Sinobabble

We take a thorough look at the nature of soft power, how it can be used, and whether or not a country truly needs it to explore China's soft power deficit and what can be done to fix it. While China does have SOME soft power, arguably its lack of the charm of its neighbours and rivals means its culture and ideology is often met with suspicion or outright rejection. This can lead to difficulties when interacting on the global stage, for example when it comes to pandemic management, border relations, or the promotion of language and culture. Do small wins like the success of the video game Black myth: Wukong present a way out for China's cultural tzars? Or is the hand of the state just too heavy to allow the organic spread of a rich cultural heritage that has the potential to bring China into a new era of prestige and attractiveness?Chapters (00:00) Introduction - South Korea's soft power boom(04:50) What is soft power?(17:22) How soft power can be used and the failure of Confucius Institutes(26:52) Does China need or want soft power?(41:25) Consequences of China's lack of soft power(47:50) Missed soft power opportunities(52:45) Black Myth: Wukong and a potential new era of Chinese soft powerSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 2nd June. China accuses the US of trying to reverse the temporary trade truce in place, affecting the future of Chinese students in the US. Also, China's twist on Klarna and why the UK is choosing to For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/us-revoke-chinese-student-visashttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/02/china-us-trade-war-truce-donald-trumphttps://www.economist.com/china/2025/05/29/chinas-crazy-reverse-credit-cardshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c071jr159p0oSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 12th May. Will China be the main beneficiary of the clashes between India and Pakistan? Also, we find out where all those stolen iPhones end up, and whether or not China replacing the US as a global health leader is a good thing or a bad thing. Links: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3311270/china-urges-trust-cooperation-pakistan-afghanistan-regional-tensions-mounthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1w3dln352vohttps://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-accuse-pakistan-of-sowing-distrust-between-afghanistan-china-/7638230.htmlhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/mobile-phone-theft-london-met-police-b2693476.htmlhttps://www.wral.com/news/state/charlotte-woman-tracks-stolen-iphone-china-may-2025/https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/21/many-iphones-stolen-in-the-us-and-europe-end-up-in-one-building-in-china/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/21/china-who-donation-500-million/?utm_source=reddit.comhttps://chinahealthpulse.substack.com/p/no-china-wont-replace-usaid-but-hereSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In January of this year, Chinese actor Wang Xing went viral after being kidnapped in Thailand having travelled for what he thought was a job opportunity, only to be rescued after his girlfriend made a post begging for the authorities to help. After a 4 day ordeal, Wang made a dramatic TV appearance alongside Thai police, with his head shaved but otherwise seemingly unscathed.Wang's case shed light on an issue that had been getting little coverage in the national press. To date, over 3,000 Chinese nationals are being held in scam compounds in Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia and Laos, many of them run by other Chinese nationals. What caused the rise of these scam centres? How do they target Chinese white collar workers? Why is the Chinese government not doing anything to shut these operations down?Let's explore the world of sprawling forced labour compounds in Southeast Asia, their ties to local governments and police, and how they're getting rich in crypto scams targeting pensioners in pig-butchering schemes around the world.Chapters (00:00) Introduction(04:00) The rise of scams around the world(06:09) SE Asian scam centres and their targets(21:45) The rise of the scam centres and pig-butchering scams(33:00) No justice, no peace of mindLatest Substack post: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/i-asked-4-china-experts-4-questions?r=bgkuvSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 12th May. We discuss the outcome of the China-US tariff deal and how no one in China seems to really care. Starbucks is losing out to domestic coffee brands as its lack of strategy and reliance of hollow premium branding fall flat. Also, Xi's success with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and China's role in the India-Pakistan dispute.For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: https://www.economist.com/china/2025/05/13/a-great-trade-victory-over-america-is-being-celebrated-in-chinahttps://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334079.shtmlhttps://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/15/WS682520e7a310a04af22bf58c.htmlhttps://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3310407/starbucks-kicks-process-sell-stake-its-sprawling-china-business-growth-stalls?utm_source=rss_feedhttps://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/chagee-mixue-luckin-china-chains-global-success-5086271https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/15/WS68252021a310a04af22bf57a.htmlhttps://fortune.com/asia/2025/05/14/colombia-joins-beijing-belt-road-initiative-china-us-fight-control-latin-america/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/14/pakistans-use-of-j-10c-jets-and-missiles-exposes-potency-of-chinese-armsSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Apologies for the late upload for this one!A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 5th May. We discuss the upcoming scheduled talks between US and Chinese representatives in Switzerland to move towards a resolution on the trade war, as well as Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow ahead of the Victory Day parade.Links: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-china-russia-kremlinhttps://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3309454/xi-jinpings-russia-visit-balances-symbolism-and-strategy-europe-watches?utm_source=rss_feedhttps://merics.org/en/china-russia-dashboard-facts-and-figures-special-relationship#:~:text=China%2DRussia%20trade%20has%20surged%20since%20Ukraine%20invasion,-Development%20of%20monthly&text=In%202024%2C%20total%20trade%20reached,the%20types%20of%20goods%20traded.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rgrejkvmjohttps://www.reuters.com/world/trump-signals-china-initiated-planned-trade-meeting-2025-05-07/https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3309589/how-chinas-self-sufficiency-drive-dividing-global-tech-ecosystem?utm_source=rss_feed&firstTimeRegister=truehttps://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3309569/huawei-unveils-first-laptop-running-self-developed-harmonyos-windows-licence-expireshttps://www.valueadded.tech/p/industrial-policy-for-the-knowledgeSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 28th April. We discuss the CIA's attempt to recuit spies in the Chinese government, China's plans for an AI dominated future, and why China is annoying South Korea once again.#china #chinanews #AI #USChinaSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

This is a rant video about the 'expert' 'analysis' coverage of the China-US trade war/tariff skirmish. There is no analysis or even coherent thought process here. This is basically just my train of thought about why it's a bad idea to try and predict the future. I try and relate it to Fukuyama as well, I don't know, just listen and have your own opinions."The End of History?" Francis Fukuyama: https://pages.ucsd.edu/~bslantchev/courses/pdf/Fukuyama%20-%20End%20of%20History.pdfChapters (00:00) Introduction(04:26) How is any of this relevant to tariffs?(10:48) Pro-US and Pro-China analyses are equally bad(21:10) All articles are the same info with a different conclusion#china #tariffwar #chinausrelations Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/i-asked-4-china-experts-4-questions?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: https://linktree.com/sinobabbleSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

This is last week's news analysis episode. For the most recent episode head over to Buy Me a Coffee and become a member to get the episodes as soon as they come out!A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 21stApril. We discuss mysterious Deepseek news and some of China's latest diplomacy moves in Asia. While China claims it wants peace and even allyship with its Asian neighbours, its actions often seem contrary to its words.Links: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3307814/deepseek-opens-roles-product-and-design-start-keeps-mum-new-ai-model?utm_source=rss_feedhttps://aiproem.substack.com/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kv93y4289ohttps://sinobabble.substack.com/p/xenophobia-and-anti-japanese-sentimenthttps://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3307220/chinas-c909-passenger-jet-spreads-wings-vietjet-after-transnusa-lao-airlineshttps://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/china-eastern-airlines-launches-first-c919-route-outside-chinas-mainlandhttps://www.ft.com/content/55b17d8a-c8c2-457c-adda-7134eb7580ad (https://archive.fo/SEsAc)Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

First episode in a new series where I go through some trending news stories in China and analyse their impact. This version is from last week, for the most recent episode head over to Buy Me a Coffee and become a member to get the episodes as soon as they come out!A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 14th April. We discuss how the tariff war between China and the US is spilling into different industries, and how some manufacturers are suffering unexpected consequences in trying to circumvent the US market.For the most up to date version, head over to the Buy me a coffee page and become a member today!https://buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membershipSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A billionaire with a lavish property portfolio promises to save the US from the evil clutches of the Chinese Communist Party, partnering with right-wing media figures to attract thousands of followers, only to be revealed as a criminal whose businesses scammed fans of hundreds of millions of dollars. Have you figured out who we're talking about yet? That's right, it's Guo Wengui (Miles Guo? Guo Haoyun?)! After a period of self-imposed exile, mysterious Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui begins attracting the attention of powerful political figures in the US by promising the secrets to the annihilation of the CCP and establishment of a new China. The failure of this scheme and the exposure of Guo as a fraud poses an important question: how much should you invest in someone who promises you the key to bringing down your enemy with absolutely nothing to back it up?New York Times Magazine article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/10/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-exiled-billionaire-whistleblower.htmlChapters (00:00) Introduction(04:06) New York Times Magazine article(22:16) Guo's shady dealings in China(35:27) Guo's shady dealings in the USBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/ramblings-about-deglobalisationLinks to everything: https://linktree.com/sinobabbleSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

When we talk about the making of modern China, no name looms larger than Deng Xiaoping. But despite the heavy media bias and weighty political legacy China's architect carries, he did not build modern China alone. In fact, he cannot claim sole responsibility for coming up with the most iconic ideas that shaped China's future, like Special economic zones and new systems of economics. Some of the credit belongs to a much less well known figure: Zhao Ziyang. Removed from power after clashing with the elders of the CCP over the Tiananmen Square Incident, Zhao was crucial to forming some of the ideas that would shape China in the 1980s. A reformer and open minded man, Zhao tried his best to avoid politics, but having been forced to take up a position he didn't want, had to come face to face with his beliefs, which ultimately led to his downfall. This is also a sort of 80s Chinese politics recap episode, as we didn't cover that period in the history episodes at all. Hopefully we can cover more topics from this period over time!Chapters (00:00) Introduction(03:50) Biography of Zhao Ziyang(09:13) Deng Xiaoping vs Hua Guofeng(18:35) Zhao Ziyang Thought(24:32) Social, economic and political tensions of the 1980s(32:35) The dismissal of Hu Yaobang(40:50) The events of 1989(51:50) Zhao's Downfall(55:20) Zhao's plans for the futureSeeking truth from facts translation: https://gaodawei.wordpress.com/2022/01/03/hu-fuming-author-of-mind-opening-guangming-daily-commentary-practice-is-the-only-criterion-of-truth/Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Why are Western (or Global North, whatever) nations pursuing decoupling at this particular moment in history? What is the link between decoupling and de-globalisation? Is either achieveable, or are we doomed to live in an interconnected world with two rival powers threatening nuclear war till the end of time?Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:50) Secondary sector(19:11) De-globalisationSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In 2020, Donald Trump made a speech where he announced plans to decouple the US' economy from China's, leading to a media outburst and a half-hearted response from the EU. 4 years later, Trump is back in power and the question of decoupling is back on the table, but the real question here is: is decoupling even possible?In part 1 (of 2? 3?) we take a look at the primary sector of the global economy to see just what decoupling would actually take and how much of a stake China has the in the extraction of raw materials used around the world. As we look at different industries, from forestry to mining, we discover that un-linking or even stepping back from China is not as easy as it may seem.Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

**REUPLOAD**In today's episode we're going to pick up where we left off, at the very beginning of the new Republic of China. We'll look at the rise of Yuan Shikai and the descent of China into a period of warlordism. We will explore the changing nature of China's politics and culture, right up until the next big event to hit the Chinese stage, the May 4th movement.Some famous people we will be discussing include Sun Yatsen, Cai Yuanpei, Hu Shi, Lu Xun, and some of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party, Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu, and Mao Zedong.Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

**REUPLOAD**Currently in the process of reuploading old episodes from the history portion of the podcast starting with this one!DescriptionOn October 9th 1911 an accidental explosion in a revolutionary base in Hubei province in central China triggered a revolution that would mark the end of China's imperial past and usher in its modern future. While the series of events that followed seem to indicate a straightforward revolution on the surface, recent scholarship on the topic shows that the exact nature, objective, outcome, and legacy of the Republican movement is anything but uncontentious. In this episode we'll be discussing the build up to the revolution and the events as they took place to understand who the main actors were and what objectives they had, if any. Finally, we'll look at the different debates surrounding the truth about the Xinhai Revolution, including the notion that it wasn't really a revolution at all.Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

What is the origin of the Chinese writing system? Where did Chinese characters come from, and how did they evolve over time? Are they pictographs? Ideogographs? Logographs? Phonographs? Or all of the above? This is the nature of one of the most famous debates in Sinology, which took place in the 1930s between historian Herrlee Creel and linguist Peter Boodberg. The debate not only reveals the complexity of including many diverse fields under the single umbrella of 'Chinese studies', but also reveals a deeper controversy about the way Chinese history, language, and thought is understood and interpreted in the Western canon.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:10) Sinology, Chinese characters, and the Shang Oracle Bones(08:00) Origins of the debate(10:33) Creel's argument(26:56) Boodberg's response(40:55) Back and forth(48:03) The end of the debate(50:07) Sinology and SinologismCharacters mentioned:牛(niu, 'cow') was originally drawn like the top of a stick man with a U shape for horns; similarly sheep 羊(yang) was a stick figure with 'M' shaped horns见 (complex character 見), was written on oracle bones as a man with an eye for a head, and evolved over time so the eye was turned on its side and the man's body simplified into just legs鲜 (xian, 'fresh') Creel argues is a compound of fish 鱼 and sheep 羊, but Boodberg argues 羊(yang) was originally the phonetic element of the word里 (li, 'village'); 俚(li, 'rustic', 'vulgar') has the radical for man in front, changing the meaning ffrom noun to adjective集(ji, 'to gather') according to Creel was originally 3 birds gathered on top of a tree, but over time evolved to be just one bird on a tree for simplicity (隹 zhuī short-tailed bird + 木 mù tree)東(dong, 'east') is interpreted by Creel to be the sun behind a tree, 杲(gao, 'bright') is the sun above the tree, and 杳(yao, 'dim, dusky') is the sun below the treeline 圕 （tushuguan, 'library'), one of the few standardised  polysyllabic Chinese characters used in Mandarin, but no longer in use. sometimes pronounced 'tuan' as a contraction自(zi, 'self') could originally have meant 'self' or 'nose', and been read alternatively 'zi' or 'bi'. Over time, the signifier was added to the word for nose to make it 鼻,(bi, 'nose'), the bottom part 畀(bi, 'confer', 'give') being the phonetic determinate名 (ming, 'name'), in Boodberg's argument made up of 夕(xi 'dark, night') and 口(kou, 'mouth, to utter'). However, he argues that 夕(xi) should be read as ming when used to mean 'dark', as it's the same meaning as 冥 (ming, 'dark, dim').他，她，它 meaning he, she and it are all pronounced 'ta' (there is also 祂, meaning 'He' like a god, also pronounced 'ta')夜(ye,'night'), which has been interpreted to be a man (人) with the moon (夕) tucked under his arm under a roof, is dismissed by Boodberg as a ridiculous interpretationSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Much has been made in Western media about the Chinese social credit system. It's been painted as a totalitarian form of surveillance akin to 1984, where all citizens are tracked, monitored and ranked according to an arbitrary set of rules set up by the state. It's seen as something to be feared, something that could be coming to your country and taking over your life sooner than you think. But the truth of the real social credit system may be a lot more banal. From mistranslations to misunderstandings, let's delve into why the social credit system may be the thing the west has got wrong about China the most in the past 100 years, and why Chinese people might even welcome such an overbearing measure into their lives.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:25) What's in a name?(07:04) Historical precedents and inspiration for the social credit system(17:25) The Social Credit System[s](42:42) Emergent problems(50:00) The problem of perverse incentives(56:47) Public reception to the SCS(1:01:11) Final ThoughtsBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-eurotunnel-dc2Links to everything: https://linktree.com/sinobabbleSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In this episode we discuss Western (mainly US) think tank analysis of China in the 1990s and early 2000s and ask ourselves if they provide any value either for the public discourse or as pieces of policy advice. While experts work hard to produce piece after piece, report after report, looking at China's economic, military, political and technological developments, the actual usefulness of these works either individually or as a collective needs to be evaluated. What started off as the search for a common thread in the evolution of China analysis over a 10 year period ended up being a lambasting of a staple of the intellectual economy. Whoops. We also discuss the problem with information overload in our modern age and the dangers of trying to predict the future.This is a big talky episode, so be prepared to strap in for a whole lot of yappin'.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:00) What is a think tank(06:28) Think tanks analysed(15:00) 1991-1995 - a period of foreshadowing(31:50) 1996-1999 - a period of chaos(46:36) 2000-2004 - a period(53:12) The problem with information overload and predicting the future(58:00) ConclusionsBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/is-china-exporting-authoritarianism-702Links to everything: https://linktree.com/sinobabbleSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

When Xi became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, no one assumed he would take up that position for life. But when Presidential term limits were abolished in 2018, it was widely understood that Xi had made himself supreme leader, and would remain head of the state, party, and military indefinitely. But how did Xi manage to pull this off, and how did everyone seemingly miss the signs? According to some sources, Xi made a swift powergrab, sweeping over party consensus and using guile and manipulation to crush his foes. The truth, however, may be a lot less straightforward (or exciting). Analysis suggest Xi not only went through tried and true boring procedures to gain his position, but that he did so with the explicit support of his fellow party members.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:29) Background on Xi(11:40) Predicitons about Xi's leadership(19:50) The state of China in 2012(34:50) Xi will be a weak leader(40:30) How Xi managed to turn the tide(47:45) The consensus of the Party as deciding factor(54:15) ConclusionsSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Why are so many cultural heritage sites in China fake? Why is the architecture all the same? And why does no one care that all these old towns were built in the past 20 years? Let's take a deep dive into the history of the cultural heritage industry in China, the role of the CCP party-state, the agency of local actors, and try and figure out why Chinese tourists love fake reconstructions of mini European villages in the middle of their megacities.*Diary of the visit to Furong was in 2022 not 2002!!#China #culturalheritage #unesco #culturalrevolution #chinesehistory #chinatourismChapters (00:00) Introduction (03:45) Attitudes to cultural heritage around the world(06:45) The destruction of China's cultural heritage (11:11) Reasons for rebuilding China's cultural heritage sites(12:38) Defining authenticity(17:00) Examples of Disney-fied heritage sites(40:25) What tourists want(44:45) Does authenticity matter?Support the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Hi everyone,I'm really excited to announce that I will be hosting my first ever livestream this Friday 10th May over on Youtube. This is just a casual event, where you guys can ask me any questions you want, we can discuss current affairs and China news, and we can brainstorm future episode ideas as a collective.The stream will be at 10pm BST. You can join us at this link on Friday - I'm really looking forward to chatting with everyone!See you soon,EdiSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

There's a lot of outrage currently about China's attempts to grow its EV market, at the expense of the US economy. But the truth is that the Chinese EV market wouldn't be where it is today without the generous funding it received (and continues to receive) from the US, Western governments, and multinational companies looking to cash in on the next big thing.So let's talk about the ways in which China's EV industry is funded by the US, both directly and indirectly, partly with the help of your pension fund.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:15) Timeline of China's EV industry (12:20) The threat of Chinese made EVs (15:00) #1: The West was happy with China's EV development (when it benefited them) (20:40) #2: China's EV market was funded with US FDI and investor capital(28:45) #3: China's investment scene is better than Silicon Valley(39:30) The West as get rich quick schemeBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodSupport the Show.Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

"Safeguarding National Security Bill", also known as Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, was passed in March to no public opposition. I read through the whole bill and discussed how it may be used to transgress human rights and common sense in Hong Kong. I also discuss the history of recent protests in Hong Kong, and how they paved the way for Beijing to get its way and increase its control over its peopleChapters (00:00) Introduction to Article 23(03:15) Background: protests and new legislation 2019 - 2021(13:07) Going through Article 23(16:00) Part 2: Treason(18:45) Part 3: Sedition(22:55) Part 4: Espionage(26:55) Part 5: Sabotage(27:27) Part 6: External Interference (31:15) Part 7: Enforcement(36:08) Foreign commentaryBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks to everything: https://linktree.com/sinobabbleSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In the face of economic turbulence, China's youth are struggling to find jobs that are suited to their skills and can give them the life that they want and were promised. While China's government strives to alleviate youth unemployment, societal and cultural factors pose significant challenges. China's young people are reacting in unpredictable ways - finding alternate ways to get jobs, taking time out to become full time kids, or forging their own paths altogether.Chapters 00:00 Background: Employment in China vs the West03:50 Reasons for youth unemployment in China08:55 Crazy job requirements11:30 Chinese gov helps youth find jobs17:20 Caveat about youth unemployment18:37 Chinese social culture and jobs27:18 Young people's response to joblessnessSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

The newer and nimbler players in Chinese e-commerce are pushing buttons in the West. Rock-bottom prices, fast fulfilment and addictive interfaces are pushed to their limits to take China's dopamine economy global. What's going on, where does AI fit in the picture and what can we do to take on these new standards of consumption?Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Yoghurt bowls. Lululemon leggings. Ugg slippers. More young Chinese women embrace what they identify as the "white woman aesthetic" as an antidote to the pressures of high maintenance beauty standards and material achievement. As more Chinese women question the grind and settle for less, is the "white woman aesthetic" really an innocent social media fad or a deeper awakening of class consciousness? Chapters 3:15: Introduction to the "White Woman aesthetic"12:00 Chinese middle class anxiety14:31 Defining the Chinese middle class21:05 Morality and responsibility of the Chinese middle class27:32 Limitations of the Chinese middle class37:08 ConclusionsSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

This is part 2 of 3. In this episode we discuss the gaokao exam, the toll it takes on young people, and the increasing divide between those from richer, more developed areas and students from the margins of society.In part 1 we explored life for middle schoolers racing to the top of an increasingly steep hill: https://youtu.be/hg86rP15eOE-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SourcesThe Mental Health Camp Treating China's Troubled ‘Gaokao' Kids, Sixth ToneChoice of Higher Education Institutions: Perspectives of Students from Different Provinces in China, Ashraf et al.Fairness in Admission: Voices from Rural Chinese Female Students in Selective Universities in Chinese Mainland, Ma and WangAccess to Higher Education in China: Differences in Opportunity, WANG HouxiongHigher education expansion and inequality in educational opportunities in China, Lingli Wu & Kun Yan & Yuqi ZhangRural students' evolving educational aspirations and the sense of ‘ft' in the changing context of China's higher education: a life history approach, Jiexiu ChenSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

After reading an article on mother's who sacrifice everything to make sure their children get into middle school in China, I was inspired to take a deep dive and learn more about one of the world's biggest school systems. Why has China's education system become so fiercely competitive? How is this impacting children? And who are the people making huge profits from parental anxiety?This is part 1 of at least 2 episodes (potentially 3)!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SourcesEducation Development in China: Education Return, Quality, and Equity, by Guo, Huang and ZhangExploring Compulsory Education Policy of Rural and Urban Area in China, by Yizhong MaoHopes and Hurdles: Rural Migrant Children's Education in Urban China, by Gu and YeungThe education of China's migrant children: The missing link in China's education system, Lai et al.A Studied Sacrifice: Why China's Moms Bet All on Education, Sixth Tone China Is Cracking Down on ‘Hidden' Tutoring Schools, Sixth ToneChina's anxious parents turn to tutoring black market after Xi Jinping's crackdown, FTChina Tried to Ban Private Tutoring. It Created a Huge Black Market. Sixth ToneChina's TikTok Launches Campaign to Protect Parents From ‘Anxiety Marketing' During Summer, Sixth ToneZhongkao, Not Gaokao, Now the Make-or-Break Exam, Parents Say, Sixth ToneSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

#china #socialism #xijinping #communism Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a phrase that comes up when discussing Chinese politics. It's a cornerstone of Chinese political theory and heavily relied on by leadership when formulating new internal policies and deciding the direction the country is headed.Socialism with Chinese characteristics is an evolving theory that encapsulates the thoughts of China's major leaders, and is the lens through which the country sees itself and the party sees its mission. It includes concepts like economic prosperity, territorial integrity, social stability, and the continued political leadership of the CCP.Link to the Youtube poll to vote for the next episode: https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx_LM44S61UAXDi7zJT-X44KsO-je_K_EU?lc=Ugz2EJGLmmQ6YHZTcip4AaABAg&lc=Ugz2EJGLmmQ6YHZTcip4AaABAg The Zhao Ziyang biography that I mention is called Prisoner of the State: The Secret Journal of Zhao ZiyangIntroDefinition 1:20Deng era (1980-1992) 7:52Jiang Zemin era (90s) 18:12Hu Jintao era (00s) 22:12Xi Jinping era (10s-20s) 24:30Policy application 33:10The 14th 5 year plan 40:22Outro 44:45*My voice changes noticeable at around 21:25. Had to stop recording and restart after a break after which point my cold was significantly worse. Apologies!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sources2012 Full Text of Hu Jintao's Report at 18th Party Congress2018 Backgrounder_ Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era - Xinhua China's Plan for Economic and Social Development - Jun Yin and Jia XuChinese Economic Statecraft from 1978 to 1989 The First Decade of Deng Xiaoping's Reforms - Priscilla Roberts edsConstructing Political Economy with Chinese Characteristics - Fang Cai and Xiaojing ZhangSocialism with Chinese Characteristics - Roland BoerSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Every nation has to deal with the horrifying issue of human trafficking in one way or another, but the nature of human trafficking in China is relatively unique. While China does have problems with kidnapping and sex trafficking, it also has a black market where women and children are sold and bought by desperate families by middlemen posing as matchmakers or pseudo-adoption agencies.What is the nature of the trafficking of children and women in China? How does this market interact with Chinese culture and Confucian society? How does the prevalence of social media affect how these cases are dealt with by authorities?Chapters00:00 Intro01:30 Background cases: Liu Xuezhou & Xiao Huamei10:30 Trafficking of Women24:30 Trafficking of Children32:00 Justice for victims in the social media age43:20 Next episode-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SourcesChild Trafficking in China, Quanbao Jiang and Jesús J. Sánchez-BarricarteChild trafficking in the Yunnan and Guangdong provinces of China, Songcai Yang , Ling Han & Yingxi BiEvidence of Son Preference in the Child Trafficking Market for Illegal Adoption in China, Wanru XiongFemale Perpetrators in Internal Child Trafficking in China: An Empirical Study, Anqi ShenMapping Trafficking of Women in China: Evidence from Court Sentences, Yiwei Xia, Yisu Zhou, Li Du & Tianji CaiMarriage Trafficking: Demand, Exploitation, and Conducive Contexts—A Study in China–Vietnam Border Areas, Xiaochen LiangEasy Prey: Illicit Enterprising Activities and the Trafficking of Vietnamese Women in China, Weidi Liu & Geping Qiu & Sheldon X. ZhangChained woman case: Six jailed in trafficking case that horrified China, BBCLiu Xuezhou: Outrage over death of 'twice abandoned' China teen, BBCChina's Human Trafficking Problem Goes Far Beyond the ‘Chained Woman', Sixth ToneAs a Long-Lost Son is Found, a Dilemma: Arrest His Other Parents?, Sixth TonePolicymakers, lawmakers respond to opinion voiced online, China DailySupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

China's housing market has been shaken by a series of crises in recent years, with events such as the Evergrande default scandal threatening to bring the whole system crashing down. But the truth is the property market in China was built on shaky foundations, and the government has trapped itself in a presale system from which it may not be able to escape. Will China's housing bubble pop, bringing the economy down with it? Or will the government and CCP be able to find a solution to a system riddled with corruption and bad practices? More importantly, will those who bought homes through the presale system ever actually get a house to live in?Check out the previous episode on urbanisation in China: https://youtu.be/LQptYyczH64Chapters00:00 Intro03:03 Boom14:30 Bust & Evergrande 22:48 Future-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SourcesCan China Fix Its Broken Housing Market?, Sixth Tone https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1011103“China's real estate market”, Chang Liu and Wei Xiong'No Way Out': Why China's Mortgage Strikers Refuse to Back Down, Sixth Tone https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1011767/no-way-out-why-chinas-mortgage-strikers-refuse-to-back-down China property recovery will be slow and unevenly distributed amid income insecurity, distrust of debt-laden developers, analysts say, SCMP, https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3215956/china-property-recovery-will-be-slow-and-unevenly-distributed-amid-income-insecurity-distrust-debt?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=article&utm_source=TwitterReal estate supports rapid development of China's urbanization, Zhaoyang Cai, , Qing Liu, Shixiong CaoReal Estate Bubble Resolution with Chinese Characteristics: Integrate Fragmented VacantResources, Guangze WangSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Guanxi can be loosely understood as instrumental social relationships that form a network to be used by individuals for their personal benefit. Guanxi is a long-enduring part of Chinese society, but how is it used in a modern context. Is it still important for doing business? How should foreigners understand guanxi? And is guanxi now doing more harm than good in modern world?Chapters00:00: Intro2:18: Definitions  of Guanxi11:39: Origins of Guanxi19:03: Building Guanxi Relationships31:51: Guanxi in China's Business World40:58: Guanxi goes abroad?44:27: Negative Societal Effects of Guanxi49:Negative Societal Effects of Guanxi-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sources- Guanxi: How China Workds, Yanjie Bian, 2019- Chinese Guanxi: An Integrative Review and New Directions for Future Research, Chao C. Chen,  Xiao-Ping Chen, and Shengsheng Huang, 2013- Cultivating Guanxi as a Foreign Investor Strategy, John A. Pearce II and Richard B. Robinson, Jr., 2000- Cultural and Organizational Antecedents of Guanxi: The Chinese Cases, Liang-Hung Lin, 2011- Entering Guanxi: A Business Ethical Dilemma in Mainland China?, Chenting Su and James E. Littlefield, 2001- Guanxi Networks in China: Its Importance and Future Trends, Jin Ai, 2006- Guanxi's Consequences: Personal Gains at Social Cost, Ying Fan, 2002- The Culture of Guanxi in a North China Village, Yunxiang Yan, 1996- Whither guanxi and social networks in China? A review of theory and practice, Jane Nolan & Chris Rowley, 2020- What Happens When the ‘Gaokao' Rewards Who, Not What, You Know, Sixth Tone, https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005924- Qinghai Official Died After Sharing Seven Bottles of Baijiu, Sixth Tone, https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1012818- Bank Worker Slapped, Insulted for Not Drinking With Colleagues, Sixth Tone, https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006093- Businesses benefiting from political connections harm China's economic growth, https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/businesses-benefitting-from-political-connections-could-harm-chinas-economic-growth/Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

I was gifted a copy of The Decisive Decade by Jonathan Ward and this is my review! Read the first half of the review here: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/book-review-the-decisive-decade-byDescription of the book from Amazon:In The Decisive Decade, Dr. Jonathan D.T. Ward―China scholar and founder of the Atlas Organization, a consultancy focused on US-China global competition―offers a comprehensive framework for how the United States can, and must, defeat China on the world stage economically, diplomatically, militarily, and ideologically. International security and American supremacy are at stake―and now is the time for the US to take action.China's global power and influence grows every day. Working from a deep sense of national identity, the Chinese Communist Party is leading its country toward what it deems “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation,” and executing a long-term Grand Strategy to topple over its chief adversary, the United States. As China becomes increasingly repressive domestically and aggressive overseas, it threatens to upend America's global dominance at every turn.Ward provides novel and practical strategies that our government, as well as our businesses and our citizens, can utilize to undermine our adversary. Exhaustive campaigns in the economic, diplomatic, military, and ideological arenas, he argues, must be taken to achieve victory.With expert analysis of the history of US-China relations, as well as insight into how the Russia-Ukrainian war can inform our strategic thinking, The Decisive Decade presents a unique toolkit for our triumph over China. We can succeed, but it won't be easy; it will take all of our nation's ingenuity, confidence, and willpower to win.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decisive-Decade-Americas-Strategy-Triumph/dp/1635768454Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

China's urbanisation is often described as a unique process, but how different is it from the urban development of other countries? How close is China to becoming a 'modern urban nation'? What factors play a major role in the way China's cities have formed? How has the hukou and Special Economic Zones contributed to China's urban-rural divide? And what problems are we starting to see in the formation of Chinese cities?-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:47 Background to Urbanisation in China03:45 Urbanisation under Mao16:35 Post-Mao Urbanisation19:30 The development of Special Economic Zones25:00 Chinese city tiers33:56 The Hukou42:44 Ghost cities-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------China urbanizes, Consequences, strategies and policies, Yusuf and Saich eds.China's 'Ghost Cities', Yu HongDenationalization of urban physical development, Jieming ZhuEvaluating cities' vitality and identifying ghost cities in China Jin et al 2017Is Chinese Urbanisation unique? Hamnett, 2020What attracts young talents? Understanding the migration intention ofuniversity students to first-tier cities in China, Jin et alUrban planning in socialist China, Yichun Xie and Frank J. CostaUrbanisation in China, Zhang Xing Quan 1991China's City-Tier Classification: How Does it Work?, China Briefing https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-city-tier-classification-defined/China's tiered city system explained, SCMP https://multimedia.scmp.com/2016/cities/Reforms to China's hukou system will not help migrants much, The Economist https://www.economist.com/china/2022/09/22/reforms-to-chinas-hukou-system-will-not-help-migrants-muchChina's 'ghost towns' come to life thanks to urbanization and policies, Global Times https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1211265.shtmlSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

Peter Zeihan is a famous American geopolitical who recently appeared on episode 1921 of The Joe Rogan Experience (full episode here https://open.spotify.com/episode/406fOiiKMU0ot5AS1AIwve). He talks about a lot of topics, but I want to discuss what he says about China and specifically what he gets wrong. Zeihan is keen to predict China's collapse, and his supporters are clearly even keener for his predictions to come true. But I'm not so sure Zeihan can see the future, as his grasp on the present (and past) seems shaky at best.Let's talk demographic collapse, technological development, and labour efficiency in China!Chapters00:00 Intro03:30 The Accidental Superpower09:55 Impending Demographic Doom20:50 China's lack of technological advancement28:10 Chinese labour is inefficient30:39: Bits and bobs34:23 Summary and Conclusion: I disagreeSourcesThe Accidental Superpower: The Next Generation of American Preeminence and the Coming Global Disorder Kindle Edition - Peter ZeihanChallenging Myths About China's One-Child Policy, by Whyte, Feng and Cai, 2015 Ogawa, N., & Retherford, R. D. (1993). The Resumption of Fertility Decline in Japan: 1973-92.The Global Competitiveness Report, World Economic Forum, 2019The Chinese Talent Behind Your Favorite Generative AI Product, Macro Polo, April 2023China shows its dominance in surveillance technology, The Financial Times, December 2019 Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

There's been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of the US and China going to war if China invades Taiwan, but as usual, I'm here to dampen the hype and reduce expectations. Let's not rush into WWIII, and instead have a rational conversation about how likely war between the world's foremost superpowers actually is.Sorry for the delay in episodes, was away with the family over Easter.Chapters2:30 What is Taiwan? The One China Policy05:24 Taiwanese cultural politics and identity15:20 We would all die21:20 Pyrrhic victory27:44: China's other strategy31:45: Taiwan's situation41:55: Taiwan is not a priority for the US48:00 Conclusions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SourcesMelissa J. Brown, Is Taiwan Chinese?The Impact of Culture, Power, and Migration on Changing IdentitiesChris Miller, Chip War:The Fight for the World's Most Critical TechnologyKerry Brown and Kalley Wu Tzu-Hui, The Trouble With Taiwan: History, Identity and a Rising China_ History, the United States and a Rising ChinaCSIS, The First Battle of the Next War: Wargaming a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan (https://www.csis.org/analysis/first-battle-next-war-wargaming-chinese-invasion-taiwan)The New York Times, Who Benefits From Confrontation With ChinaSyaru Lin, Taiwan's China Dilemma, Contested Identities and Multiple Interests in Taiwan's Cross-Strait Economic Policy-Stanford University PressThe National Interest, The Worrisome Erosion of the One China PolicyThe Baby TribeA podcast dedicated to infant nutrition and health Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

China is on a mission to build world peace, but why now? What qualifications do they have to be a mediator? Will the peace they bring about be a stable, lasting one? Are they better than the UN? Is neutrality a core feature of a good third-party mediator? What do they stand to gain from the Saudi Arabia-Iran deal? Is their plan for peace between Ukraine and Russia viable? Is democracy a prerequisite for peace in the modern world? Will globalisation perish or flourish as a result in the rise of transactional peace?So many questions. About 2, maybe 3, answers.00:00 Intro00:57 Context questions: what is going on?02:06 What makes a good mediator?12:24 The quest for global governance15:49 The Saudi-Iran deal21:21 The end of the Russia Ukraine War?24:49: Does it matter that China isn't neutral?30:16 The democracy problem35:19 A new world order?SourcesThe Palgrave Encyclopedia of Global Security Studies https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-3-319-74319-6China Daily, Nation hailed for brokering Saudi-Iranian agreement https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202303/15/WS6411031ea31057c47ebb4741_1.htmlChina's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202302/t20230224_11030713.htmlThe Economist, The world according to Xi, https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/03/23/the-world-according-to-xiContemporary Peacemaking: Peace Processes, Peacebuilding, and Conflict, Roger Mac Guinty and Anthony Wallis-St. John eds.Support the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

The biggest meeting of China's government just took place. This historic Two Sessions saw Xi Jinping elected to an unprecedented third term as president, the new government staffed with his followers, and changes to legislation that will see the Chinese Communist Party gain an even tighter grip on power. What do the proclamations about the economy, foreign relations, Taiwan, the United States, and domestic policies tell us about China's policy direction for the next five years? 00:00 Intro01:43 What are the NPC and CPPCC?05:37 Personnel (non)changes13:33 Government reform22:30 Economic highlights27:26 Li Qiang34:35 Xi Jinping38:50 Outro------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bert Hoffman's newsletter: https://substack.com/inbox/post/108149817 NPC Observer: https://npcobserver.com/2023/03/04/npc-2023-agenda-and-daily-schedule/Two Sessions in statistics: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/the-two-sessions-but-make-it-statisticsOn the Social Credit System: https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/moral-honest-helpful-chinas-socialLi Qiang's full Q&A text: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202303/t20230314_11040394.htmlXi Jinping speech full text: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-03-14/Full-text-of-Xi-Jinping-s-speech-at-first-session-of-14th-NPC-1iaLpfkemB2/index.htmlSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In 2019 China introduced an Extradition Law that sparked protests across Hong Kong. In this episode we revisit Hong Kong and get up to speed on how the national security law has changed life for the people who have stayed. What plans does the CCP have to revamp the economy and plug the brain drain? And where are all the people leaving going?ChaptersBackground: 00:10Hong Kong 47: 07:40National Security Law updates: 17:55Post-covid lull: 22:47Migration: 24:37Outro: 30:49SourcesWhat does the National Security Law actually say again? (March 2021) https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/what-does-the-national-security-law Apple Daily and the end of Hong Kong (July 2021) https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/apple-daily-and-the-end-of-hong-kong The sinking ship (Jul 2022) https://sinobabble.substack.com/p/the-sinking-ship47 democrats charged with ‘conspiracy to commit subversion' over legislative primaries https://hongkongfp.com/2021/02/28/47-democrats-charged-with-conspiracy-to-commit-subversion-over-legislative-primaries/ Hong 47 Trial https://hongkongfp.com/hong-kongs-47-democrats-national-security-trial/ National security law trial of 47 opposition figures starts in Hong Kong (Global Times) https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1284940.shtml‘The frontline in our homes': Covid-19's lasting impact on Hong Kong's migrant domestic workers https://hongkongfp.com/2023/01/29/the-frontline-in-our-homes-covid-19s-lasting-impact-on-hong-kongs-migrant-domestic-workers/ HK$2bn ‘Hello Hong Kong' campaign gives away 500,000 plane tickets to help reboot tourism https://hongkongfp.com/2023/02/02/hk2bn-hello-hong-kong-campaign-gives-away-500000-plane-tickets-to-help-reboot-tourism/Hong Kong's population drops for 3rd straight year, while city posts net outflow of 60,000 residents in 2022 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3210429/hong-kong-emigration-wave-net-outflow-60000-residents-2022-marking-09-cent-population-drop-3rdUnderstanding Migration into Greater Bay Area Cities in Mainland China as an Investment for Hong Kong Young Adults https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-9531-5_5 The intention to migrate from more developed to less developed areas: evidence from Hong Kong https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17441730.2022.2087933?journalCode=raps20SURVEY: 72% HONGKONGERS ATTRACTED TO MAINLAND GBA OPPORTUNITIES https://www.oliverwyman.com/media-center/2022/jul/survey-72-hongkongers-attracted-to-mainland-gba-opportunities.htmlSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

There's been a lot of speculation in the news recently over whether or not China will come to Russia's aid in the fight in Ukraine. Although many Western outlets are panicking about the likelihood, is it as straightforward as China jumping into the fray? The answer may lie in the recent history of the relationship of the two powers.Sources"China and Russia: Economic Unequals", Jonathan E. Hillman, 2020"China's Relations with Russia", Alexei D. Voskressenski (in China and the World, David Shambaugh eds.), 2020"FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?: Russian-Chinese Relations After the Ukraine Crisis", Alexander Gabuev, 2016"The "Rise" of China in the Eyes of Russia: A Source of Threats or New Opportunities?", Anastasia Solomentseva, 2014"Russia: New Eastern Perspectives", Vladimir Putin, 2000"Will China rescue Russia", Sinobabble Substack Axis of authoritarians:  Implications of China-Russia Cooperation,  Richard J. Ellings and Robert Sutter, 2018 "China and Russia: united in opposition", Roderick Kefferpütz (text) and Vincent Brussee (data), 2022"Moscow's Failed Pivot to China", Thomas S. Eder and Mikko Huotari, 2016Chapters00:00: Intro02:07: Deng Xiaoping Era03:49: Jiang Zemin Era09:50: Hu Jintao Era17:43: Xi Jinping Era23:35: The Future of China-Russia Relations27:30: OutroSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

China's Belt and Road Initiative turns 10 years old this year. Launched by Xi Jinping in 2013 as a way to "promote infrastructure construction and connectivity, align national policies and development strategies, deepen practical cooperation, promote coordinated and interconnected development, and achieve common prosperity,” many analysts think that the BRI is on the brink of collapse. Plagued with allegations of creating debt traps, aiding corrupt governments, and causing ecological damage, there are many who are suspicious and disapproving of the new Silk Road. But China insists that its plans are for the good of the global economy, and is a crucial tool in fighting poverty.Will the BRI be able to survive the post-pandemic global economic slowdown? Or is China's flagship globalist policy a vital lifeline for developing and emerging countries that have otherwise been overlooked by Western nations?Substack: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod Intro: 00:00What is the Belt and Road?: 03:00China's view on BRI: 06:22World Bank analysis: 11:03Western/anti-BRI views: 14:27BRI in Tajikistan: 20:30 BRI in Nigeria: 22:25Labour and security: 26:10BRI in Vietnam: 26:45BRI in Ghana: 28:16BRI as a debt trap?: 30:15BRI post-lockdown: 32:56Outro: 36:46Bite-Sized Business LawDig in to the most compelling business law issues of the moment with host Amy Martella,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A recently released statement by the UN expresses concern about residential schools in the province that take children away from their ancestral homes, suppressing language and religious teaching, and causing cultural genocide.The CCP argues that its policy in Tibet is to create a prosperous region that is integrated with the whole, and protects China's borders from incursion.Is Tibetan culture being erased? Or is Tibet merely suffering from the same global capitalist forces that have transformed China over the past century?Support Sinobabble by buying me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/SinobabblepodRead the Sinobabble newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/ChaptersIntro: 00:00UN Statement on Tibet: 2:20Western views on Tibet: 8:22Chinese views on Tibet: 15:16Tibet as a victim of globalism: 22:39Summary: 28:07Outro: 31:21References and sources40 years of China's war on poverty, Zhu and Peng"Social Construction of National Reality: Tibet and Taiwan" Yu and KwanCultural Genocide and Asian State Peripheries, “Tibet and the (Mis-) Representation of Cultural Genocide”, Barry SautmanChina shuts down historic monastery, evicts monks and nuns: https://savetibet.org/china-shut-downs-historic-monastery-evicts-monks-and-nuns/UN statement: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/02/china-un-experts-alarmed-separation-1-million-tibetan-children-families-andChina's victory over poverty a great modern achievement: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202012/02/WS5fc6e710a31024ad0ba99340.htmlTibet prospers from a decade of economic and social development: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/26/WS630803dea310fd2b29e744dc.htmlAid-Tibet program marks significant success: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202207/26/WS62df9acda310fd2b29e6e79a.htmlTibet podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jnKLWEBbVKiydDW2g6LLFBite-Sized Business LawDig in to the most compelling business law issues of the moment with host Amy Martella,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

The death of Mao Zedong and the trial of the Gang of Four are traditionally used as the signifiers of the end of the Cultural Revolution. The violent and turbulent 10 year period came to a sudden stop as political in-fighting continued until Deng Xiaoping was able to quash his foes and come out on top.In this episode, we cover how the Cultural Revolution finally came to an end, how the period is interpreted both in the West and in China, and what effect the Cultural Revolution has had on Chinese society as a whole.Intro: 00:00Opening: 01:09The end of the Cultural Revolution: 6:20Interpreting the CR: 20:25Aftermath of the CR and memory in contemporary China: 31:23Outro: 41:25Bite-Sized Business LawDig in to the most compelling business law issues of the moment with host Amy Martella,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

In this episode, we discuss the changes made to China's cultural realm during the Cultural Revolution. As the main target of the Cultural Revolution Group, cultural production including art, literature, theatre, and film were all subject to the new rules of the decade. But were those rules made to last? And were the CRG able to impose their will completely when they relied on the existing bourgeois cultural producers to cultivate their new vision?

In this episode we look at how the economy and educational system fared during the Cultural Revolution decade. We discuss how a period of chaos led into a period of stagnation, where things neither got much better nor much worse. We also talk about differences between the countryside and the cities, and how every day life was irrevocably impacted by the social turmoil that occurred.

In this episode we explore the mysterious and complex character of Lin Biao, and his even more mysterious demise. We ask how he rose to prominence so quickly after being a largely background figure in the party for so many years, and what effect his vice-chairmanship and sudden death had on the Cultural Revolution.*I accidentally say Liu instead of Lin at around the 22:30 minute mark*00:00 Introdution05:02 Early career in the CCP13:05 Lin Biao in the Cultural Revolution19:58 Lin's position challenged?27:51 The 'conspiracy'36:31 Evaluating the coup theory39:10 The impact of Lin's death

Hi all,I've been sick recently and continue to be ill enough that I can't record. To keep you guys going, I thought it would be a good idea to upload a guest appearance I made on another show, The Way Podcast, hosted by Bill. The show is fascinating, discussing a range of topics from regional politics and societal issues, to UFOs and cryptocurrencies.The Way Podcast was made to allow everyday people the chance to hear from the experts. I believe learning new things is interesting. So, on the show you can hear from hand chosen individuals who are the best in their fields. Each week will involve a new topic to keep the show diverse.This is the episode description: "Edi Obiakpani joined me for this episode. She has a Ph.D. in Chinese and History, has lived in China for 7 years, and has her own podcast dedicated to China called Sinobabble. As one would expect, Edi came on the show to talk about everything "China". We discussed the Hong Kong protests, the country's culture, politics, history, U.S. China relations, and what China's overall motives are. Tune in for this one to hear everything that is China." You can find out more about Bill's show on https://www.podcasttheway.com/ and follow him on his Twitter. 

In episode 4 of the Cultural Revolution series, we look at how the party began to rebuild itself in the period 1968-1972 through a series of internal meetings, some last-minute purges, and a few devastating mass campaigns that would end up having a much higher impact than anything the Red Guards had carried out in previous years.Though much had happened in China during the last few years, to many people it seemed like nothing had fundamentally changed. Though the people running the government were different, the structure of the party-state itself had remained the same. If anything, the only real difference was the preeminence that Mao Zedong Thought gained during this period, largely thanks to the support of the PLA.Songs: Long Live Chairman Mao and March of the Revolutionary Youth

In this episode, we look at how Mao reversed the course of the Cultural Revolution, bringing in the army to end the violence and destruction caused by the factionalism between the Red Guards and other mass organisations. We discuss the much vaunted revolutionary committees, temporary governments made up of a triple alliance between the mass organisations, the Cultural Revolution Group, and the People's Liberation Army.The original aim of the revolution to promote the masses to positions of power in place of corrupt cadres was replaced by the singular quest to restore the country to order. To do this, Mao relied heavily on the PLA, as well as the cadres who not too long ago were seen as public enemy #1.Music clips are from "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman" and "The People of the World Will Surely be Victorious"00:00 Song "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman"00:25 Introduction06:23 January Revolution11:50 Song "The People of the World Will Surely be Victorious"12:05 The Triple Alliance14:10 The February adverse current23:20 The Wuhan incident26:24 The 516 purge29:30 Resitance to demobilisation38:10 The failure of the revolution

In this episode we talk about the violence that gripped the Chinese nation at the height of the Cultural Revolution. We discuss the difference between the brutality that took place in the cities, which was mainly perpetrated by Red Guards and affected culture as much as people, and the countryside, which pitted neighbour against neighbour.Music clips are from "The East is Red" and "We Walk on the Great Road".Apparently I keep hitting my microphone throughout this episode, which are what that hollow sounding noise is. I need a better set up...00:00 Clip from the song "The East Is Red" 00:18 Introduction4:47 Red guards in the cities9:10 The revolution in Shanghai21:14 The revolution in the countryside35:15 The impact of the violence on China and the Cultural Revolution40:08 Outro