift looks like as value migrates from commodity hardware toward grid equi...
2026-06-2717 minChina in Focus - NTD on OdyseeChina Builds US Destroyer Replica at Missile Test Site; US Breaks China Mineral MonopoliesSatellite images reveal mock-up of a U.S. destroyer at Chinese missile test site. Here's more on what the replica could be used for.China's most advanced aircraft carrier sailed through one of the region's most sensitive waterways: the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, the island is speeding up preparations for a potential war.For the first time in almost two decades, Washington is allowing Iran to get paid in dollars for its oil sales. The temporary relief comes as Tehran allows nuclear inspectors to return.A pushback against Beijing's reach on U.S...
2026-06-2522 minThe China Memo13. China's Renewables and the 2035 System BetIn 2024, China spent close to 940 billion dollars on clean energy — nearly matching what the entire world spent on fossil fuels that same year — and has now installed more than 1.8 terawatts of wind and solar capacity. This episode traces the policy loop that built that scale, from the 2005 Renewable Energy Law through the manufacturing dominance phase, to the 15th Five-Year Plan's pivot toward system integration: transmission corridors, market-based pricing, and storage. Buried in the plan's technical annexes is an implied 2035 target of over 3.6 terawatts of wind and solar and roughly 4,700 gigawatts of total non-fossil capacity — effectively doubling current levels within a deca...
2026-06-2121 min
The China-Global South PodcastChina's Economy Is Stronger and Weaker Than You ThinkTwo very different narratives about China's economy emerged this week. In France, G7 leaders pushed back against what they see as China's growing dominance in key industries. In Beijing, meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry urged observers to look beyond data showing acute economic weakness. The reality is that China's economy is so large and complex that both narratives can be true at the same time. Ker Gibbs, a longtime China-based executive and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, explores this contradiction in his new book, The Fragile Dragon: Trade, Trump, and...
2026-06-1750 min
CD Voice英语新闻丨Xi says China-DPRK relations face new opportunities, missionsRelations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea currently stand at a new historical starting point, facing new development opportunities and shouldering new missions of the times, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said on Monday.Xi made the remarks in a signed article published in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the DPRK, ahead of his state visit to the country on Monday and Tuesday, his first in seven years.Xi said that he looks forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un...
2026-06-0906 minThe China Memo11. National Reading Week: China Wants you to Read More and Scroll LessOn April 20, 2026, China launched its first National Reading Week. Official framing positions it as a cultural initiative — books, libraries, literacy — with no mention of smartphones or screens. This episode argues that framing is accurate but incomplete. Reading Week is the positive-reinforcement arm of a broader state effort to recalibrate how Chinese people spend their attention: the same policy environment that includes school phone bans, gaming time limits for minors, and university research on smartphone harm. Three markers to watch: whether reading metrics actually move over successive Reading Week cycles, whether the positive and restriction tracks begin to converge in poli...
2026-05-2819 minThe China-Global South PodcastWhat Most People Get Wrong About China's Iran StrategyPresident Donald Trump arrived in Beijing this week hoping China could help contain the escalating U.S.-Iran crisis, but the summit underscored how limited Beijing's influence over Tehran actually is. In Washington, many policymakers assume China can pressure Iran because it buys the vast majority of Iranian oil. But the reality is far more complicated, and there is little evidence the Iranian leadership would make major national security concessions at Beijing's request. William Figueroa, a leading Iran-China scholar at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, joins Eric to unpack what U.S. officials...
2026-05-1541 minThe China Memo05. How 2026 Is Stress-Testing China's Energy PlaybookTwo events in early 2026 together amount to the most significant stress test China's energy security strategy has faced in years. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz hit China's petrochemicals and industrial gas supply harder than its power grid, where domestic renewables increasingly carry the load. Meanwhile, the US-backed removal of Maduro in Venezuela didn't cut off China's oil barrels in the short term — but it placed at least ten billion dollars in Chinese state-bank loans inside a political environment designed by Washington to reduce Beijing's leverage.The headline — China facing supply disruptions from...
2026-04-1619 min
China In ContextChina's International Ambitions — A Global Opposition Party?The presidency of Donald Trump has given China fresh opportunities to increase its influence on the international stage. China has long been seeking to expand its role in global governance, proposing initiatives on issues ranging from development and security to the regulation of the internet and AI. It’s also founded the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and is a prime mover in groups including the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. At the recent annual China Development Forum, its premier Li Qiang told an audience of international executives that China was a ‘haven of stability’ in a volatile world. And Be...
2026-04-0144 minChina CompassIs Your Password Safe in Hong Kong? │China's "Superpower" Bid Lacks Two Things │That One Time I Got Caught SmugglingAfter a few personal updates from these past couple of days since returning to Malaysia, I begin by talking about the new Hong Kong security law that empowers gov’t to search phones and other devices, and why this isn’t quite the big deal as some want to make it seem. Also, I talk about Canada’s search of my phone. (7:54). Next, we take a few minutes for a fascinating look at global gasoline prices (22:05). Then, we look at the REALITY of China’s energy consumption (Hint: its not as Green as it seems)(26:50). Another well-written article from India pr...
2026-03-2859 minChina CompassDispatches from Calcutta + Rocket Man's "Election" + India's Complex Affairs with China & TibetToday’s podcast begins back home in Malaysia, then picks up in Calcutta (3:58), followed by dispatches from both Agartala (12:22) and later Siliguri. After making fun of North Korea and China’s national “elections” (15:50), we take a deeper look at China and India’s relationship (25:52), followed by China’s efforts to (literally) silence the languages of the minorities in China (43:51). Lastly, our brief look at this week’s Pray for China cities happens to include (without prior planning) a call to pray for Tibet (55:17).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile...
2026-03-2159 minChina Compass“Rocket Man” Strikes Again: Why Doesn’t China Remove North Korea’s Dictator? (From Hyderabad, India)This week we start by looking at Rocket Man’s latest missile launch, and why China lets him stay around, followed by more thoughts on China and Iran, and then China’s attempts to hack Starlink. Lastly, this week’s Pray for China cities includes a ton of stories and memories.
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Feel free to write anytime: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Al...
2026-03-1455 minThe China-Global South PodcastView From Beijing: Why China is Not Protecting IranConservative media outlets and think tank analysts in the United States have sharply criticized China for what they say is Beijing's failure to support its supposed "allies" in Venezuela and Iran. Their arguments have gained traction on X and other social media platforms, where critics portray China as an unreliable partner that avoids confrontation, especially with the United States. Other analysts dispute that interpretation. Scholars such as Evan Feigenbaum of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace argue the criticism rests on a flawed assumption: that China's relationships with countries like Iran resemble the formal alliance commitments the...
2026-03-1137 minChina CompassXi Avoids Confronting Trump (Because He Needs Him) + China's Fundamental ProblemThis week we begin by looking at an in-depth piece by an astute Japanese observer about China’s current bargaining strategy with the US, balancing Iran and its own internal struggles (3:51), followed by a more cynical view from China hawk Gordon Chang (19:53). Then, after taking a break to look at one aspect of China’s current real-estate troubles (24:57), I try to explain the motivation behind all that China does (or does not do) in the world (40:25). Lastly, we look at all of the Pray for China cities for the coming week (48:18).
Welcome to China Compass on the Figh...
2026-03-0757 minChina Compass23 Ways You're Already Living in the Chinese Century (WIRED) + Canada/Britain Granted Visa Free Access to ChinaOn this week’s China Compass, after looking at China’s newly opened (visa-free) door to Canadian and British nationals, as well as a personal admonition to visit China, we work through what might as well be a Chinese propaganda article from Wired.com, listing 23 ways we are (supposedly) already living in the Chinese century. I sure do hope they got most of these wrong!
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or coun...
2026-02-2159 minThe China-Global South PodcastWhat Maduro's Detention Means for ChinaOne of the prevailing narratives that's emerged following the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro is that this is a major setback for China. Some analysts have called it a "strategic failure" on Beijing's part, while others have described it as "reality check" for China's role as a "global player." But China's ability to influence events in Venezuela and elsewhere in Latin America is extremely limited, so the assessment that what happened in Caracas was a blow to Beijing may also be overstated. Alonso Illueca, CGSP's non-resident f...
2026-01-0652 min
China Ticker054 Planet China & KI-Allianz – Nachhaltigkeit, Seltene Erden und China-Speed
Intro · 00:00:43 – 00:06:13
Rückblick auf den außergewöhnlichen Herbst zwischen Hitze, Schnee und Klimaanlagen-Tuning
Ankündigung des neuen Magazin-Formats mit festen Rubriken
Einführung der neuen Rubrik Planet China
Sven übernimmt weiterhin das KI-Thema mit wechselnden Gästen
Teaser auf drei Gespräche: Planet China, KI-Allianz BW und CIDW
Planet China (Premiere) · 00:06:13 – 00:32:16
Mit Miriam Fritz & Lutz Berners
Worum geht’s
Vorstellung der neuen Rubrik Planet China mit Fokus auf ökologische, wirtschaftliche und soziale Nachhaltigkeit
Miriam Fritz bringt langjährige China-Erfahrung, ESG-Expertise und Lieferkettenwissen ein
Lutz Berners ergänzt aus 25 Jahren Beratungspraxis zu Partnerschaften, Ro...
2025-12-081h 03China CompassIn Case You Missed It: Doug Wilson Joins China CompassBack in October I sat down with Pastor Doug Wilson in Moscow, Idaho to have a conversation on all things China. I was excited to get his perspective, since he has personally lived through much of China’s modern communist history. It was a fun conversation, and Doug seemed to think so too. He later wrote the following on his blog's weekly Cluster Muster:
"I was recently on an interesting podcast that was quite different from my usual podcast interview topics."
In our 30+ minute conversation, we touched on many topics including the Great Leap Forward, Ma...
2025-12-0459 minChina CompassChina Gaslights Indian Lady, Pastors Avoid "Tiger Chair" Torture (For Now), Tieli Dog Cafes (+ Dan the Man)On today's episode we begin by discussing China's arbitrary detaining of an Indian transit passenger in Shanghai, and how that connects with China's territorial disputes with both India and Japan, as well as China's cult-like believe in the "One China" propaganda.
Next, we look at a small group of pastors who were arrested in October, and how they turned their cells into outreach centers, and avoided beating and torture (for now). They hope to return to prison soon (seriously)!
And last, as we go through this week's Pray for China cities, a number of things c...
2025-11-3059 minChina CompassChina Aims to Eradicate All Religion + China's (Cult-like) Distortion of RealityToday's episode covers a lot of ground, from China's death penalty and corruption, to persecution, to it's cult-like protection of the "one-China" policy, to its war against religion, and much more...
Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us!
Speaking of my books, I had a bit of an issue with Amazon Publishing this past week… but my books are back on...
2025-11-2259 minCD Voice英语新闻丨China, Spain agree to advance partnershipPresident Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is willing to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence, as he met with King Felipe VI of Spain, the first Spanish monarch to make a state visit to China in 18 years.The four-day trip, which started on Monday, comes as the highlight of a series of high-level interactions between the two countries, following a visit in April by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made three visits to China in the past three years....
2025-11-1404 minCD Voice英语新闻丨China slams Japan leader's egregious comments about Taiwan China on Wednesday expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to egregious remarks about Taiwan made in parliament by Japan's leader, saying they severely violated the one-China principle and constituted gross interference in China's internal affairs.北京——中国周三对日本领导人在国会发表的涉台恶劣言论表示“强烈不满和坚决反对”，称其严重违反一个中国原则，是对中国内政的粗暴干涉。"The world has only one China and Taiwan is part of China," said Chen Binhua, aspokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular press conference when asked about these comments.中国国务院台湾事务办公室发言人陈斌华在例行新闻发布会上回应相关提问时表示：“世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。”Chen's remarks came after Japan's leader recently made statements concerning Taiwan during a parliamentary session. These statements drew sharp criticism from China.此前，日本领导人近期在国会会议期间就台湾问题发表相关言论，引发中国方面强烈批评。"Japan has committed crimes in history against the Chinese people on the Taiwan question," Chen stated, noting that during its colonial rule over Taiwan for half a century, Japan committed innum...
2025-11-1302 minThe China in Africa PodcastWhy China's Ability to Make a $6 Toaster is a Big Problem for the Global SouthChina is breaking the rules of development. Typically, as countries progress up the value chain, they transition from agriculture to light industry, then to heavy industry, and ultimately to high-technology and services. And as they move up the value chain, this creates opportunities for less-developed countries to advance. But China's not doing that. Chinese manufacturers are holding on to their immense productive capacity, enabling them to produce both low-tech sneakers and high-tech semiconductors at a scale and cost that are unrivaled. Now, as developing countries around the world seek to move up the value chain...
2025-11-1222 minThe China-Global South PodcastWhy China's Ability to Make a $6 Toaster is a Big Problem for the Global SouthChina is breaking the rules of development. Typically, as countries progress up the value chain, they transition from agriculture to light industry, then to heavy industry, and ultimately to high-technology and services. And as they move up the value chain, this creates opportunities for less-developed countries to advance. But China's not doing that. Chinese manufacturers are holding on to their immense productive capacity, enabling them to produce both low-tech sneakers and high-tech semiconductors at a scale and cost that are unrivaled. Now, as developing countries around the world seek to move up the value chain...
2025-11-1222 minChina CompassLive from Hong Kong: Voddie Baucham in Kowloon│NBA Back in Bed With ChinaToday I am recording (almost) live from Hong Kong, China. . . After sharing some fascinating and moving clips of a sermon Voddie Baucham preached here in Kowloon last year, we follow a thread that connects Voddie’s critique of LeBron James in his book “Fault Lines” with the NBA’s hypocrisy and its unholy relationship with China. And last but not least, I had time to talk through the Pray for China cities of the week, including one I will be seeing here in the next few days!
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Net...
2025-09-2755 minChina CompassChina’s WW2 Hubris│Tibet’s Grand Canyon is the World’s Deepest (19k ft! Dam!)(If you're wondering what the "dam" is about, or why it's mispelt (it's not), just listen...)
After a short intro, we jump into the first headline of the week: China Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Defeat of Japan and End of WW2 (1:16). Next, we jump right into China’s 60th Anniversary celebration of subjugating Tibet (12:01), followed by a look at the “run-of-the-river” dam being built in Tibet along a stretch of the river that flows through the world’s deepest canyon (16:51). Finally, today’s show ends with an extended interview with my buddy Jake, who tells some stories after work...
2025-09-0659 minChina CompassArrested for Spying on North Korea, Illegal in Tibet, and China's Wild, Wild WestChina Compass Sponsors:
Pray for China
Interceding for all the Cities of China
PrayforChina.us
Unbeaten
The Story of My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China
Unbeaten.vip
The Memoirs of William Milne
200th Anniversary Edition!
https://milne.my/
Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary
No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regrets
www.BordenofYale.com
The Autobiography of John G. Paton
Prayer, Perseverance, and the Tr...
2025-08-2300 minChina CompassShould We Want More (Or Less) Chinese Students in America? │Family Vacay in China?Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, back in OKC, but packing for our move to Malaysia this week! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China. X is also the best way to contact me. Just follow and send a DM. You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com
After reintroducing myself and giving my China bonafides (0:40), I talk all about why Chinese students should or shouldn’t study in the USA (5:15). Next, we look at the Pray fo...
2025-06-1458 minChina CompassTrump's China Trade Truce In Trouble │Hide ‘N Seek with the Chinese PoliceWelcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, coming to you from the Pacific Northwest! Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). X is also the best way to contact me. Just follow and either tag me in a message or send a DM.
After discussing Trump’s China trade truce trouble and potential Chinese student deportations (1:00), I talk a bit about the Uyghur diaspora’s problems with Chinese spies and the mechanism China has used to con...
2025-05-3157 minChina CompassTrump Drinks Chinese Kool-Aid (Will China "Fully Open” To American Businesses?) │ Debating Trump vs China on Steve Deace ShowToday I first discuss Trump’s recent comments about China “opening up” to the US (1:21). Next, I share my tweet that made the Steve Deace show Wednesday, critiquing their response (15:41). Last, we finish up with our weekly Pray for China segment, including a few new stories and book recommendations (31:31).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, coming to you today (almost live?) from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). X is also the best w...
2025-05-1757 minChina CompassLive from Hong Kong: China Will “Never Kneel Down!” (Except On the Necks of Martyrs) │How Has Hong Kong Changed Since the Handover?Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, coming to you today (tomorrow?) from Hong Kong, my old stomping grounds!
I begin by talking about how Hong Kong has changed (or not) over the last 20 or so years, and look at a couple of recent news articles that deal with the changes (0:18). Next, I go into more detail about the Hong Kong changeover in 1997 (23:46). Then, I talk about China’s tariff situation and laughable propaganda attempt (35:30), before finishing with a moving missionary martyr story and our weekly Pray for...
2025-05-101h 03China CompassChinese Grandma Jailed (4 Years!) for Giving Away Bibles and Why You Should Ignore China’s "New" Missionary BanAfter a brief intro, I begin by looking at why Xi refuses to negotiate with Trump on tariffs (1:50). Next, I talk about the state of Christian publishing in China (8:45), followed by an extended look at some recent persecution of Chinese believers (16:23), Then, after a deep dive into the newly revised rules for the religious activities of foreigners in China (32:15), we finish with our weekly Pray for China segment (54:06).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray...
2025-04-2759 minChina CompassEaster in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants │Bible Tariffs?Today I begin by remembering Borden of Yale’s death in April of 1913, as well as talking about what Easter looks like in China (1:13. Next, I go into a lengthy discussion on Vance’s comments on Chinese peasants, China’s reaction, and the reality of China’s urban vs rural divide (11:05). Lastly, I talk about whether or not tariffs will affect Bibles printed in China (53:00), followed by a short Pray for China segment right at the very end (57:00).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@c...
2025-04-2059 minChina CompassTariff Wars: China Digs In│Influencer Propaganda: Will the “Real” China Please Stand Up? (China CompassThis week I begin with going back over my China “bonifides” (0:00), before jumping into the crazy tariff war news from China, where I touch on many different aspects of the situation, and quote many different sources (9:17). Lastly, we have a more brief than usual Pray for China segment, which includes a couple of stories from when I set up my business in China back in 2007 (50:58).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post detailed daily reminders to pray for C...
2025-04-121h 01China CompassChina’s Trump Tariff Retaliation │Xi’s Disappearing Generals │Stolen PassportToday we start with news from China (Xi Jinping's Disappearing Generals, China’s Tariff Retaliation, Delay of Panama Canal Port Sale) (1:32), followed by an extended Pray for China segment, which includes a number of fun stories from my years in China (25:58).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post detailed daily reminders to pray for China (www.PrayforChina.us). BTW, X is also the best way to get in touch with me. Either tag me with a question or comment, or...
2025-04-0557 minChina CompassChina’s Economic Woes │Chinese Prostitution Grows │A Grief ObservedWe start with news about China’s economic woes (1:10), followed by our Pray for China segment, where I share stories (among other things) of fried frogs and prostitution (22:27). Finally, I share excerpts from the journals of the grieving missionary William Milne on the anniversary of his wife Rachel’s death (38:01).
Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post detailed daily reminders to pray for China (www.PrayforChina.us). BTW, X is also the best way to get in touch with me...
2025-03-2252 minChina CompassCritiquing a China Hawk / Redeeming DeepSeek? / China-HK vs Panama-USWelcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). Check out all of the other things we are involved in @ PrayGiveGo.us.
I begin by discussing a ministry that has blessed us (WMPress.org)(3:57), followed by a critique of Gordon Chang’s “tone” on his “Outstanding” podcast interview (11:05). Next, we work our way through this week’s China related news (20:58), some of which was discussed by Gordon Chang: redeeming DeepSeek, USAID’s China-focused NGOs, Asian Il...
2025-02-0956 minChina CompassChina’s Struggling Economy / Critiquing Carter / My First Letter Home from ChinaWelcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ contact at PrayforChina dot us. You can also find easy links to everything we are involved in @ PrayGiveGo.us.
Summary:
First, I take a few minutes to look at China’s current struggles (1:30). Then I take another look at Jimmy Carter’s China legacy (8:03). Next I talk about my first true...
2025-01-1159 minChina CompassChina's Slowdown Helps US in Trade War / "I Don't Want Your Jesus" - Guilin Mountain ChiefWelcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com.
You can also find easy links to everything we are involved in @ PrayGiveGo.us!
Summary
Today I begin by discussing the recent US-China Trade War (2:13), followed by the latest rule changes for tourist visits to China (12:39). Then I talk all about Gu...
2024-12-2157 minChina CompassThe Many Martyrs of Hebei / China’s “Mass Shootings” and Chinese “Statistics”Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. B.F. Westen is my pen name, for security reasons. If you want to see the missionary books I’ve published and learn more about our work, you can find easy links to everything @ PrayGiveGo.us!
Pray for China Province of the Week: Hebei
H...
2024-11-2443 minChina CompassChina’s South American Concubines & Wannabe Polygamy in Paradise (w/ Denny in "House Arrest")Welcome to China Compass! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. B.F. Westen is my pen name, for security reasons. If you want to see the missionary books I’ve published and learn more about our work, you can find easy links to everything @ PrayGiveGo.us!
Today I join my good friend and China ministry partner, Denny, as he continues in hou...
2024-11-1659 minChina CompassHeartbreaking Martyr Tales / First Impressions of Wuhan / China Reacts to Trump VictoryWelcome to China Compass! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. B.F. Westen is my pen name, for security reasons. If you want to see the missionary books I’ve published and learn more about our work, you can find easy links to everything @ PrayGiveGo.us!
Pray for our team in China right now!
China Reacts to Trum...
2024-11-1059 minChina CompassWalz Gets China Propaganda Boost, Biden "Stabbed in the Back" / Yunnan Missionaries & MartyrsWelcome to China Compass! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. B.F. Westen is my pen name, for security reasons. If you want to see the missionary books I’ve published and learn more about our work, you can find easy links to everything @ PrayGiveGo.us!
The Memoirs of William Milne (200th Anniversary Edition!) is now live on Amazon:
htt...
2024-10-121h 00China CompassThe 7 “Speak-Nots” of Modern China, Gladys Aylward: The Great Little Missionary, and the "Ghastly Summer of 1900"Welcome to China Compass! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. And if you want to learn more about everything we are doing, visit PrayGiveGo.us
I've been back from my trip to Malaysia, Thailand, Macau, and Hong Kong for a few days now…
The Memoirs of William Milne (Kindle and print versions) is now live on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co...
2024-10-051h 00China CompassMillions of Unadoptable Babies, China's 3 Forbidden "T's", and the Martyrs of TianjinWelcome to China Compass! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. And if you want to learn more about everything we are doing, visit PrayGiveGo.us.
‘Matter of national pride’: Nationalism, not overpopulation, behind China foreign adoption ban
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-end-foreign-adoptions-national-pride-population-4605906
Pro-Life Training in China
https://www.passionlife.org/what-i-saw-in-china/
China’s 3 Forbidden “T’s”: Tibet, T...
2024-09-1455 min
China Books PodcastEp. 7: Why China's ahead in the green energy 'gold rush'China has bet big over the past couple of decades on how building up its renewable energy sector -- solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and their batteries, and the metals and minerals that make them all possible -- will help China achieve a dominant global position in an essential field. So far, with intensifying climate change making the need to speed the transition from fossil fuels to renewables ever more urgent, China is winning that bet. China's efforts, with fierce competition within its private sector spurred by government incentives, have driven down the global cost of so...
2024-04-0249 min
China Books PodcastEp. 5: China's Economic Challenges, ExplainedThe sizzle has come off of China's decades of economic growth, as the country contends with deflation, slumping consumer confidence, plummeting foreign investment, a cratered urban property sector, high local government debt, overcapacity in manufacturing, and a private sector cowed by government crackdowns, as well as a shrinking workforce and an aging population.For all that, China is still the world's second largest economy, the largest trading partner of most of the world's countries, and one of the world's biggest bilateral lenders. And China listed its economic growth rate in 2023 as a respectable 5.2 percent, causing more than...
2024-02-061h 09
China Books PodcastEp. 4: How "Leftover Women" may reshape China's futureA funny thing happened at the height of China's economic boom, as more and more Chinese women were getting college degrees, good jobs, and promising careers. The government launched a propaganda campaign, urging women to get married young, before they became "yellowed pearls". Leta Hong-Fincher captured that phenomenon in her book Leftover Women (2014). A decade later, with a new updated edition of Leftover Women just out, Leta joins the China Books podcast to talk about why China's Communist Party leaders are still so focused on micro-managing the personal lives of women. President Xi Jinping himself m...
2024-01-0247 min
China Books PodcastEp. 3: How China's Future Looked in the PastDreams of a better future have driven many a revolution, but not all have turned out the way the dreamers imagined. China's early revolutionaries, a century ago, aimed to rid the country of what they saw as corrupt capitalism and the world of colonialism and imperialism. Instead, they said, socialism would bring a future of peace, prosperity, equality, and social justice. Not all of that worked out. One of the dreamers was Chen Hansheng, a prominent Western-educated public intellectual who wrote, lectured, and taught in the United States while secretly working for the Soviet Comintern and C...
2023-12-0547 min
China in the World10 Years of US-China Trade RelationsTo commemorate the 10th anniversary of the China in the World podcast, Carnegie China is launching a series of lookback episodes, using audio clips from previous interviews to put current international issues in context. For the fifth and final episode in this series, the podcast looks back on 10 years of US-China trade relations. US-China trade ties have undergone significant changes since the launch of the China in the World podcast. In March 2012, the United States, the EU, and Japan filed a dispute at the World Trade Organization over China’s quota on exporting rare earth metals. That sam...
2023-10-3136 min
China DispatchesEpisode 23: European companies’ dilemma about localising R&D into China
European companies’ dilemma about localising R&D into China
The European Chamber, in partnership with the Mercator Institute for China Studies, (MERICS) launched the joint-report China’s Innovation Ecosystem: The localisation dilemma on 21st April. The report was the second of a planned three rounds of surveys and interviews among the Chamber’s members on European companies’ research and development (R&D) activities in China.
In this episode, our host Mariann Nagy, policy and communications manager at the European Chamber, is joined by Kris Van Gasse, vice chair of the European Chamber’s R&D working group, and Jacob...
2023-05-2335 min
China in the WorldEmpires of Ideas: Higher Education in China and the United StatesIn this episode of the China in the World podcast, Paul Haenle speaks with William C. Kirby, T.M. Chang Professor of China Studies and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration at Harvard University. The discussion highlights Dr. Kirby’s new book, Empires of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China (Harvard University Press: 2022). Kirby’s book chronicles two revolutions in higher education over the last two centuries–the birth of the research university and its integration with the liberal education model–drawing illuminating comparisons between notable universities in the United States, Germany, and China. Haenle a...
2023-05-0849 min
China DispatchesThe Journey to China
The Journey to China
In this two-year anniversary episode, we revisit what it is like to travel to China during the pandemic, having also focussed on this topic in the inaugural China Dispatches episode in September 2020. Hear from European Chamber insiders, States’ Representative Peter Ling-Vannerus, and staff members Robbie Jarvis, policy and communications manager, and Charlotte Svensson, policy and communications coordinator, as they discuss their individual experiences and the challenges they faced when trying to come or return to China in the past few weeks. Before the discussion begins, our host Gao Rui, senior marketing manager at the European Ch...
2022-09-1539 min
China in the WorldU.S.-China Relations Amid the War in UkraineAs President Biden wraps up his first year in office and as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to reorient the international order, China watchers reflect on the evolution of U.S.-China relations since President Nixon’s first visit to China in February 1972. 50 years later, there remain significant risks and tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. How has the bilateral relationship changed since diplomatic normalization? What are the main features of Biden’s approach to China? How will Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine impact U.S.-China ties and China’s place in the world? On...
2022-04-0542 min
Young China WatchersFilip Šebok on China in Central EuropeAs our European chapters continue a deep dive into the relations between China and the Visegrád Four countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia), we invited Czech analyst Filip Šebok to discuss China's role in Czech domestic politics and the future of the 17+1 initiative. Our host for this interview is Mirela Petkova, a former Junior Researcher at the EU & Global Affairs Unit at Clingendael, and a writer for the Young China Watchers editorial team.
If you'd like to find out more about developments in Central Europe regarding China, be sure to check out our recent webinar, in w...
2021-04-0921 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsU.S.-China Maritime Conflict and Dispute Management in the South China SeaAbout the speakers: ncuscr.org/event/dispute-management-south-china-sea
Tensions between the United States and China regarding the South China Sea are rising along with the recent broader breakdown of bilateral relations. The legitimacy of historical rights claims, entitlements and rights of other claimant states such as the Philippines and Vietnam, and the boundaries of freedom of navigation operations are among the central issues. Despite their differences, both the United States and China wish to avoid conflict and uphold professionalism at sea.
Is there any significant space for cooperation in South China Sea interactions beyond military engagement, including biodiversity protection and Coast...
2020-10-281h 28
NCUSCR EventsU.S.-China Maritime Conflict and Dispute Management in the South China SeaTensions between the United States and China regarding the South China Sea are rising along with the recent broader breakdown of bilateral relations. The legitimacy of historical rights claims, entitlements and rights of other claimant states such as the Philippines and Vietnam, and the boundaries of freedom of navigation operations are among the central issues. Despite their differences, both the United States and China wish to avoid conflict and uphold professionalism at sea. Is there any significant space for cooperation in South China Sea interactions beyond military engagement, including biodiversity protection and Coast Guard activities? What role...
2020-10-281h 28Young China WatchersU.S.-China Cyber Policy with Julia VooThis month, Sam sits down with Julia Voo, former head of YCW Beijing and current Research Director of the China Cyber Policy Initiative. The two discuss Julia’s recent paper, which explains how the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (USDFC) can help America compete with China in telecommunications investment in African and other developing markets.
Sam and Julia discuss the scope of China's digital silk road and the battle between the U.S. and China over internet infrastructure and influence throughout the Global South. Julia touched on the USDFC’s potential to "balance Chinese influence in developing mark...
2020-03-0919 minYoung China WatchersThe 2019 Young China Watchers ConferenceFor the final episode of the year, Sam presents a few highlights from the 2019 Young China Watchers Conference, held in partnership with the Lau China Institute at King’s College London.
The podcast begins with opening remarks from James Tunningley of YCW and Dr. Igor Rogelja of Lau China Institute. Tunningley provides an overview of a range of important events which took place over the past year, and introduces the theme of the conference, ‘PRC at 70: Behind the Headlines.’ Rogelja elaborates on the importance of transcending simplistic narratives, especially at a time when the debate over containment versus...
2019-12-1723 minYoung China WatchersU.S.–China Peace Talks With Oriana Skylar MastroIn August’s episode of the YCW Podcast, Sam speaks with Oriana Skylar Mastro, Assistant Professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University and an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Oriana’s new book “The Costs of Conversation: Obstacles to Peace Talks in Wartime” explores case studies of conflicts in Asia, laying out a framework to explain why states do not engage diplomatically with their adversaries.
People sometimes assume that states are in frequent contact while in conflict. Oriana argues that this is not the case. She points out that in the majority of conflicts since the S...
2019-08-0223 minYoung China WatchersThe Brokers of China's Development With Kyle JarosFor this month’s episode, Sam sat down with Kyle Jaros, Associate Professor in the Political Economy of China at the University of Oxford.
They discussed Kyle’s new book, “China’s Urban Champions: The Politics of Spatial Development”, which took four provincial case studies in Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, Jiangxi and analyzed the relationships between local leaders, provincial leaders, and Beijing, as well as the roles occupied by other regional stakeholders. Kyle talked about his research methods, decisions, and challenges, highlighting his goal to cover issues unique to each province as well as identity their points of overlap.
2019-07-0418 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsNicholas Lardy: The End of Economic Reform in China?In his new book, The State Strikes Back: The End of Economic Reform in China?, NCUSCR Vice Chair Nicholas R. Lardy of the Peterson Institute for International Economics draws upon new data to trace how Chinese President Xi Jinping's support of state-owned enterprises has begun to diminish the role of the market and private firms in China's economy. Dr. Lardy argues that China has the potential to match growth rates from previous decades, but only if it returns to a path of market-oriented reforms. At a National Committee corporate member luncheon on March 8, 2019, Dr. Lardy discussed the impact of revived...
2019-03-121h 12
China Money Podcast - Audio EpisodesLisa Randall: China’s Ambition In Building Particle Collider Can Be "Ground-Breaking"As moviegoers were mesmerized by the futuristic stories in Christopher Nolan's science fiction film Interstellar, Harvard University's theoretical physicist Lisa Randall says the high-grossing movie - even though "technically accurate" - failed to illustrate the type of extra dimensions she tries to picture in her own mind.
"They have to make it [the fifth dimension] visible to people looking at the screen, which means that some of the subtle effects - that are on scales that you'd never be able to see with your naked eyes, won't be shown in the movie," Randall explains in a recent interview with China...
2018-11-1321 minChina Money Podcast - Audio EpisodesHao Jingfang: China Faces Challenges To Succeed In Fundamental Research Due To Short-Term ThinkingJack Ma said last month that China needs to focus on "new manufacturing", while the U.S. launched a trade war in order to bring "old manufacturing" back to the world's largest economy.
Putting the contrast aside, the focus on new manufacturing has never been stronger in China. Efforts to build smart factories and government subsidies toward the initiative are growing across the country.
A recent report published by the China Development Research Foundation, a think tank initiated by the Development Research Center of the State Council, documented some of such campaigns.
In one example, Dongguan, a small city in...
2018-10-0913 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsHistory of China’s Foreign Relations: Author Interview - John GarverDr. John Garver, author of China’s Quest: The History of the Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China discussed his book with National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Vice President Jan Berris on April 14, 2016 in New York City.
When the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, China was in a state of disarray. Decades of occupation and civil war had left the country fractured and impoverished. The nation embarked on an ambitious effort to overhaul its economic and political systems. While its domestic agenda was the priority for the Communist Party of China, China had to...
2018-03-0728 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsChina’s Economy: Interview with Author Arthur KroeberOn August 24, 2015, global financial markets plunged following China’s “Black Monday,” the largest sell-off in the history of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Following a burst in the stock market bubble in June 2015, trillions of dollars were erased from the stock index throughout the summer, with the largest day of losses hitting on Black Monday. The sheer scale of the stock market crash, accompanied by weak manufacturing data and an unexpected devaluation of China’s currency exacerbated long held concerns by some economists that China’s economic development was unstable. In his new book, China’s Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know, Arthur...
2018-03-0716 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsThe Business Environment in China: John Frisbie, USCBC PresidentHeading into 2016, some expected a sharp decline in China’s economic growth. So far, China has avoided a hard landing and continues to meet its modified growth targets, but the slowdown is clearly real. As China adjusts to its “new normal,” business leaders remain anxious about the long term prospects of the world’s second largest economy. Concerned about lagging structural reforms, high corporate debt ratios, stock market volatility, and hesitant policy responses, market sentiment is softening, and uncertainty prevails. Slowing growth has also reduced American corporate profits, but China is still the most attractive emerging market in the world, and most...
2018-03-0714 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsHoward French: How the Past Shapes China’s Push for PowerAuthor Howard French discusses his new book Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Shapes China's Push for Global Power. Until the mid-19th century, China occupied the premier place in East Asia’s political order. Exercising cultural and political hegemony through a set of tributary relationships with its neighbors, China’s imperial bureaucrats developed a conception of rule different from the Westphalian idea of individual nation states. After more than a century of political turmoil, China is once again asserting itself on the global stage, and many observers have interpreted China’s present ambitions as an attempt to restore its fo...
2018-03-0725 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsJames Stent: China's Banking: The Untold StoryChina watchers have long predicted the imminent collapse of China’s banking system. Between increased reliance on unstable funding sources, and an expanding credit to GDP gap, experts’ concerns are not unwarranted. Yet the collapse has not happened. In China’s Banking Transformation: The Untold Story, former banking director James Stent looks at what the experts have been missing, and why their predictions have not materialized. On June 5, 2017, Mr. Stent joined National Committee President Stephen Orlins for a discussion of his book, his views on the Chinese banking sector, and what they mean for our understanding of China’s political economy...
2018-03-0714 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsCheng Li on the Rising Influence of Think Tanks in ChinaA call to action by President Xi Jinping has led to significant resources being devoted to the development and expansion of China’s think tanks. While some critics have derided them as “tanks without thinkers,” China’s think tanks play a growing part in the crafting of domestic and foreign policies. In addition, their connections to party leadership make them an invaluable window through which foreign scholars and officials can observe both the Chinese intellectual discourse and policymaking process.
In a pioneering new study, The Power of Ideas: The Rising Influence of Thinkers and Think Tanks in China, Dr. Cheng Li of th...
2018-03-0717 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsHistory of China’s Foreign Relations: Author John GarverDr. John Garver, author of China's Quest: The History of the Foreign Relations of the People's Republic of China discussed his book with National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Vice President Jan Berris on April 14, 2016 in New York City.
When the People's Republic of China was established in 1949, China was in a state of disarray. Decades of occupation and civil war had left the country fractured and impoverished. The nation embarked on an ambitious effort to overhaul its economic and political systems. While its domestic agenda was the priority for the Communist Party of China, China had to develop...
2018-03-071h 07
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsBusiness Environment in China – USCBC Survey: John FrisbieHeading into 2016, some expected a sharp decline in China’s economic growth. So far, China has avoided a hard landing and continues to meet its modified growth targets, but the slowdown is clearly real. As China adjusts to its “new normal,” business leaders remain anxious about the long term prospects of the world’s second largest economy. Slowing growth has reduced American corporate profits, but China is still the most attractive emerging market in the world, and most companies have decided to stay. The US-China Business Council’s (USCBC) Annual Membership Survey captures how American companies view the changing business environmen...
2018-03-0727 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsHow the Past Shapes China’s Push for Power: Author Howard FrenchAuthor Howard French discusses his new book Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Shapes China's Push for Global Power. Until the mid-19th century, China occupied the premier place in East Asia’s political order. Exercising cultural and political hegemony through a set of tributary relationships with its neighbors, China’s imperial bureaucrats developed a conception of rule different from the Westphalian idea of individual nation states. After more than a century of political turmoil, China is once again asserting itself on the global stage, and many observers have interpreted China’s present ambitions as an attempt to restore its fo...
2018-03-071h 23
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsSocial Assistance in China: Author Qin GaoEven as the China’s economic reforms in the 1980s and 90s laid the foundation for it to become an economic powerhouse, increasingly wide gaps opened up between rich and poor, leaving behind those ill equipped to compete in a market economy. The massive changes taking place were also reflected in the uneven distribution of social welfare benefits, which tended to accrue to those best positioned to succeed under the new system. In 1993, Shanghai implemented a minimum livelihood guarantee or dibao, an anti-poverty safety net. Since then, the program has expanded throughout China and is centrally regulated. Today, it serves as...
2018-03-071h 13
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsChina's Banking: The Untold Story - James StentChina watchers have long predicted the imminent collapse of China’s banking system. Between increased reliance on unstable funding sources, and an expanding credit to GDP gap, experts’ concerns are not unwarranted. Yet the collapse has not happened. In China’s Banking Transformation: The Untold Story, former banking director James Stent looks at what the experts have been missing, and why their predictions have not materialized. On June 5, 2017, Mr. Stent joined National Committee President Stephen Orlins for a discussion of his book, his views on the Chinese banking sector, and what they mean for our understanding of China’s political economy...
2018-03-071h 11
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsCheng Li on the Rising Influence of Think Tanks in ChinaA call to action by President Xi Jinping has led to significant resources being devoted to the development and expansion of China’s think tanks. While some critics have derided them as “tanks without thinkers,” China’s think tanks play a growing part in the crafting of domestic and foreign policies. In addition, their connections to party leadership make them an invaluable window through which foreign scholars and officials can observe both the Chinese intellectual discourse and policymaking process. In a pioneering new study, The Power of Ideas: The Rising Influence of Thinkers and Think Tanks in China, Dr. Cheng Li of th...
2018-03-071h 01
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsMary Gallagher: Authoritarian Legality in ChinaOver the last three and a half decades, China’s rise has largely been underpinned by two great transitions: from socialism to capitalism, and from agriculture to industry. The workplace and the institutions that govern it have served as the critical link that enabled these transitions to take place. As these processes continue, the interests of the central government and Chinese workers have converged upon improved working conditions and formalization of employment. Workers have naturally sought greater security in their new urban homes, and China’s leaders have seen the long-term strategic utility of better labor laws as the country move...
2018-03-071h 07
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsMary Gallagher: Authoritarian Legality in ChinaOver the last three and a half decades, China’s rise has largely been underpinned by two great transitions: from socialism to capitalism, and from agriculture to industry. The workplace and the institutions that govern it have served as the critical link that enabled these transitions to take place. As these processes continue, the interests of the central government and Chinese workers have converged upon improved working conditions and formalization of employment. Workers have naturally sought greater security in their new urban homes, and China’s leaders have seen the long-term strategic utility of better labor laws as the country move...
2018-03-0717 min
National Committee on U.S.-China RelationsZhu Feng: Maritime Issues in the South China SeaZhu Feng, director of China Center for Collaborative Studies of the South China Sea at Nanjing University, discusses maritime issues involving China, including China's island construction in the South China Sea, Chinese engagement in international boundary dispute mechanisms, and the effect of China's relative size as a factor in maritime discussions.
Zhu Feng, who is also a senior researcher at the China Center for Peace and Development and a professor at Peking University's School of International Studies, was interviewed in New York City by National Committee Senior Program Officer Haini Guo on April 18, 2015; he was in New York to participate...
2018-03-0219 min