China Desk

Taiwan is often framed as a binary choice: surrender it to China or risk World War III. But is that really the full picture? In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates is joined by Eyck Freymann, Hoover Fellow at Stanford University and author of Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China, to break down a more realistic — and more strategic — approach to one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the world today. Freymann explains why the traditional debate around Taiwan is deeply flawed, arguing that the real challenge is not choosing between peace and war, but building a credible strategy that prevents conflict altogether while protecting core U.S. interests. Drawing from his research and global experience, Freymann outlines how the Chinese Communist Party approaches power differently than Western governments — integrating military, economic, technological, and political tools into a single, coordinated strategy. He argues that the United States must respond in kind, or risk being outmaneuvered without a shot being fired. A central focus of the conversation is deterrence — and why military strength alone is no longer enough. Freymann lays out a broader framework that includes political alignment, technological leadership, economic strategy, and alliance coordination as essential pillars for preventing conflict. The conversation also covers: • Why Taiwan is the “keystone” in China's global ambitions • The difference between the Chinese people and the CCP • How China uses gray-zone tactics short of war (quarantine, coercion) • Why military deterrence alone is no longer sufficient • The role of alliances in shaping China's decision-making • How AI and semiconductor dominance factor into national security • Why U.S. technological leadership is critical to deterrence • The risks of economic “mutually assured destruction” with China • What “avalanche decoupling” means — and why gradual separation matters • How global perception and international opinion shape outcomes • The importance of preparing for a post-crisis global order Freymann also challenges the assumption that economic interdependence will prevent conflict, warning that it may actually deter the United States more than China if policymakers are unprepared for the consequences of escalation. The discussion ultimately points to a narrow but critical path forward: maintaining deterrence through strength, coordination, and strategic clarity — while avoiding unnecessary provocation that could accelerate conflict. 00:00 — Intro + Eyck Freymann joins the China Desk 00:31 — Background, education, and early interest in China 03:15 — First-hand experience in China and CCP vs Chinese people 08:05 — How the CCP approaches strategy and power differently 09:48 — The flawed “war vs surrender” Taiwan debate 11:47 — Why Freymann wrote Defending Taiwan 13:49 — U.S. strategic interests at stake in Taiwan 16:31 — Why Taiwan is the “keystone” in China's ambitions 17:34 — Rethinking deterrence beyond military power 19:17 — Political deterrence explained 20:45 — China's “gray zone” tactics: quarantine and coercion 23:13 — Why global opinion and allies matter in a crisis 27:09 — Technological leadership, AI, and strategic competition 31:55 — Strategic stability: nuclear, cyber, and space domains 33:18 — Why economic deterrence may fail 35:01 — “Avalanche decoupling” and supply chain strategy 37:15 — Why economic interdependence can deter the U.S. 40:25 — Rebuilding a stronger global economic system 41:15 — Freymann's 60-second strategy for U.S. leadership 43:26 — Where to find the book + closing Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

China's influence operations are no longer limited to Washington — they are increasingly playing out at the state and local level across the United States. In this episode of the China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates is joined by Ambassador Joseph Cella, founder and president of the Secure Our States Coalition and former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, for a wide-ranging discussion on how the Chinese Communist Party is targeting American communities, industries, and institutions from the ground up. Cella explains how his work in Michigan — particularly efforts to push back against CCP-linked projects — led to the creation of the Secure Our States Coalition, a citizen-led initiative focused on identifying, exposing, and countering Chinese influence at the state level. He argues that while federal awareness of the China threat has grown, major gaps still exist in public awareness, policy coordination, and local-level response. The conversation walks through how CCP-linked entities engage in the United States, often through seemingly legitimate economic activity that carries deeper national security implications. From foreign direct investment and tax incentives to academic partnerships and infrastructure projects, Cella outlines how these efforts exploit America's open system. The discussion also explores: • How CCP influence operations target state and local governments • The role of economic incentives, tax credits, and partnerships in expanding influence • Risks tied to EV manufacturing, battery plants, and supply chains • Concerns around land purchases near military installations and critical infrastructure • The use of academic institutions and research partnerships to gain access • Why data centers, drones, and technology supply chains present emerging risks • The importance of state-level legislation and grassroots awareness • How citizen-led efforts can close information, security, and policy gaps Cella also highlights how political awareness is beginning to catch up, with growing bipartisan attention at the state level and increasing scrutiny of CCP-linked investments. However, he warns that the United States is still playing catch-up after years of underestimating the scope of the threat. This is a comprehensive look at how geopolitical competition with China is unfolding inside the United States — and why state and local action may be just as critical as federal policy in addressing it. 00:00 — Introduction and Ambassador Joseph Cella joins the podcast 00:33 — Background and previous China Desk appearances 02:16 — Origin of the Secure Our States Coalition 05:06 — Why the coalition is focused on all 50 states 07:01 — The “China problem” and lack of public awareness 10:11 — Common CCP tactics: investment, influence, and partnerships 12:16 — Exploiting America's open system and economic incentives 14:08 — Academic partnerships and national security concerns 15:49 — “China First” thinking and economic trade-offs 18:57 — State-level policy responses and legislative efforts 19:34 — EVs, batteries, and risks to U.S. manufacturing 21:21 — Restrictions on Chinese technology near military bases 23:06 — What policymakers often miss about the China threat 24:08 — Drones, data centers, and future vulnerabilities 26:56 — Supply chains, infrastructure, and national security risks 28:17 — Final thoughts and how to get involved   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of the China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Grace Jin Drexel, human rights advocate and daughter of Pastor Ezra Jin, founder of one of China's largest underground house church networks, about the Chinese Communist Party's intensifying crackdown on religious freedom. Grace shares the personal story of her father's detention in October 2025, when Chinese authorities carried out a coordinated nationwide sweep targeting independent Christian leaders across multiple cities. She explains how her father's church — which had grown from a local Beijing congregation into a nationwide network — became part of a broader campaign to suppress independent religious activity outside state control. The conversation provides a rare, firsthand look at how religious life actually functions inside China, including the key differences between state-sanctioned churches and underground “house churches.” Grace describes how government-controlled churches operate under strict oversight — including limits on worship, leadership, and even the number of baptisms — while independent churches seek to practice faith freely but face increasing risk of surveillance, shutdown, and detention. The discussion also explores: • The CCP's strategy of “Sinicization” and why it targets religion • How faith communities are viewed as a threat to state control and civil society • The rise of underground house churches and their rapid growth in China • Why many Chinese citizens are turning to religion amid a “spiritual vacuum” • The role of churches in providing community services, disaster relief, and social support • How new laws and regulations are used to justify crackdowns and mass arrests • The human toll of detention, lack of communication, and restricted legal access • What policymakers, advocates, and everyday citizens can do to raise awareness and apply pressure Grace also recounts the moment she learned of her father's detention while living in the United States, describing the uncertainty, fear, and urgency that followed as she began advocating publicly for his release and for others facing similar persecution. This is both a deeply personal story and a broader warning about the future of religious freedom in China — and the growing willingness of the CCP to target independent communities it cannot control. 00:00 — Introduction and Grace Jin Drexel joins the podcast 00:32 — Background: her father, Zion Church, and the 2025 crackdown 01:30 — Growing up in China as a pastor's daughter 04:29 — Life in Beijing, the U.S., and returning to China 07:12 — Rise of Zion Church and transition to a nationwide network 09:20 — State churches vs underground house churches explained 12:23 — Government control, surveillance, and restrictions on worship 15:23 — Demand for Christianity and China's “spiritual vacuum” 19:23 — Why the CCP fears religion and independent organizations 23:37 — Churches as civil society and community support networks 26:07 — Crackdowns, new laws, and coordinated arrests across China 30:09 — Mass detentions and targeting of church leaders 34:22 — Learning of her father's arrest and initial response 39:00 — Lack of communication, legal limits, and health concerns 41:11 — Advocacy efforts and speaking before policymakers 43:27 — What governments and individuals can do to help 44:48 — Where to follow updates and support the cause 45:50 — Closing thoughts and final message Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

What if one of the most critical components in modern technology — from fighter jets to smartphones — is also one of the most overlooked? In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA), to break down the strategic importance of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and why they have become a major vulnerability in the U.S.–China competition. Schild explains that while policymakers have focused heavily on semiconductors and rare earths, the United States has largely ignored the “middle layer” of the electronics stack — printed circuit boards — which connect and enable every advanced system in modern life. From defense systems and AI data centers to power grids and consumer electronics, virtually everything relies on PCBs. The conversation details how China came to dominate global PCB production through long-term industrial policy, subsidies, and strategic investment, while U.S. production collapsed from roughly 30% of global supply to just 4% today. This shift has created serious national security concerns, including supply chain dependence, risks to trusted and secure systems, and the loss of domestic research and development. The discussion also explores: • Why PCB dependency poses risks to defense systems and critical infrastructure • How “dual-use” and commercial off-the-shelf components create loopholes in defense procurement • What happens to U.S. supply chains in a Taiwan crisis or major disruption in Asia • The lack of surge manufacturing capacity in the United States • Policy solutions including the PCBS Act, tax incentives, and Buy America requirements • The role of tariffs, industrial policy, and strategic investment in rebuilding domestic production • Why industrial policy and national security are now inseparable Schild argues that rebuilding U.S. PCB manufacturing is not just an economic issue — it is essential to maintaining technological leadership, securing supply chains, and ensuring that the United States can compete in an era of great power competition. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Host Steve Yates welcomes back Andrew Phelan, Australian med-tech entrepreneur, former DFAT Australia-China Council scholar, and longtime China Desk guest (episodes #72 & #85).  They explore grassroots concerns in rural Australia: PRC-linked entities acquiring prime farmland and mineral sands through opaque offshore structures. State governments are forcing wind and solar farms on farmers under the net zero agenda—often with little transparency or consultation. Farmers face contempt from policymakers, increased bushfire risks from turbines, and generational land loss.  The discussion draws parallels to U.S. rural and agricultural issues, examines supply chain vulnerabilities (rare earths and critical minerals), and highlights Germany's shift from engagement to harsh reality (auto sales collapse, tech theft examples). Andrew stresses the need for “Team Freedom” alignment—US, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan—decoupling where necessary, and strong leadership like Trump's industrial rebuilding and Japan's Takahashi era.  He previews his upcoming platform TheChinaChallenge.com (launching soon) as a one-stop hub to counter CCP narratives and amplify freedom voices. Essential listening for understanding local-level malign influence, economic coercion, and strategic responses.  Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Visit chinadeskpodcast.com for archives. Follow @TheChinaDesk on X. 00:00:00 - Welcome to the China Desk Podcast 00:00:07 - Host Steve Yates Intro & Guest Reminder: Andrew Phelan Returns 00:00:33 - Andrew Phelan Background & Previous Episodes (#72, #85) 00:01:21 - Grassroots Australia: Rural Concerns & PRC Influence 00:02:20 - Rural Victoria Travels: Farmer Concerns & State Government Ties 00:03:04 - Forced Renewables (Wind/Solar Farms) & Net Zero Agenda 00:04:08 - Bushfires, Turbine Risks & Contempt for Farmers 00:05:06 - Mineral Sands Deals: Opaque PRC-Linked Ownership Structures 00:05:49 - Landowner Stories & Championing Rural Voices 00:06:26 - Parallels to US Rural/Industry Impacts 00:30:31 - Due Diligence, Transparency & Stakeholder Engagement 00:30:59 - Aligning with Team Freedom: US, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan 00:31:26 - Decoupling on Rare Earths/Critical Minerals & Supply Chains 00:31:43 - Trump's Leadership & Rebuilding Industrial Strength 00:32:15 - Lessons from History: Industry Leaders Informing Policy 00:32:54 - Mugged by Reality: Germany's China Engagement Backfire 00:33:23 - Auto Industry Shift & Tech Theft Examples (Quantum Case) 00:34:14 - Learning from Repeated Plays & Deng's Rare Earths Quote 00:35:10 - Urgency of Deeper China Challenge Awareness 00:35:30 - Where to Follow Andrew: @ajphelo on X & Upcoming TheChinaChallenge.com 00:36:02 - Closing Thanks & Call to Action: chinadeskpodcast.com Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with journalist and documentary filmmaker Jan Jekielek, host of American Thought Leaders and author of Killed to Order. The conversation explores the disturbing allegations surrounding forced organ harvesting in China, a practice critics say is linked to the Chinese Communist Party's detention system and repression of dissident groups. Jekielek explains how the issue first emerged through reports from prisoners of conscience and human-rights investigations, and how China's transplant system raised questions among medical experts due to extremely short wait times for organs. He discusses the role of propaganda, state control, and international medical partnerships, and what this controversy reveals about the structure of power inside the CCP. The discussion also examines broader geopolitical implications, including how Western governments, institutions, and medical systems have responded—or failed to respond—to the allegations. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Is China competing—or executing a long-term strategy to dominate global industry? In this episode of The China Desk, legendary CEO advisor Ram Charan joins Steve Yates to break down his book China's 90% Model: China Has America by the Throat — Here's How to Fight Back and Win. Charan argues that China's strategy is deliberate: build capacity to meet 90% of global demand, sell below marginal cost, subsidize exports, and destroy competitors across entire industries. Drawing on six decades advising global executives—including more than 50 Chinese companies—Charan explains how this model has hollowed out American manufacturing in sectors like solar, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced materials. He describes why many CEOs understand the threat privately but hesitate to speak publicly, and why investors may be underestimating long-term risk. The conversation explores: How industrial dominance becomes national security leverage Why excess capacity and currency policy matter The strategic risk of supply chain choke points like magnets and critical inputs The need for a cabinet-level Department of Manufacturing and Technology Why economic security and national security are now inseparable Charan argues that America and its allies still possess overwhelming economic strength—but only if they coordinate industrial policy, rebuild manufacturing capacity, and communicate the stakes clearly to the public and business leaders alike. This is a high-level strategic conversation about economic warfare, industrial capacity, and what the next seven years could determine for the global balance of power. 00:00 — Introduction and Ram Charan's background 02:40 — What is China's 90% Model? 04:19 — Industrial dominance and strategic execution 05:18 — The origins of China's long-term strategy 08:19 — How to measure industry capture and market share 12:06 — Why CEOs stay silent and investor blind spots 14:11 — The October wake-up moment 16:22 — When companies must exit China 18:26 — Building an allied industrial coalition 21:44 — Economic security equals national security 23:17 — War-time leverage and supply chain choke points 25:21 — Proposal: Department of Manufacturing and Technology 27:35 — Seven-year strategy and public awareness 30:27 — Where to find the book and follow Ram Charan Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

What happens when the world's most valuable tech company becomes deeply tied to China's manufacturing ecosystem? In this episode of the China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with journalist and author Patrick McGee to unpack the geopolitical stakes behind Apple's rise, global supply chains, and the future of U.S.–China economic competition. Drawing from McGee's research and reporting, the conversation explores how Apple's manufacturing strategy shaped China's industrial growth, the realities of technology transfer, and why policymakers are rethinking dependence on Chinese production. The discussion also examines labor dynamics, shifting alliances, and whether diversification to countries like India or Mexico can realistically reshape global tech manufacturing. If you're interested in geopolitics, technology strategy, national security, or the future of globalization, this episode delivers a deep, grounded look at how corporate decisions can reshape international power dynamics. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of the China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Indo-Pacific expert Cleo Paskal about China's growing influence across the Pacific Islands and why the region is central to U.S. national security. The conversation explores geopolitical competition in Oceania, corruption and political warfare, Taiwan diplomacy, Guam's strategic role, and how Chinese economic projects intersect with military strategy. Paskal breaks down the “3.5-tier” framework for understanding Pacific Island priorities and explains why Americans should pay closer attention to the region's strategic importance. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode, host Steve Yates is joined by Leland Miller, co-founder of China Beige Book and U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission member, for a clear-eyed assessment of China's economy heading into 2026.Miller breaks down what analysts got wrong about China in 2025, why GDP figures and stimulus narratives are misleading, and how Xi Jinping is prioritizing advanced manufacturing and national security over household consumption. The conversation examines why a true shift to a consumer-driven Chinese economy is unlikely, how high U.S.–China tariffs have become sustainable rather than destabilizing, and why the real battleground has moved from trade wars to supply chain warfare.Key topics include supply-chain weaponization, rare earths and pharmaceuticals, tariffs versus effective tariff rates, transshipment, robotics and demographics, and the strategic risks facing the U.S. and its allies as globalization gives way to a fragmented, security-driven economic order. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with Tiffany Meier, anchor and investigative reporter for NTD News, to unpack how the Chinese Communist Party exerts long-term influence across global media, Hollywood, technology, and politics.Meier traces her path into journalism, explains how China In Focus emerged during the early days of COVID-19, and outlines the CCP's strategy of soft power, censorship, and unrestricted warfare. The conversation explores Hollywood's entanglement with Chinese censorship, the use of AI and surveillance as tools of authoritarian control, and why Taiwan remains central to global security.This wide-ranging discussion also examines transnational repression, media capture, human rights abuses, and why understanding China's long-game strategy is critical for policymakers, journalists, and citizens alike. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of the China Desk Podcast, Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) joins host Steve Yates to examine China's proposed “mega embassy” in London, the national security risks tied to Five Eyes intelligence cables, and how Western governments are capitulating under economic pressure from Beijing. The conversation explores parliamentary resistance, grassroots opposition, CCP coercion tactics, and why Taiwan, supply chains, and global deterrence now define the century's central geopolitical struggle. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of China Desk, Steve Yates analyzes the dramatic U.S. action in Venezuela, the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, and the disruption of an illicit oil “ghost fleet supplying China, Russia, and Iran. The discussion explores why Venezuela's oil reserves matter so deeply to Beijing, how China's hemispheric ambitions collided with renewed American resolve, and what the episode signals for future flashpoints—from Taiwan to the South China Sea. A clear-eyed look at geopolitics, energy security, sovereignty, and power projection in an increasingly unstable global order. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode, host Steve Yates is joined by Andrew J. Phelan, Australian med-tech entrepreneur, former government advisor, and longtime China watcher, for a wide-ranging conversation on the growing global confrontation with the Chinese Communist Party.Phelan reflects on recent events in Australia, including the Bondi tragedy, and examines how information warfare, social media platforms like TikTok, and foreign influence operations are shaping public opinion—especially among younger generations. From there, the discussion expands to Australia's China policy under Prime Minister Albanese, U.S.–Australia alliance dynamics, and the limits of appeasement.The conversation dives deep into the technology Cold War: export controls, semiconductors, AI, supply-chain dependence, Chinese overcapacity, and the role of Western capital in financing China's rise. Phelan argues that 2025 marks a true inflection point—one defined by economic bifurcation, strategic risk, and growing pressure around Taiwan.This episode offers a clear-eyed assessment of where things stand heading into 2026—and why democracies must respond by grounding strategy in values, sovereignty, and long-term discipline rather than short-term convenience. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with US-China Economic and Security Review Commission members Randy Schriver and Mike Kuiken about the Commission's latest annual report to Congress. The conversation breaks down China's rapid advances in space as a warfighting domain, quantum computing and encryption threats, biotechnology competition, and deep vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains. Drawing on decades of national security experience, the guests explain why technological literacy, allied coordination, and long-term investment are now critical to maintaining U.S. and allied security in the Indo-Pacific. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Investigative journalist and bestselling author Sam Cooper joins China Desk to expose the hidden financial and political networks linking Chinese organized crime, money laundering, and fentanyl trafficking across North America. Cooper breaks down the “Vancouver Model,” revealing how underground casinos, real estate, and foreign influence operations move billions of dollars through Canada—often with alleged links to Chinese state actors and election interference.This episode explores how criminal networks exploit Western financial systems, the role of casinos in global money laundering, China's United Front operations, and how illicit fentanyl cash fuels destabilization across borders. A must-watch conversation on national security, transnational crime, and the reality behind Chinese influence in democratic societies. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

This episode of The China Desk features Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, in a deep, candid conversation with host Steve Yates. They break down how China targets American states, the vulnerabilities inside U.S. supply chains and critical infrastructure, the threat of Beijing's political warfare operations, and why state-level stress tests and new legislation are becoming essential defensive tools. Lucci explains real-world cases — from foreign land purchases near military bases to spyware-enabled tech in hospitals — and outlines what lawmakers, governors, and citizens must do to confront the CCP's growing influence. Essential viewing for anyone tracking national security, state resilience, and U.S.–China policy. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

America's solar industry is growing fast—but China still controls huge portions of the global supply chain. In this interview, Steve Yates sits down with Ben Delman of Solar United Neighbors to break down how U.S. solar manufacturing is changing, where our steel and panel components really come from, and how new policies could shift the balance of power.Delman explains the rise of American solar production, the role of China's subsidies, the struggle over rare earths and raw materials, and how state-level battles over net metering and community solar will shape the next decade. He also discusses how AI-driven data centers, steel manufacturing in the Rust Belt, and innovations like plug-in balcony solar could redefine American energy independence. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

This episode of The China Desk dives deep into one of the most urgent national-security challenges facing North America: the Chinese Communist Party's long-running campaign of espionage, foreign influence, and elite capture. Host Steve Yates sits down with Canadian intelligence expert and author Dennis Molinaro—whose new book Under Assault uncovers five decades of covert CCP operations targeting Canada, the United States, and allied democracies.Molinaro explains how China's influence networks took root, how academics, politicians, and business elites were quietly co-opted, and why many Western leaders chose to “see only what they wanted to see.” He breaks down united-front tactics, interference in diplomatic recognition, transnational repression, technology theft, and the chilling playbook the CCP perfected at home before exporting abroad. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Former DMG Entertainment executive Chris Fenton joins host Steve Yates to reveal how Hollywood's ties with Beijing reshaped global storytelling, what “Feeding the Dragon” really means, and why America's entertainment industry must rethink its relationship with China. From Iron Man to propaganda, Fenton exposes the inside story of U.S.–China influence and the cost of reckless capitalism. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Human rights advocate and author Benedict Rogers joins Steve Yates to discuss 30 years confronting the Chinese Communist Party's repression—from Tiananmen to Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Rogers shares insights on China's growing global influence, Xi Jinping's authoritarian turn, and the moral cost of Western complacency. A powerful discussion on truth, courage, and defending freedom in the modern world. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this powerful episode of The China Desk with host Steve Yates, UN Watch director Hillel Neuer exposes how China and other authoritarian regimes manipulate the United Nations from within. Neuer breaks down Beijing's long-term strategy to dominate global institutions like the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Council, and other Geneva-based agencies — using influence, intimidation, and propaganda to silence dissent.From the persecution of Uyghurs and Hong Kong dissidents to China's infiltration of UN NGOs, this conversation reveals how the ideals of Eleanor Roosevelt's original UN vision have been corrupted — and what can still be done to reclaim them.

In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with Tom Switzer, former senior fellow at the Center for Independent Studies and veteran journalist, about Australia's evolving relationship with China and the United States. Switzer explains how Australia shifted from optimism about China's integration into the liberal world order to a posture of strategic realism. The discussion explores:- How Australia's view of the U.S.–China rivalry has changed since the 1990s- The political and public response to China's military and economic rise- The fate of the AUKUS defense pact under shifting global power dynamics- What “foreign policy realism” means in an era of great-power competition This candid conversation breaks down how democracies like Australia balance prosperity with security — and what that means for U.S. allies across the Indo-Pacific. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with Weifeng Zhong — senior advisor at the America First Policy Institute and co-creator of the Policy Change Index — about his journey from Communist China to the U.S., how AI and information control shape authoritarian regimes, and why America must reclaim its fight for free expression. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with veteran intelligence officer and author Nick Eftimiades to explore the tactics behind Chinese espionage. Drawing on decades of experience at the CIA, DIA, and State Department, Eftimiades explains how Beijing uses a “whole-of-society” approach—spanning the Ministry of State Security, PLA, United Front, state-owned enterprises, and academia—to gather intelligence and influence U.S. policy. He discusses the evolution of Chinese spy craft from the Cold War to Xi Jinping's era, the Thousand Talents Program, elite capture, and the massive transfer of American intellectual property. The conversation closes with urgent steps the U.S. must take to counter China's operations at the federal, state, and local levels. Watch Full-Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW  

Former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella returns to The China Desk Podcast to expose the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party at home and abroad. From Michigan universities tied to Beijing and smuggling attempts involving dangerous biological materials, to the risks of agro-terrorism against America's food supply, Cella details how local and federal leaders are responding. The discussion also turns to the Pacific Islands, where China's aggressive expansion challenges U.S. allies and global stability. This episode dives deep into national security, foreign influence, and the bipartisan fight to counter CCP malign activities. Check out Full-Length Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

On this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Andrew Phelan—Australian entrepreneur, writer, and former diplomat—about the rise and transformation of China from Deng Xiaoping's reforms to Xi Jinping's wolf warrior diplomacy. Phelan shares his personal experiences living and working in China, explains how offshoring hollowed out Western industry, and warns of Beijing's strategy to “Delete America” while reshaping global rules. The discussion covers U.S.-China decoupling, Australia's pushback over COVID origins, transnational repression, and the urgent need for democracies to defend sovereignty.Watch Full-Length Interviews on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

Stay ahead of the shifting balance between the United States and China with China Desk Weekly. In this episode, host Steve Yates unpacks a striking New York Times story hinting at a covert U.S. special operation on North Korea's coast. From secret missions in Iran to bomber flyovers during high-stakes summits, America continues to flex its reach. What do these signals mean for Beijing's leaders as they weigh aggression in Asia against U.S. resolve? Join us for clear, no-nonsense analysis of China's perception of U.S. power—and why it matters for global security.Watch Full Video-Version:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW 

Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation and former CIA counterintelligence analyst, joins host Steve Yates on The China Desk to unpack the Chinese Communist Party's strategic intentions, intelligence operations, and United Front influence campaigns. From the roots of his career to lessons from Taiwan, Mattis explains how Beijing wields espionage, criminality, and political warfare to advance its goals—and why the West must better understand CCP intentions to respond effectively. A candid, insider perspective on China's challenge to global security and freedom. Full-length video version available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

China's Rare Earth Gamble: Bret Manley on Energy, Trade & U.S. Security: In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Bret Manley, Executive Director of the Energy Fair Trade Coalition, about America's dependence on China for rare earth minerals, the risks to U.S. national security, and what real fair trade looks like in today's global energy market. From supply chain vulnerabilities to the future of AI and defense, Manley breaks down why energy and critical minerals are the new battleground. Learn how the U.S. can secure its future through smarter trade policies, domestic production, and trusted global alliances.

In this compelling episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with leading experts Joel Wuthnow and Phillip Saunders about the rise of China's military power. Drawing from their new book China's Quest for Military Supremacy, the discussion dives deep into the modernization of the PLA, the evolving role of the Chinese Communist Party in military affairs, and what it all means for U.S.-China relations. From nuclear strategy and joint operations to internal corruption and political control, this episode is essential listening for anyone concerned with national security and great power competition. Buy 'China's Quest For Military Supremacy': https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=chinas-quest-for-military-supremacy--9781509556939 Watch, listen, and subscribe to keep up with the strategic dynamics shaping the future.

In this explosive episode of the China Desk Podcast, former U.S. intelligence official and quantum security expert Denis Mandich joins Steve Yates to unpack the national security nightmare unfolding in plain sight. Mandich explains how China's massive IP theft, covert operations in American universities, and advances in quantum computing could undermine U.S. power within years. From the race for post-quantum encryption to the risk of total digital collapse, this conversation is a wake-up call for policymakers, tech leaders, and everyday citizens. If we don't act now, Mandich warns, your children might be working for Huawei. Topics Covered: - China's IP theft and the largest transfer of wealth in history - The threat of quantum computing to national security - Retroactive decryption and the “harvest now, decrypt later” tactic - China's infiltration of U.S. STEM education and labs - Why the U.S. must double down on counterintelligence and quantum innovation - Mandich's call for a Cold War-style response

In this hard-hitting episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates sits down with tech entrepreneur and policy strategist Rod Martin for a wide-ranging conversation on U.S.-China relations. From PayPal's early disruption to the dangers of authoritarian AI, Martin traces how America's economic leverage—and spiritual clarity—can counter the CCP's ambitions. They break down China's demographic collapse, fragile real estate economy, and the strategic importance of Trump-era tariffs and rare earth independence. This isn't just about trade. It's about liberty, reciprocity, and the moral battle for the 21st century.

In this episode of The China Desk podcast, host Steve Yates interviews Keyu Jin, professor at the London School of Economics and author of The New China Playbook. With deep academic expertise and personal insight as a Chinese economist, Jin unpacks the myths, realities, and misunderstood dynamics driving China's modern economy. They cover the role of the state in China's growth model, shifting demographic challenges, the impact of U.S.-China decoupling, and why applying Western assumptions to Chinese behavior often leads to flawed conclusions. Whether you're a policymaker, investor, or just curious about global economics, this conversation is essential listening.

Steve Yates speaks with Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese Studies at King's College London and author of Why Taiwan Matters. With decades of experience as a diplomat, scholar, and author of nearly 20 books on Chinese politics, Brown breaks down the complex geopolitical puzzle of Taiwan's past, present, and uncertain future. Brown shares his journey from the UK to Asia, explains Taiwan's hybrid identity, and examines how a small island became a critical player in global stability and tech supply chains. From semiconductors and democracy to China's growing nationalism and military pressure, this conversation explores the tangled web of history, economics, and identity that makes Taiwan such a critical—and dangerous—flashpoint for the 21st century.

Steve Yates sits down with David Lin, Senior Director for Future Technology Platforms at the Special Competitive Studies Project and former CIA analyst, to discuss the evolving U.S.-China technology competition. Lin shares insights from his 12 years in government service, including his time at the State Department and the CIA, and explains why he transitioned to the private sector to better tackle the emerging tech threats posed by China. From Made in China 2025 to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, Lin details the strategic challenges America faces and the policy shifts needed to maintain global tech leadership. The episode also highlights the upcoming AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C., a major public event bridging government, industry, and academia around cutting-edge innovation.

Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick joins host Steve Yates on The China Desk Podcast for a powerful and emotional conversation about China's one-child policy, forced adoption, and the story behind her latest book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove. Demick, a former Beijing bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, shares her investigation into the brutal enforcement of population control and the heartbreaking case of twin sisters separated by coercive policies and reunited years later. From her reporting in Sarajevo and North Korea to deep dives into Tibetan life and Chinese orphanages, Demick sheds light on life under authoritarian regimes and the hidden human cost of policy decisions. This episode explores the personal, political, and global consequences of one of the most consequential social engineering projects of the modern era.

In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates welcomes Susan Crabtree, national political correspondent for RealClearPolitics and co-author of Fool's Gold: The Radicals, Cronies, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All. Susan shares her personal journey from a military family upbringing to a career in investigative journalism, highlighting her reporting on religious persecution in China, the human rights abuses of the CCP, and California's evolving political landscape under Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, they explore California's deepening ties to China through economic, political, and ideological avenues — from controversial PPE deals during COVID to foreign land ownership and Chinese influence in state institutions. Susan also reveals what inspired her to write Fool's Gold and why the California model could be a cautionary tale for the rest of America. Don't miss this insightful conversation on China's influence in U.S. politics, California's unique trajectory, and what it all means for national security and freedom.

In this episode, Steve Yates sits down with Luke de Pulford, co-founder and Executive Director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (iPAC). From his early inspiration by William Wilberforce to launching an international coalition of lawmakers, Luke shares his remarkable journey in human rights, modern slavery advocacy, and China policy. They discuss: - The role of faith and conviction in confronting authoritarian regimes - The origins and global impact of iPAC - The challenges of building consensus across political lines on China - The CCP's growing aggression, transnational repression, and its global consequences - The controversy around the Chinese embassy expansion in London - Why reciprocity in international relations with China is no longer optional This is a deep dive into the intersection of values, strategy, and global security. A must-listen for anyone interested in geopolitics, human rights, and the future of China policy.

Isaac Stone Fish is the CEO and founder of Strategy Risks, a company specializing in assessing and mitigating risks, particularly related to China. A fluent Mandarin speaker with seven years of experience living in China, he has traveled extensively across the country. He authored America Second: How America's Elites Are Making China Stronger (2022), examining the Communist Party of China's influence in the U.S. Isaac is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a Truman National Security Project fellow, and contributes to CBS News, the Atlantic Council, and Barron's. A seasoned journalist and academic, his insights have been featured in major global media outlets and leading publications such as The New York Times and The Atlantic.

My guests today are commissioners from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Randall Schriver and Kimberly Glas. Randall Schriver is the Chairman of the Board of the Project 2049 Institute and a partner at Pacific Solutions LLC. He is also a lecturer for Stanford University's “Stanford-in-Washington” program, is on the Board of Advisors to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, and is on the Board of Directors of the US-Taiwan Business Council. Kimberly Glas is president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations. She served previously served as executive director for Blue Green Alliance and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials at the US Department of Commerce. She also worked on Capitol Hill, where her efforts helped lead to the establishment of the House Trade Working Group.

Mark Clifford is president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, the former executive director of the Asia Business Council, and a former board member at Next Digital. He is editorial chair of the Asian Review of Books, and served as editor in chief of both English-language papers in Hong Kong, The Standard and the South China Morning Post. An honors history graduate of UC Berkeley and a Walter Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, he holds a Ph.D. in Hong Kong history from the University of Hong Kong.

Philip Lenczycki is a Daily Caller News Foundation senior investigative reporter, China watcher, and former professor of Mandarin and East Asian Civilizations. Twitter: @LenczyckiPhilip

Grant Newsham is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Security Policy. He also is a Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies focusing on Asia/Pacific defense, political and economic matters. Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and was the first US Marine Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He also served as reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine Attaché, US Embassy Tokyo on two occasions.

Rushan Abbas is a Uyghur American activist and advocate from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. She is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Campaign for Uyghurs. Abbas became one of the most prominent Uyghur voices in international activism following her sister's detainment by the Chinese government in 2018. She testified in 2019 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in regard to the emergence of concentration camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and the threat of Chinese power in the Eastern Pacific. She has also testified before the House of Representatives on international religious persecution, forced labor, and human rights abuses as they relate to Uyghurs.

Dennis Unkovic is an international lawyer, author and business consultant. Over the course of his career, Unkovic has advised corporations and individuals in the United States, Asia and Europe on complex business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, supply chain issues, and international dispute resolution. He has traveled to 64 countries on behalf of clients and professional organizations, most frequently to People's Republic of China and Japan. The author of twelve books and numerous articles, Unkovic is currently a partner in the law firm of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP in Pittsburg Pennsylvania.

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

Gordon Chang is the author of Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes On the World, released by Random House in January 2006. Showdown focuses on nuclear proliferation in general and the North Korean crisis in particular. His first book is The Coming Collapse of China (Random House, August 2001). He is a columnist at The Daily Beast. Chang lived and worked in China and Hong Kong for almost two decades, most recently in Shanghai, as Counsel to the American law firm Paul Weiss and earlier in Hong Kong as Partner in the international law firm Baker & McKenzie. His writings on China and North Korea have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Far Eastern Economic Review, the International Herald Tribune, Commentary, The Weekly Standard, National Review, and Barron's.

Jim Fanell is a retired U.S. Navy captain, serving twenty-nine-years in the military. He is the former Director of Intelligence and Information Operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Government Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, and Founding Member of the Committee on Present Danger China. Bradl Thayer, Ph.D., is a founding member of the Committee on Present Danger China and a former visiting fellow at Magdalen College, University of Oxford.

Solomon Yue Jr. is an American Republican Party activist and businessperson. He is the founder and vice chairman and CEO of Republicans Overseas and a Republican national committeeman from Oregon Republican Party.

Commissioner Leland R. Miller is the co-founder and CEO of China Beige Book. A noted authority on China's economy and financial system, he is a frequent commentator on media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg TV, CNN, and FOX Business, and he has served as guest host of two of the financial world's top morning news shows, CNBC Squawk Box and Bloomberg Surveillance. His work is featured regularly in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post and many others. Before co-founding China Beige Book in 2010, Leland was a capital markets attorney based out of New York and Hong Kong and worked on the deal team at a major investment bank. He holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was Hardy C. Dillard fellow and editor-in-chief of the International Law Journal; a master's degree in Chinese History from Oxford University; a BA in European History from Washington & Lee University; and a graduate Chinese language fellowship from Tunghai University (Taiwan). He returned to W&L as the Williams School's Executive-in-Residence in 2015. Leland is an elected member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, an elected life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a board member of the Global Interdependence Center, and a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at the Atlantic Council. Commissioner Miller was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson for a term expiring December 31, 2025.