Podcasts about soas china institute

Taiwan is facing a range of challenges — from Donald Trump's threat of 32% tariffs on its crucial exports to the US, to massive Chinese military exercises off its coastline aimed at intimidating the island's leaders. If that weren't enough, the DPP administration, led by President William Lai, has seen its budget slashed by Taiwan's legislature, which is now dominated by its main rival, the KMT, or Chinese Nationalist Party. It's resulted in months of protests and political wrangling. So how will Taiwan's economy and society cope with these challenges? In the latest episode of China in Context, Dr. Michael Reilly, senior fellow on the Taiwan Studies Programme at the University of Nottingham, and a former British diplomat who was previously the UK's senior representative in Taiwan, analyses the island's political and economic situation, in conversation with Duncan Hewitt.Photo credit: 總統府 / CC BY 2.0________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

At this month's legislative session China announced policies to maintain GDP growth at 5%, boost consumption and the private sector and promote AI and high tech industry, from quantum computing to the low altitude economy. But will it be enough to reassure consumers and investors — and does the higher than GDP growth increase in defence spending in the budget, and the continuing crackdown on corruption hint that the leadership's top priorities are still security and stability rather than growth? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute and co-author of the recent book, The Political Thought of Xi Jinping, and George Magnus, former Chief Economist at UBS, and a Research Associate at SOAS and at the Oxford University China Centre, share their views.________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

In this episode we look at the life and work of Lynn Pan, one of the most imaginative of writers in English about modern China and particularly Shanghai, who died last year, and was commemorated at a special event at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival earlier this month. Her books, including In Search of Old Shanghai, The New Chinese Revolution, Sons of the Yellow Emperor, Shanghai Style and When True Love Came to China, were accessible, often witty, and always deeply researched. Duncan Hewitt discusses her legacy with Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking and Her Lotus Year, Frances Wood,  SOAS Research Associate and former curator of Chinese collections at the British Library, and Michelle Garnaut, founder of the Shanghai Literary Festival. With a further contribution from Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Chancellor's Professor of History at University of California, Irvine.Photo of Lynn Pan by Robert Martin.________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

With the US imposing new tariffs on Chinese exports, the state of the country's domestic economy has become all the more crucial. Despite healthy export growth in recent years, at home consumer confidence has plummeted, with rising youth unemployment and a slump in the once booming housing market. Will recent government steps to reassure consumers and entrepreneurs and stimulate property sales be enough to revive the economy? Or does soaring local government debt mean more creative solutions are required?In this episode, we hear two perspectives on China's economic challenges — from economist Andy Rothman, founder of Sinology LLC, and Professor Victor Shih, director of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California San Diego, and author of the newly published book, Elite Conflicts and the Path to Economic Decentralization (2025, CUP).________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese exports may only boost the trend for Chinese companies to seek new markets and manufacturing bases overseas — including in Africa, where China is now the biggest trading partner and source of loans. On this episode, we discuss 'Made in Ethiopia', a new film looking at the human impact of Chinese involvement in Africa's industrialisation, with its directors Xinyan Yu and Max Duncan — and debate China's wider relationship with the continent with Professor Carlos Oya, head of the Department of Development Studies at SOAS, University of London.________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

Donald Trump is promising to challenge China on everything from its exports to its global influence over the next four years, but what could this mean in practice? Professor Miles Yu of the Hudson Institute, principal advisor on China policy to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the first Trump administration, and Professor Evan Medeiros of Georgetown University, former senior director for Asia at the White House National Security Council under President Obama share their views on China in Context.________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

From a stuttering economy to an intensifying purge of the military, China's president has faced many challenges in 2024. With a looming trade war with the United States and more clouds on the economic horizon, Professor Steve Tsang of the SOAS China Institute reflects on Xi Jinping's year.The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: www.thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the recent COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, China was seen as having played a part in getting an agreement — albeit a much criticised one — to increase funding to mitigate the climate crisis. And with Donald Trump threatening to pull the U.S, out of climate change mechanisms, Beijing's role could become even more important. But China, now the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, continues to reject calls for it to be given developed nation status, which would require it to make increased financial contributions to tackle climate change. Journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, discuses China's role in the climate talks, and its domestic environmental problems, with presenter Duncan Hewitt.________________________________________In the light of recent developments, this episode was edited on 10 December 2024 to remove a more detailed reference to the podcast's former host, Duncan Bartlett, who left China in Context in September 2024. The SOAS China Institute would like to express its condemnation of his abhorrent behaviour, of which it was unaware at the time, and for which he has now been jailed, and expresses the utmost sympathy to his victims.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

What will Donald Trump's re-election mean for relations between China and the US? Is Beijing alarmed by his threats of massive new trade tariffs, and the unpredictability that he likes to boast about? Or will it see his relative lack of interest in global affairs — and his love of a deal — as a chance to increase its leverage and put more pressure on Taiwan, while boosting its influence in the South China Sea? Presenter Duncan Hewitt discusses these issues with Jim McGregor, Chairman for Greater China at APCO Worldwide, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, and BBC Asia correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes.  This podcast was recorded on 13 November 2024, shortly before it was confirmed that Donald Trump had nominated Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI) SCI Blog SCI on X / Twitter SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook ________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

On this week's Access Asia we speak to Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, who tells us what officials in Beijing really think of Donald Trump's US presidential victory. He discusses the risk of a full-blown trade war erupting. We also get a check on how New Delhi is reacting. Former Indian ambassador to France, Dr Mohan Kuman, tells us that India hopes the US president-elect can bring the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to an end.

The Chinese Communist Party guides the thinking of the masses through slogans. Some of these are written in huge letters on walls around the country. They are studied by party members, who try to figure out how society should respond. One of the most famous slogans is "reform and opening up." It has been in constant use since the late 1970s and although its meaning has changed significantly since then, Sinologists believe it remains a guiding principle for Xi Jinping. In this podcast, presenter Duncan Bartlett asks Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, about the meaning of the phrase and its significance.

China has a strategy to forge partnerships with countries in the so-called Global South. This pits it against other influential nations which also claim to be international leaders. Furthermore, many people in developing countries resent being pressed to pick sides. The podcast includes a discussion on Chinese foreign policy between Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute and regular host, Duncan Bartlett.

China's president Xi Jinping has wrapped up his first trip to Europe in five years, visiting France, Serbia and Hungary. So, what did he achieve during this tour? In this episode: David Mahon, Founder and Chairman of Mahon China. Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, University of London. Nenad Stekic, Research Fellow, Institute of International Politics and Economics. Host: Neave Barker  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Xi Jinping is urging Chinese companies to compete vigorously with other countries in the development of advanced technology, including high end computer chips. There is an ideological basis to the strategy: Xi Jinping has spoken about China becoming much more self-reliant. But the battle for supremacy in tech causes tension in the realm of international relations, as Dr Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow at the SOAS China Institute explains to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.

Japan has taken a tough stance on China, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida firmly committed to upholding the American vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” But China is also a huge market for Japanese companies for which talk of “decoupling” from China is regarded as commercial folly. In this podcast, Duncan Bartlett, a Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, offers his views on how the two Asian rivals see each other. The host is John Andrews, former Asia Editor of The Economist.

Xi Xinping, the leader of China, has dramatically consolidated power and extended his reign indefinitely. What does he think and what does he want? Steve Tsang is the Director of the SOAS China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He is the author of “The Political Thought of Xi Xinping,” and joins to discuss.

Chinese politics have been transformed since Xi Jinping became paramount leader in 2012. He has accumulated power in a way unprecedented since the era of Mao Zedong and he expects China's people to study his ideology, just as Chairman Mao's supporters studied his 'Little Red Book'. Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, and Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow at the SOAS China Institute, have co-authored a new book on the philosophy of the Chinese leader, 'The Political Thought of Xi Jinping', which was recently published by Oxford University Press. In this podcast, Professor Tsang discusses the book's themes with Isabel Hilton, visiting Professor at King's College London and the founder of China Dialogue.

China's President Xi Jinping is a figure of extraordinary influence around the world but it in the West the nuances and intricacies of his political agenda are less well understood. The Political Thought of Xi Jinping is a new book from Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, and Dr Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow of the China Institute at SOAS University of London. The book draws from Xi Jinping's own words and writings issued in his name to explain his ideas and plans, offering the first comprehensive and critical analysis of what "Xi Jinping Thought" is and whether it should be treated as China's state ideology. Joining Tsang and Cheung in conversation for this episode is Katie Stallard, senior editor for China and global affairs at the New Statesman and author of Dancing on Bones: History and Power in China, Russia, and North Korea. If you'd like to get access to all of our longer form interviews and members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events - Our member-only newsletter The Monthly Read, sent straight to your inbox ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series ... Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more ... Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 1990s, China enjoyed a period of rapid economic progress, as the government emphasised the importance of so-called pillar industries, including construction. In this podcast, Rory Green, Chief China Economist, TS Lombard suggests it's time for China to concentrate on new pillars to support the next stage of its development. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett from the SOAS China Institute.

China's currency, the yuan, has seen its value against the US dollar depreciate sharply this year. That may reflect foreign disillusionment with China's economic prospects and policy making. Many investors are also unnerved by a regulatory crackdown on technology companies, with the Communist Party insisting on more centralised control. In this podcast,  George Magnus, a research associate at the SOAS China Institute and Oxford University's China Centre, discusses China's economic challenges with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.

For ten years, China has been pushing other countries to partner with it through the Belt and Road initiative (BRI). While some nations such as Russia are fans of the project, it has largely been snubbed by the West. In this podcast, Fraser Howie, a respected independent analyst on China, considers whether the BRI is becoming an obsolete concept. The host is Duncan Bartlett from the SOAS China Institute.

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised foreign companies greater access to China's huge market and more than $100 billion in new financing for other developing economies as he opened a forum Wednesday on his signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Xi's initiative has built power plants, roads, railroads and ports around the world and deepened China's ties with Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Mideast. But the massive loans backing the projects have burdened poorer countries with heavy debts, in some cases leading to China taking control of those assets. At the forum's opening ceremony at the ornate and cavernous Great Hall of the People, Xi promised that two Chinese-backed development banks – the China Development Bank and the Export–Import Bank of China – will each set up 350 billion yuan ($47.9 billion) financing windows. An additional 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) will be invested in Beijing's Silk Road Fund to support BRI projects. “We will comprehensively remove restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector,” Xi said. He said China would further open up “cross-border trade and investment in services and expand market access for digital products” and carry out reforms of state-owned enterprises and in sectors such as the digital economy, intellectual property rights and government procurement. The pledges of hefty support from Beijing come at a time when China's economy has slowed and foreign investment has plunged. Xi alluded to efforts by the United States and its allies to reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains amid heightened competition and diplomatic frictions and reiterated promises that Beijing would create a fairer environment for foreign firms. “We do not engage in ideological confrontation, geopolitical games nor clique political confrontation,” Xi said. “We oppose unilateral sanctions, economic coercion and the decoupling and severance of chains,” a reference to moves elsewhere to diversify industrial supply chains. Reiterating Chinese complaints that such moves are meant to limit China's growth, Xi said that “viewing others' development as a threat or taking economic interdependence as a risk will not make one's own life better or speed up one's development.” “China can only do well when the world is doing well,” he said. “When China does well, the world will get even better.” Representatives from more than 130 mostly developing countries are attending the forum, including at least 20 heads of state and government. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending, reflecting China's economic and diplomatic support for Moscow amid the isolation brought by its war in Ukraine. Addressing the forum right after Xi, Putin praised BRI as being “truly important, global, future-oriented, aimed at creating more equitable, multipolar world relations." “This is truly a global plan,” he said, adding that it aligns with Russia's plan “to form a large Eurasian space, as a space of cooperation and interaction of like-minded people, where a variety of integration processes will be linked.” He referred to other regional organizations, such as the security-oriented Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Eurasian Economic Union of former Soviet states. Several European officials including the French and Italian ambassadors to China and former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin walked out while Putin spoke and returned afterwards. On Tuesday, Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is the sole European Union government leader attending the forum. Their meeting was a rare instance of the Russian president meeting a European leader since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine in February 2022. Putin met with Xi after the opening ceremony. Also in attendance are the presidents of Indonesia, Argentina, Kazakstan, Sri Lanka, Kenya among other countries, as well as U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. Most Western European countries and U.S. allies sent lower level or former officials to the forum. Guterres highlighted the BRI's potential to bring development to neglected areas while stressing the need for projects to be environmentally sustainable. He said the initiative could help drive the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels. “Developing countries will need massive support for a fair, equitable and just energy transition toward renewables while providing affordable electricity to all,” Guterres said. He also called for an “immediate, humanitarian” ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine war after a strike killed hundreds at a Gaza City hospital on Tuesday. With the BRI, China has become a major financer of development projects on a par with the World Bank. The Chinese government says the initiative has launched more than 3,000 projects and “galvanized” nearly $1 trillion in investment. It has also attracted criticism from the U.S., India and others that China is engaging in “debt trap” diplomacy: Making loans Beijing knew governments would likely default on, enabling Chinese interests to take control of the assets. An oft-cited example is a port that the Sri Lankan government ended up leasing to a Chinese company for 99 years. Many economists say China did not make the bad loans intentionally. A key concern is whether the BRI can become more sustainable in terms of debt burdens, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London. The initiative now aims to become smaller and greener after a decade of big projects that boosted trade but left big debts and raised environmental concerns. China will also “monitor the debt sustainability of BRI countries more closely,” Christoph Nedopil, director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University in Australia, wrote in a report. “Chinese financial institutions will likely limit their exposure to projects that do not have stable cash flows from within the project,” he added. “That being said, ‘beautiful' strategic projects, such as strategic railways or ports, will still find Chinese financial creditors.” - by Simina Mistreanu, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the recent BRICS economic summit in South Africa, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping had a rare face-to-face meeting. For years these two world powers have been in dispute over their ill-defined border in the Himalayan region. A military escalation of this dispute in 1962 led to the creation of the ‘line of actual control' or the LAC, the de facto border between the two countries. Down the years there have been a number of clashes along the LAC and its commonly agreed that relations now are at their lowest point since 1962. And whilst India has taken steps to reduce its economic dependence on China in a bid to engage in trade relations on an equal footing, they are both competing to become the dominant power in the global south with financial aid and infrastructure projects. Both sides agreed at their BRICS meeting to intensify efforts to de-escalate border tensions. Can China and India fix their relationship?' Contributors: Shibani Mehta, senior research analyst with the Security Studies Programme, Carnegie India, New Delhi Dr Ivan Lidarev, visiting fellow at LSE IDEAS, the London School of Economics' foreign policy think tank and Asia security expert Dr Geeta Kochhar, assistant professor, Centre for Chinese and South-East Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Steve Tsang, professor of Chinese Studies and director of the SOAS China Institute, London Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Matt Toulson Editor: Tara McDermott (Photo: China's President Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Credit: Mike Hutchings/AFP)

China is pushing hard to play a greater role in international affairs, often at the expense of the United States. It sees itself as a peace-broker and an initiator of dialogue between quarreling nations. But what is the ideology which guides grand plans such as Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative? Regular host Duncan Bartlett is joined by Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute.

Beijing underlined at high-level talks on Wednesday the urgency for China and the United Kingdom to show mutual respect, jointly tackle weather global challenges and spur two-way trade and investment.8月30日中共中央政治局委员、外交部长王毅在北京同英国外交发展大臣克莱弗利举行的会谈上强调，中英两国迫切需要相互尊重，共同应对全球天气挑战，促进双向贸易和投资。Vice-President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately in Beijing with visiting UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly.国家副主席韩正和外交部长王毅在北京分别会见了来访的英国外交发展大臣克莱弗利。Cleverly's official visit to China on Wednesday was the first by an incumbent UK foreign secretary to the country in five years.克莱弗利此次对中国进行的正式访问是英国现任外交大臣五年来首次访华。Observers noted that keywords such as "global" and "communication" demonstrated the common ground shared by both sides at the meeting, reflecting goodwill expressed by both sides to repair their strained ties.观察家们注意到，“全球”和“沟通”等关键词表明了双方在会晤中的共同点，反映了双方为修复紧张关系所表达的善意。Vice-President Han is no stranger to the British political community, as he attended the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and related activities as President Xi Jinping's special representative in May.韩正副主席对英国政界并不陌生，今年5月，他作为习近平主席的特别代表出席了英国国王查理三世的加冕仪式及相关活动。Speaking to Cleverly, he noted that China and the UK have had ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations for more than half a century and "have achieved positive results in practical cooperation in various fields".他在会见克莱弗利时表示，中英建立大使级外交关系半个多世纪，各领域务实合作取得积极成果。He underlined the two nations' shared identities: permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major global economies.并强调了两国的共同身份：联合国安理会常任理事国和世界主要经济体。In the face of risks and challenges in the current international situation, China and the UK "should uphold the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, take care of each other's core interests and major concerns, maintain communication in international and regional affairs, and jointly promote world peace and development".面对当前国际形势的风险和挑战，中英两国“要秉持相互尊重、合作共赢精神，照顾彼此核心利益和重大关切，在国际和地区事务中保持沟通，共同推动世界和平与发展。”China has long been among the UK's largest export markets. Last year, China was the UK's second-largest trading partner in goods imports and its fifth-largest in goods exports, according to the UK Office for National Statistics.长期以来，中国一直是英国最大的出口市场之一。根据英国国家统计局的数据，去年中国是英国第二大货物进口贸易伙伴和第五大货物出口贸易伙伴。This year, the UK is the Guest Country of Honor for the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services, which is scheduled to open this weekend in Beijing.今年，英国是定于本周末在北京开幕的2023年中国国际服务贸易交易会的主宾国。During the meeting, Han also noted that economic and trade cooperation is the basis for the sound and stable development of China-UK relations.韩正在会谈中还指出，经贸合作是中英关系健康稳定发展的基础。He called on the two governments to "create an enabling business environment for enterprises and actively explore new growth points for pragmatic cooperation".两国政府要为企业创造良好营商环境，积极探索务实合作新增长点。Cleverly said that China is a key power with global influence and is increasingly playing an important role in international governance.克莱弗利表示，中国是具有全球影响力的重要大国，在国际治理中日益发挥重要作用。The UK appreciates China's important contribution to the world economy and poverty reduction, and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China to build consensus and deepen cooperation, he added.英国赞赏中国对世界经济和减贫事业作出的重要贡献，愿同中国加强高层交往和战略沟通，凝聚共识，深化合作。In his meeting with Cleverly, Foreign Minister Wang said that the UK foreign secretary's visit reflected the importance and positive attitude he attaches to ties with China, and said the two countries "should conduct and step up regular exchanges in various fields".王毅在会见克莱弗利时说，英国外交大臣此次访问体现了对中国的重视和对华的积极姿态，中英应当开展并加强各方面的正常交往。London should "respect China's core interests and faithfully honor the one-China policy", he said, adding that the two countries should jointly champion world peace and stability, step up macro policy coordination and promote dialogue among cultures.他指出，英方应切实尊重中方核心利益，恪守一个中国政策。并强调“作为历史文化大国，理应加强交流互鉴，倡导文明对话，为人类社会减少隔阂冲突发挥建设性作用。”The visit was made at a time when relations have been overshadowed by London's recent policy agenda and comments regarding topics such as Xinjiang, Taiwan and Hong Kong.此次访问正值中英关系因英方近期有关新疆、台湾和香港等议题的政策议程和言论而蒙上阴影之际。Ahead of his visit, Cleverly said, "No significant global problem—from climate change to pandemic prevention, from economic instability to nuclear proliferation—can be solved without China."克莱弗里在访问前说：“任何重大的全球性问题，从气候变化到大流行病预防，从经济不稳定到核扩散的解决都离不开中国。”Many officials and policy watchers have spoken out and urged the UK not to be misled by voices advocating "decoupling" or "de-risking".许多官员和政策观察家纷纷发表言论，敦促英国不要被“脱钩”或“去风险”的主张所误导。They also said it is key for London to take tangible actions to repair trust with Beijing while seeking greater benefits in trade and investment.他们还表示，关键是伦敦要采取切实行动，修复与中国政府的信任，同时在贸易和投资方面寻求更大的利益。Rebecca Choong Wilkins, Asia government and politics correspondent for Bloomberg News, said in an article that, "It may be now or never for the UK to repair its battered relationship with the world's second-largest economy."彭博新闻社亚洲政府与政治记者丽贝卡-琼-威尔金斯（Rebecca Choong Wilkins）在一篇文章中说：“对于英国来说，现在是修复它与世界第二大经济体之间紧张关系的最佳时机，否则就没有机会了。”Tian Dewen, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, said that "China-UK cooperation is expected to play a positive role" when the UK looks to find a new way to enhance its economic autonomy and engage in extensive international cooperation.中国社会科学院俄罗斯东欧中亚研究所副所长田德文说，当英国寻求新的途径来增强其经济自主性并参与广泛的国际合作时，“中英合作有望发挥积极作用”。Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London, told the Associated Press, "We need to engage in conversation with China, we need to have effective communication channels with China—even if we don't agree on anything—because China does matter."伦敦SOAS中国研究所所长史蒂夫-曾（Steve Tsang）告诉美联社记者：“我们需要与中国进行对话，我们需要与中国建立有效的沟通渠道--即使我们在任何事情上意见不一致--因为中国确实很重要。”Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters on Tuesday that "maintaining and growing bilateral relations serves the common interests of the peoples of both countries".8月29日，中国外交部发言人汪文斌告诉记者：“维护和发展好双边关系符合两国人民的共同利益。”Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to the UK, noted that China and the UK have broad prospects of cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, trade and finance, and green energy.中国驻英国大使郑泽光指出，中英两国在数字经济、贸易金融、绿色能源等领域有着广阔的合作前景。"The two countries should adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win, provide a level-playing field for each other's business communities, and break new ground in collaboration in new areas," he said.他说：“两国应坚持互利共赢的原则，为彼此工商界提供公平竞争的环境，在新领域开辟合作新天地。”Consensus英/kənˈsensəs/ 美/kənˈsensəs/n.一致看法，共识Communication英/kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ 美/kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn/n.表达，交流

The transatlantic alliance, known as NATO, is looking to the East. The leaders of Japan and South Korea joined its 2023 summit in Lithuania as observers and the meeting ended with a joint statement from NATO members which included many scathing remarks about China. In this podcast, renowned author and Sinologist Jonathan Fenby offers his analysis of the way NATO and China perceive each other. The host is Duncan Bartlett who, like Jonathan, is a Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.

Professor Steve Tsang joins Beatrice and Paul to discuss the founding father of the Chinese People's Republic, Mao Zedong. Mao was both a Leninist strategic theorist and the leader of the Chinese Communists in their fight to overthrow the Chinese nationalists – while not exerting themselves too much in the battle against Japanese occupation. There is a considerable gulf between Mao's theoretical writings on strategies for insurgency and civil war, and the practices he followed, Professor Tsang explains. Nevertheless, his three-stage concept for a successful guerrilla movement has inspired other Communist revolutionary movements the world over. Another disciple of Clausewitz, Mao used the tenet that war is a continuation of politics by other means to argue, famously, that peace is also a time of fighting – even if the tools are not those of war. He made this his main argument for breaking with the Stalinist tradition that sought to rely only on Communist strategic thinkers, and with Soviet tutelage. For Mao, ‘Fighting in times of peace is politics, war is also politics, even if it uses special means'. This doctrine perfectly captured the spirit of the Cold War. Professor Steve Tsang is the Director of the SOAS China Institute. Previously, he was the Head of the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Nottingham, and before that a Professorial Fellow at St Antony's College, Oxford. He is also an Associate Fellow of Chatham House and an Emeritus Fellow of St Antony's College.

Amidst rising tensions between China and the US, China has deployed warships near Taiwan, viewing the US visit by Taiwan's President as a provocation. Meanwhile, Taiwan's former president has visited China, stating "we are all Chinese." Are escalating tensions between the two superpowers, putting Taiwan at greater risk of Chinese aggression? Guests: Lin Ching-Yi Spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party Xu Qinduo Former China Radio International Chief Correspondent Lai I-Chung Vice President at The Taiwan Think Tank Duncan Bartlett Research Associate at SOAS China Institute

Xi Jinping is keen to deepen China's links with Arab states and countries in the Persian Gulf. Investment in the region's infrastructure is supported through the Belt and Road Initiative. In return, China expects to be able to secure long-term contracts for its energy. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking credit for a recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In this podcast hosted by the SOAS China Institute, Zuri Linetsky from the Eurasia Group Foundation discusses China's role in the Middle East with Tuvia Gering, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub.

China's leaders have claimed that the country will contribute to one third of global economic growth in 2023. They also boast that China is more stable than many other countries, which are experiencing problems related to high inflation and bank failures. Yet China faces economic pressures which seem to be holding back a strong rebound following the lifting of Zero-Covid restrictions. In this podcast, Zuri Lintetsky from the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC discusses the political and economic outlook for China with Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.

China is conducting a sustained global campaign to promote its interests. In some cases, it tries to win support by investing in the infrastructure of other countries. It also makes a concerted effort to persuade people to think positively about China by sending upbeat messages through the media. This approach is sometimes termed “soft power” and it is distinctly different from the sharp power of the military. In this podcast, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, explains what Xi Jinping is aiming to achieve. The guest presenter is Dr Zuri Lintesky, Research Associate at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC.

There was a dramatic moment at the 20th Party Congress when former leader Hu Jintao was unexpectedly escorted off stage, after what appears to have been a power struggle with his successor, Xi Jinping. In this podcast, Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute explains why Hu Jintao's departure could mark a decisive break with a collective approach to leadership, as Xi Jinping tightens his grip on power. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.

China's leader Xi Jinping is poised to smash precedent and take on a third term. But how has he consolidated his power? And what role have stringent regional Covid lockdowns played in him tightening his grip? Alex Andreou discusses this with Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute and regular contributor to the China in Context podcast.   “China's lockdown policy has increased the ability of the communist party to gain control.” “Xi likes the narrative that China is the only country to win the fight against Covid.” “The Chinese government can't accept that its vaccines are less effective.” “China has a sort of health nationalism.” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China is a land of contradictions. This shows up in a stark gap between rich and poor, which is evident through the contrast between conspicuous consumption in the big cities and the much more basic way of life in the countryside. In fact, even though it may not feel like it, the wealth gap is gradually narrowing. But is this down to government policy? And does the resentment caused by inequality present a potential threat to political stability? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, offers his analysis of the situation, in conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.

The danger of war in the Taiwan Strait is growing. This island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which favours Taiwan's de jure independence, is becoming increasingly friendly with the United States. President Biden has said America will fight to defend Taiwan if it is attacked. The threat from China is clear whenever its aircraft fly into Taiwanese airspace. Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute offers his analysis of the situation, in conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.

China's increasing influence has profoundly changed the power dynamic in Asia. For decades, its economic growth has outstripped that of Japan and under Xi Jinping, there's also clear ambition to build the People's Liberation Army into a world class military. That army, through its coastguard division, constantly irks Japan by sailing vessels into the waters near the Senkaku, or Diaoyu islands, which Japan insists are its sovereign territory. Thus Japan has grown increasingly wary of China both as an economic rival and as a threat to its national security. Bill Emmott, chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies - a think tank based in London which provides insight into matters relating to security and political risk, discusses the situation with Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.   China In Context: Episode 48 Broadcast date: 18 January, 2022

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have held a virtual summit where they pledged to cooperate on security and trade. They call their relationship a model for the 21st century but the US and its allies are suspicious. So, what's behind the summit? And is this the start of a new Cold War for global leadership? Join host Imran Khan. With guests: Glenn Diesen - Professor of International Relations at the University of Southeast Norway. Steve Tsang - Director, SOAS China Institute. David L. Phillips - Director, Program on Peace-building and Rights, Columbia University.

America`s president, Joe Biden, held talks by video link with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping in November 2021. Mr Xi said he was “ready to take active steps” to improve relations between the countries and Mr Biden called for cooperation “where our interests intersect.” Yet the language was often confrontational, suggesting more clashes lie ahead. In this podcast,  Dr Olivia Cheung, a specialist in the political thought of Xi Jinping at the SOAS China Institute, gives her expert analysis of the meeting and its implications for the rest of the world. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine. China In Context: Episode 42  Broadcast date: 23 November, 2021

As military tensions run high once again across the Taiwan Strait, we talk to two experts about China's longer-term reunification strategy – and what that means for Taiwan. Featuring Wen-Ti Sung, sessional lecturer in Taiwan Studies at the Australian National University and Olivia Cheung, research fellow at the SOAS China Institute at SOAS University of London. Plus, we're joined by Vinita Srivastava, host of the Don't Call Me Resilient podcast from The Conversation in Canada. We feature part of their recent episode on the phenomenon of white – or mostly white people – in North America who pretend to be Indigenous. The conversation features two Indigenous scholars: Veldon Coburn, assistant professor in the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies at the University of Ottawa and Celeste Pedri-Spade an associate professor in Indigenous Studies at Queen's University. Listen to the full episode here. And Luthfi Dzulfikar, education and young people's editor at The Conversation in Jakarta, gives us some recommended reads from Indonesia. The Conversation Weekly is produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware, with sound design by Eloise Stevens. Our theme music is by Neeta Sarl and music in the Don't Call Me Resilient section is by Jahmal Padmore. You can sign up to The Conversation's free daily email here. Full credits for this episode available here. Further readingWhy Taiwan remains calm in the face of unprecedented military pressure from China, by Wen-Ti Sung, Australian National UniversityTaiwan: how the ‘porcupine doctrine' might help deter armed conflict with China, by Zeno Leoni, King's College LondonStolen identities: What does it mean to be Indigenous? Don't Call Me Resilient Podcast EP 8Fostering girls' education will be challenging under a Taliban regime, but Afghanistan can learn a lot from Indonesia, by M Niaz Asadullah, University of MalayaIndonesia's shrimp paste reigns supreme among others used in Asian cuisine, has potential, but needs a solid export strategy by Widya Agustinah, Universitas Katolik Atma Jaya (In Bahasa Indonesia) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why the government doesn't like video games, and what's next for China's gaming culture. Ed Butler speaks to Josh Ye, who covers gaming for the South China Morning Post, and Professor Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute. German professional League of Legends player Maurice 'Amazing' Stückenschneider describes China's current dominance in the world of eSports, and the damage that restricting playing hours could do, and Chinese games investor Charlie Moseley describes how the increasing pressure from authorities is affecting games developers in the country today. (Photo: League of Legends players at a tournament in Shanghai, Credit: Riot Games Inc via Getty Images)

There are a lot of choices on the menu of China's restaurants these days and shops are brimming with ingredients from all around the world. As the disposable income of China's middle class grows, people want to eat better. Of course, many people still have a taste for traditional dishes. But there's also a craving for food made from foreign ingredients, such as premium rib-eye steak from the United States, or sweet pumpkins from Japan. In this podcast, Professor Bob Ash from the SOAS China Institute explains the social and political implications of this change in eating habits. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.    China In Context: Episode 36   Broadcast date: 12 October, 2021

We speak to Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute on how China-Taiwan tensions will play out and whether China will be able to “reunite” with Taiwan by peaceful means or will it all end by force? Image credit: Shutterstock.com

No country in the world has experienced famines as severe as the ones which cost tens of millions of lives in China in the middle of the last century. Yet now China proudly claims there`s more than enough food for all its citizens and even plenty left over. As people get richer, their taste changes. That means more fish and meat on the table and it also increases demand for foreign treats. In this podcast, Professor Bob Ash from the SOAS China Institute discusses China's rich and varied food culture with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.    China In Context: Episode 35   Broadcast date: 5th October, 2021

A formidable iron curtain separates China and its neighbour, North Korea. Even before Covid-19, North Korea had a reputation as the most isolated society on Earth. Since the start of the pandemic, North Korea seems to have become even more isolated and its link to China is almost closed. Dr Edward Howell, Lecturer in Politics at New College, University of Oxford gives his appraisal of the complex relationship between China and North Korea in this discussion with podcast host Duncan Bartlett, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute.   China In Context: Episode 26 Broadcast date: 3rd August, 2021 

This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox! On July 1st, 2021, the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary. Today, Bruegel's Giuseppe Porcaro speaks with Bruegel Senior Fellow Alicia García-Herrero and Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute at University of London about the past, present, and future of the Party. What are the Party's successes and failures? What is the "China model"? Will it ever be exported to other nations? Can the country's economic success continue? 

This week China aggressively marked 100 years of Communism and its leader warned the World against threatening China. But China has threatened Taiwan, and rolled back human rights in Hong Kong and elsewhere. China is to many other nations becoming a risk, and there are concerns about a showdown with America. On  this Back Story Dana Lewis discusses leadership of China under Xi Jinping and what does the future hold for China and the rest of the World.We interview Steve Tsang is professor of Chinese Studies and director of the SOAS China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and form Human Rights Watch Maya Wang.

As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) celebrates its 100 years anniversary, what lies ahead for it as citizens become bolder, educated and digitally savvy? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, at SOAS, University of London discusses the challenges facing the CCP and Xi Jinping’s succession. Image credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock

China has a growing number of people who live alone. As a result, many people's way of life has become more personalized, geared towards their own careers and individual interests. There's also a booming industry in online dating services, as well as events like “Singles Day” an online retail extravaganza in which people are urged to splurge on a present for themselves. Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, University of London, discusses the changing social attitudes towards dating, marriage and living alone in China with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.  China In Context: Episode 10 First broadcast 13th April, 2021

An article in The Economist magazine in September 2018 argued that high birth rates is one of the main culprits for pervasive poverty on the African continent. The article, in particular, cited the example of Tanzania, where the then President John Magufuli did not apparently see the point with birth control, having announced in 2016 that women could throw away their contraceptives as state schools will be free. President Magufuli subsequently claimed that a major consequence of widespread contraception is a shrinking labour force, which in turn is bad for development. But others, including the Gates Foundation, have pointed to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, which are projected to witness massive increases in their populations in the next few decades. And such rapid population growth can potentially pose major challenges for government policies aimed at promoting the well-being of citizens. So, what is the link between population and development and are there some lessons that the world can learn from China’s attempts at controlling population growth in recent decades?Lauren Johnston is a research associate at SOAS China Institute, and currently a World Bank consultant for a population ageing and China research project. She holds a PhD in Economics from Peking University and is widely published on topics relating to China’s economy with respect to demographics and economic ties with Africa. Lauren Johnston on TwitterDan Banik and In Pursuit of Development on Twitter

Because of the one child policy which ran from 1979 to 2016, millions of people in China have grown up without brothers or sisters, especially in urban settings. The media sometimes describes them as “little emperors” or “little empresses” and this suggests they may be spoiled or indulged by their parents. But they also face unique pressures and responsibilities as Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, University of London explains to Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.   China In Context: Episode 9  First broadcast 6th April, 2021

China's global influence has increased enormously since it started opening up to the world in the early 1980s. On occasions, General Secretary Xi Jinping has suggested that his country's system is “superior” to that of other nations. China is also proud of its dominant position in sectors such as manufacturing. So how does China plan to use its power and influence? Is it trying to change the world in its own image? George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, discusses China's aims with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.  China In Context: Episode 8 First broadcast March 30th, 2021 

The Chinese state places great importance on national security. It believes its duty is to protect the people from foreign attack and invasion and as China's economy has grown, so has spending on the military. George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, believes that as well as protecting itself from outside threats, the Chinese Communist Party also uses a national security agenda to safeguard its own power. He discusses his ideas with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine. China In Context: Episode 7 First broadcast 23rd March, 2021 

China often boasts that it is on target to become the world's biggest economy and that in the process it's lifting millions of people permanently out of poverty. Yet the government also acknowledges that as the population gets older, caring for the elderly creates a huge responsibility, which could have a profound effect on the economy. In this podcast, George Magnus, Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute, discusses demographics with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.  China In Context: Episode 6 First broadcast 16th March, 2021

Should Communists care about being beautiful? In Maoist China, western ideas of beauty were derided as bourgeois. It was said to be far better to judge a woman's worth by her intelligence, patriotism, and adherence to socialist values. Yet, as China opened up to the world, femininity flowed back into fashion and now Chinese women spend a fortune on their appearance. In this podcast, Dr Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, considers whether contemporary ideas around beauty empower women, or trap them into consumerism. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine. China In Context: Episode 5 First broadcast 9th March, 2021 

It is an expensive choice to have children in China, especially in big cities. Most parents struggle to afford child care and only a few employers do much to support the careers of working mothers. A new term has been coined to describe women's challenges: the “motherhood penalty” (生育惩罚 shēngyùchéngfá). In this podcast, Dr Jieyu Liu, Deputy Director of the SOAS China Institute, explains why anxiety over the cost of parenting is having a huge impact on the birthrate and on China's demographics. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine. China In Context: Episode 4 First broadcast 2nd March, 2021 

Criticism over China's handling of the outbreak of coronavirus had a negative impact on its international image. Initially, there was also grumbling within China itself, although complaints seem to have died down, perhaps due to censorship. Despite coronavirus, China's economy is growing rapidly. It's also giving away Chinese vaccines to other countries. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, discusses how the pandemic has affected the reputation of China and the Communist Party with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett. China In Context: Episode 3 First broadcast 23rd February, 2021 

Beijing imposed a wide-ranging national security law on Hong Kong in June 2020. It claims this has quelled unrest, improved stability for business and settled the issue of sovereignty. However, many Hong Kongers feel their basic freedoms have been curtailed and there's been a backlash against China from democratic countries, including America and the UK. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, discusses how the security law is changing Hong Kong's society with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett.  China In Context: Episode 2 First broadcast 16th February, 2021

The Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States lasted for nearly four decades, casting a shadow of fear across the world. Nowadays, with China and the US locked in a constant arms race and tussle for influence, many people - including President Xi Jinping - have warned that a new Cold War is upon us. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute, Professor Steve Tsang, spells out the dangers during a conversation with the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine, Duncan Bartlett. China In Context: Episode 1 First broadcast 9th February, 2021

China regards the island of Taiwan as a breakaway province; Taiwan's leaders say it is an independent state. As China rises to superpower status, it has shown greater interest in reclaiming territory long regarded as its own, in the South China Sea, along the Himalayan border – and in Taiwan. The growing tensions could drag the US into the fray. To discuss the implications for security, peace and the people of Taiwan, we have three distinguished experts: Prof Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute; Susan Thornton, a retired senior US diplomat and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution; and Dr Chun-Yi Lee, director of the Taiwan Studies programme at the University of Nottingham.

Building elaborate venues for Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympics is the easy part for China, just as it was for the city's Summer Olympics in 2008. The competition venues are ready, and non-competition sites will be completed this summer with the Games set to open one year from Thursday on Feb. 4, 2022.But these Olympics are already scarred by accusations of rights abuses including genocide against more than 1 million Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in the western Xinjiang region. And unlike 2008, a new generation of Olympic athletes is speaking out on social issues and discrimination and challenging IOC rules against using the Olympics as a stage.Hanging over all of this is the COVID-19 pandemic that has already delays and still threatens the Tokyo Summer Olympics in six months.China says its ability to control the virus through lockdowns, quarantines, contact tracing and mask wearing should alleviate any concerns. The Winter Olympics are also much smaller than the Summer Games with about 3,000 athletes instead of 11,000."We are full of confidence to hold an excellent and outstanding Winter Olympics," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said this week.While a full-blown boycott seems unlikely, athletes and the IOC's 14 leading sponsors are a possible target. Household names such as Coca-Cola, Airbnb, Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Panasonic, Visa, Toyota and others together pay the IOC a total of $1 billion over a four-year Olympic cycle.British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said a boycott by his country is a possibility, and new U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes genocide was being committed in China.Chinese President Xi Jinping "will not be deterred by threats of a boycott," Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, said in an email. "Instead, Xi's government will make threats to ruin the economic future of any sportsperson who may be involved in a boycott and try to deter anyone from doing so."The World Uyghur Congress has labeled them the "Genocide Games" and asked the IOC to move the Olympics from China. A coalition of 180 rights groups sent an open letter on the eve  of the one-year-to-go date calling for a diplomatic boycott. The coalition is composed of groups representing Tibetans, Uighurs, Inner Mongolians, Hong Kong residents and others.Asked about the letter, Wang said that "attempts to interfere with and disrupt the normal preparation and holding of the Olympic Games out of political motives are highly irresponsible. Such a move will not be supported by the international community and will never succeed."The International Olympic Committee has largely ignored the demands, issuing laudatory statements praising Xi. Last week, IOC President Thomas Bach told Chinese state media the preparations for the games were "almost a miracle."The IOC says its business is running sports events, although the body is highly political and has observer status at the United Nations. It has said in repeated statements that awarding the Olympics "does not mean that the IOC agrees with the political structure, social circumstances or human rights standards in the country."Beijing is the first city to hold both the Winter and Summer Olympics. The IOC awarded it the Winter Olympics in 2015 when several Europe bidders, including Oslo and Stockholm, backed out for political or financial reasons. Eventually the IOC chose Beijing in a 44-40 vote over Almaty, Kazakhstan."It really is a safe choice," Bach said at the time. "We know China will deliver on its promises."Athletes face tough choices, both from a political and health perspective. Most Olympians and Paralympians typically get only one chance at the big event, and many compete in niche sports that offer little financial future.Athletes' voices are sure to be louder than ever in Tokyo — if those games can open on July 23 in the midst of a pandemic — and even in Beijin...

Featured Interview: Hong Kong's new security law and impact on East Asian relations -홍콩보안법과 동북아 정세 및 인권 영향 Guests: Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, SOAS University of London Olivia Enos, senior policy analyst, Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab discusses China fears new COVID-19 ripple will lead to second wave. Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Health Secretary on the Labour Party calling for routine testing of all health and care staff. Julia is also joined by Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute, discusses the shifting China-U.S. relationship and the possible geopolitical ramifications. Catherine Wong, a reporter with the South China Morning Post, talks about how the Chinese government is addressing the U.S.-China trade dispute and its effect on the Chinese economy. Charles Burton, associate professor of political science at Brock University, speaks about how the tensions between the U.S. and China could affect Canada. Yves Tiberghien, political science professor at UBC, looks at the upcoming G20 summit in Buenos Aires and what the trade conflict between the two superpowers might mean for the future of multilateral institutions. More info at cpac.ca/perspective

This edition includes: author Simon Sebag-Montefiore discusses his new book Written in History: Letters that changed the World, with Bill Whiteford in the Long Interview; Bjorn Lomborg, director of the environmental think tank, the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, discusses the challenges politicians face in making effective climate change policy workable for domestic politics; Prof Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, unpicks the politics behind the trans-global spat between America and China and what it means for the ongoing trade-war between the two countries, and in this week's Reporter's Notebook, Greek journalist Anthee Carassava writes about the migrant crisis on the island of Samos.

This edition includes: author Simon Sebag-Montefiore discusses his new book Written in History: Letters that changed the World, with Bill Whiteford in the Long Interview; Bjorn Lomborg, director of the environmental think tank, the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, discusses the challenges politicians face in making effective climate change policy workable for domestic politics; Prof Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, unpicks the politics behind the trans-global spat between America and China and what it means for the ongoing trade-war between the two countries, and in this week's Reporter's Notebook, Greek journalist Anthee Carassava writes about the migrant crisis on the island of Samos.

Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, talks about the Korean Crisis. Will the Trump Administration manage to get China to help resolve the nuclear and missile challenges from North Korea? This talk will focus on the real drivers behind China’s policy towards the challenges which North Korean regime under Kim Jung-en has posed for the USA, the world and, indeed, China itself. Professor Tsang suggests that China’s objective is to contain the problem not to resolve it, even though there is in principle an option available to the USA which, can persuade Beijing to work to resolve the problem. Edited by Isabella Steel

China's economy is still growing at a respectable rate - but how long can that last? Ed Butler reports from China on the problems caused by increasing amounts of debt. Ed hears from students taking on debt they don't understand and finds out about the extent of Shanghai's property bubble. He is joined back in the studio by a panel of experts on China to ask whether high levels of debt could sink the country's booming economy. Contributors: Linda Yueh, Adjunct Professor of Economics at London Business School and Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, Oxford University; Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute; Geoffrey Yu, Head of UK Investment Office at UBS Wealth Management. (Picture: People visit a shopping mall complex in Shenyang, Liaoning province, as the authorities seek to revive the recession-hit industrial region. Credit: AFP/Getty images)