China In Context
SOAS China Institute
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China In Context is a weekly podcast providing expert analysis on politics, culture and international relations, featuring voices from the SOAS China Institute, University of London. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett.
Available episodes
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7 hours ago
Will there be a thaw in US-China relations?
When Joe Biden went to Hiroshima for the G7 summit in May, he declared that there will soon be a thaw in relations between the US and China. Dialogue has increased but some fundamental disagreements still keep the two countries very far apart. In this podcast, renowned author and journalist Jonathan Fenby offers his reading of the situation to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
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May 23, 2023
De-risking and decoupling - what do the terms really mean?
Every field has its jargon and the field of Sinology - or China studies - has many special terms. Two terms which are in common use at the moment are de-risking and decoupling but their precise meaning is somewhat ambiguous and dependent on context. In this podcast, James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney, offers his definitions of the words to regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
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May 16, 2023
China’s fraught relationship with the G7
Previous summits of G7 leaders have rebuked China’s actions in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and have berated its relationship with Russia. In this podcast, Dr. Moritz Rudolf from Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center considers what the 2023 meeting of G7 leaders in Hiroshima, Japan has in store for China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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May 9, 2023
What is South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol's view on China?
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol received widespread praise in the international media for his historic five day state visit to the United States in April 2023. Joe Biden reassured Mr Yoon that America will defend South Korea in the face of threats. In this podcast, Dr John Nilsson-Wright of Cambridge University discusses the changing dynamics in East Asian politics with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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May 2, 2023
Is the British government betraying Hong Kong?
The British government appears to be taking a position of "robust pragmatism" towards China. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly says the UK should not "pull the shutters down". However, in Hong Kong, resentment lingers towards the UK over its response to the imposition by China of stringent national security laws, as Dr Mark Clifford, President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, explains in an interview with regular podcast host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Apr 25, 2023
China and Australia - A relationship in flux
Australia is facing the most challenging strategic circumstances since the second world war, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His government has labelled the intense competition between China and the United States “the defining feature of our region and our time”. Yet under Mr Albanese’s leadership, Australia is attempting to “stabilise” the relationship with China, and the Prime Minister is due to visit Beijing in 2023. In this podcast, James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, explains Australia's diplomatic strategy to regular podcast host Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Apr 19, 2023
Emmanuel Macron's provocative comments on Taiwan
The French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn criticism for suggesting that Europe should not get embroiled in the issue of Taiwan. Following a meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, Emmanuel Macron suggested to reporters that the Americans and the Chinese are ramping up tension on the issue and that Europe would be wise to step back. In this podcast, Hanns Maull, Senior Research Associate at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, provides his analysis of French President Macron’s remarks in a conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
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Apr 11, 2023
Can the yuan challenge the dollar as a global currency?
Xi Jinping has an ambition to make the yuan a currency that is in widespread use internationally. Russia now accepts Chinese yuan in exchange for oil and gas and Brazil is also considering using yuan, rather than dollars, when trading with China. In this podcast, experts consider the role of the yuan in international finance and the risks involved. Zuri Linetsky, research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington, DC discusses the topic with Daniel McDowell, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in the United States.
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Apr 4, 2023
China's growing influence in the Middle East
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.
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Mar 28, 2023
China’s politics in 2023
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.
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Mar 21, 2023
China’s environmental dilemma
China and the United States agreed to work together on climate issues in 2021. However, since then, a deterioration in their relationship has hampered efforts to curb emissions and work towards the* *Paris Agreement's goals for tackling climate change. In this podcast, Isabel Hilton of China Dialogue discusses China’s environmental dilemmas with guest host Zuri Linetsky, from the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington DC.
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Mar 14, 2023
China's role in Africa
China has grand plans for Africa. It has pledged to increase its investment in the continent, thus "narrowing the North-South gap and supporting and assisting other developing countries in accelerating development." But given China's own relatively slow rate of economic growth, can it afford to do this? And how should African nations weigh up the costs and benefits of teaming up with China? In this podcast, Maria Repnikova, Associate Professor in Global Communication at Georgia State University, explains what she has learned during field work in China and Ethiopia. The presenter is Zuri Linetsky, research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation in Washington, DC.
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Mar 7, 2023
Can China match America's soft power?
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.
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Feb 28, 2023
Italy's relationship with China
The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will play a prominent international role in 2023. She will attend a summit of G7 leaders in Japan and Joe Biden may well invite her to Washington to try to shore up the Transatlantic alliance. Meanwhile, Italy’s relationship with China is in flux. A few years ago, there was much talk of 'win-win' relationships. However, Ms Meloni displays a nationalist streak, which doesn’t bode well for collaboration with the Chinese. In this podcast, the writer and journalist Bill Emmott shares his interpretation of the political factors which influence Italian foreign policy. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Feb 21, 2023
China and the G7
The Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida issues regular warnings to the leaders of other G7 countries about risks to international security. His concerns include Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's growing missile prowess and rising tensions around Taiwan – including Chinese military exercises that involve firing missiles into waters near Japan. In this podcast, regular presenter Duncan Bartlett gives his views on the relationships between Japan, the G7 countries and China. The guest presenter is Paul Hodges, Founder of New Normal Consulting.
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Feb 14, 2023
How do young people in Taiwan view Cross-Strait relations?
Young men in Taiwan must ramp up their battle skills. From 2024, they will be conscripted into the army for a full year. During this time, they will receive training in how to fight at close-quarters battle as well as learning how to fire missiles and operate drones. The government says the training is necessary to deal with a threat from China. But how do young people themselves feel about the issue? Howard Zhang, the Editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, went to Taiwan to find out. He shares his findings with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
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Feb 7, 2023
Will China get old before it gets rich?
In 2022, China's population fell by an estimated 850,000 people, triggering dramatic reporting in the media. A headline in The New York Times said it heralded a demographic crisis. Reuters talked of "alarm", while a writer on the South China Morning Post insisted that the demographic shift marked "a watershed moment in Chinese history". In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Founder of New Normal Consulting shares his considered view of the demographic challenges faced by China. He is interviewed by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Feb 1, 2023
The significance of the white paper protests
The international media asked an important question in November 2022: Is China experiencing the start of a revolution? The debate was sparked by the actions of protesters in many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, holding up blank sheets of paper. Xi Jinping dismissed the so-called "white paper protests" as merely a sign of frustration by students and young people. But soon after they took place, there was a significant change in China's policy towards Covid-19. In this podcast, Professor Yuen Yuen Ang from Johns Hopkins University discusses the significance of the rallies with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Jan 24, 2023
Japan's relationship with China
In the view of Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, East Asia could be the next Ukraine. He has warned that "the situation around Japan is becoming increasingly severe with attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force." Mr Kishida has two countries in mind: North Korea and Japan’s long-term regional rival, China. The fear is that a war could break out, drawing Japan into the crisis. In this episode, Bill Emmott, Chair of the Japan Society of the UK discusses Japan’s dilemmas with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine and a former Tokyo correspondent for the BBC.
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Jan 17, 2023
The threat posed by Covid over the Lunar New Year, 2023
There is a mood of anxiety as China celebrates the Lunar New Year. With families and friends gathering for a season of feasting, there is a worry that there could be a surge in Covid-19 infections, costing many lives. In late 2022, the Chinese government ended its so-called “Zero-Covid” policy and lifted travel restrictions. In this podcast, Mark Williams, Chief Asia Economist at Capital Economics discusses the outlook for the Spring Festival with host, Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Jan 10, 2023
What are the economic implications of a Chinese attack on Taiwan?
There would be catastrophic consequences if China invades Taiwan and tries to reunify the island with the mainland by force. Taiwan has said it will fight back with advanced weapons supplied by the US. Joe Biden says the American military would become involved. As well as the human cost, the economic consequences would also be severe. In this podcast, renowned Sinologist Charles Parton considers if economic factors will deter a conflict. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Dec 13, 2022
Why Taiwan matters to the United States
The U.S. Department of Defense maintains that China is using increasingly aggressive and bullying behaviour on the Taiwan Strait and is planning an invasion. Beijing dismisses this as an exaggeration and berates the US for stirring up anti-Chinese feelings on the island. Meanwhile, other countries in Asia warn of catastrophe in the event of a war. In this podcast, Dr Zuri Linetsky of the Eurasia Group Foundation discusses Taiwan with host Duncan Bartlett.
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Dec 6, 2022
Britain’s aid relationship with China
Politicians in the UK are careful about how the official aid budget is spent. The money is expected to meet the needs of refugees coming to Britain, as well as helping people in regions affected by war, food shortages and natural disasters. In such circumstances, the government intends to slash aid to China. In this podcast, aid commissioner Sir Hugh Bayley discusses how the decision was reached with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Nov 29, 2022
How Chinese state media portrays America
Chinese state media keeps itself busy finding things to criticise about other countries, with America the number one target. Contentious elections - such as the recent US midterms - gain a lot of attention in the Chinese press and are not portrayed in a favourable light. There’s also plenty of coverage of America’s violent crimes, social problems and corruption scandals. In this podcast, Mark Hannah, a senior fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation, discusses how Chinese media views the US and the implications for international relations. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
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Nov 22, 2022
The 20th Party Congress in historical context
At the 20th Party Congress meeting held in Beijing, Xi Jinping reassured the faithful that he will remain at the helm of the vessel, even though he warned that high winds, choppy waters and even dangerous storms lie on the journey ahead. Such rhetoric is designed to evoke memories of brave emperors and mythical adventurers, for although Mr Xi describes himself as a twenty-first century Marxist, he likes to be connected with a legacy which stretches back centuries. In this podcast, Rana Mitter, professor of the History and Politics of Modern China at the University of Oxford, explains the historical background to current political trends. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Nov 15, 2022
Priorities for Xi Jinping’s third term
As the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping has capacity to take decisive action on many issues, especially as he has surrounded himself with loyalists on the Standing Committee of the Politburo. He has identified 'security' as one of the top priorities for his third term in power. In this podcast, Howard Zhang, Editor of the BBC's Chinese service, considers what that means for the Chinese economy, the lives of Chinese citizens and China's relations with other countries. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Nov 9, 2022
Xi Jinping’s view of China’s role in the world
The Chinese Communist Party believes that the nation is destined to lead the world, with Xi Jinping at the helm. Yet in Washington, there’s bipartisan consensus that China presents a serious threat to the stability of the global order. Other countries face a dilemma of picking a side between the great powers. In this podcast, renowned Sinologist Charles Parton explains the gap between China’s view of its role in the world and the way it is perceived by other countries. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
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Nov 1, 2022
Media coverage of the 20th Party Congress
Xi Jinping receives more media attention than almost anyone else in the world, although he’s never done a sit-down interview, or taken questions at a regular press conference. The media were able to take a close look at him and other Chinese leaders during the recent Congress meeting of the Communist Party, held in Beijing. Howard Zhang, Editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, analyses how the press covered the event. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Oct 25, 2022
The departure of former leader Hu Jintao
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.
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Oct 18, 2022
The significance of the 20th Party Congress
When US presidents deliver a State of the Union address, it’s generally big news for a few days, before their words are largely forgotten. However, when a Chinese leader speaks to the Party Congress, his words are remembered for years. Long speeches delivered in the Great Hall of the People are diligently studied by those looking for political information. Dr Holly Snape from the University of Glasgow explains how to interpret the key ideas. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Oct 4, 2022
Is China still experiencing a Communist revolution?
China’s leaders have a vision, guided by Karl Marx. They believe they have a duty to create a just, equitable, socialist society, with the eventual goal of a communist system. Until then, China must go through a process of change, a period known as “Socialism with Chinese characteristics''. Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses how views about revolution are evolving. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Sep 27, 2022
America’s Taiwan dilemma
The island of Taiwan bristles with high tech weapons, many of which are supplied by the United States. It’s part of a strategy to deter an invasion by the People’s Republic of China - a threat which has loomed over Taiwan for more than 70 years but which is now regarded as a more intense and immediate risk than ever. Jacob Stokes from the Center for New American Security in Washington explains the implications for regional security. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Sep 20, 2022
Does China present a threat to Australia?
The former foreign minister of Australia, Alexander Downer, says the relationship with China has “fundamentally changed” in the past few decades. “I think it’s become a great deal more dangerous,” he told Sky News. As a result, Australia has beefed up its military deterrence against China and has moved closer into defence pacts with the United States and the United Kingdom. In this podcast, analysis of the security situation is provided by Dr Charles Edel, Australia Chair and Senior Advisor at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
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Sep 13, 2022
Do countries have to make a choice between the US and China?
The political systems of China and the United States are based on very different models. This ideological gap affects the way they behave towards each other and also impacts their relations with the rest of the world. As a result, many countries feel that they are being pressed to pick sides between America and China and this can be an uncomfortable dilemma. In this podcast, host Duncan Bartlett discusses the changing global order with John Andrews, author of the book The World in Conflict.
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Sep 6, 2022
German businesses rethink their China strategy
China and Germany found many reasons to be friendly in the aftermath of the Cold War. China cited the economic advantages to both countries as a win-win situation. Three decades later, relations between the two states have become increasingly tense. Chancellor Olaf Scholz takes a much more hawkish line on China than his predecessor Angela Merkel and Germany has even sent a warship to Asia, to patrol near Taiwan. In this podcast, Yanmei Xie, a geopolitical analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics, offers her analysis of the changing relationship and its implications for business. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Aug 31, 2022
South Korea and China: Resetting the relationship
For decades, South Korea has sought to maintain harmonious relations with both the US and China. But as the competition between the great powers intensifies, the balancing act has become more tricky. In this podcast, Dr Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at New College, University of Oxford, explains how China-South Korea relations have developed since Yoon Suk-yeol became South Korea’s president in the spring of 2022. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Aug 23, 2022
What gives the Communist Party legitimacy to rule China?
China is a proud nation which plays a key role in many international institutions, including the United Nations. It enjoys diplomatic relations with liberal democracies and when Xi Jinping speaks to Joe Biden, he places himself on a par with the American president as a world leader. Yet when the People’s Republic was initially forged through revolution, the outside world was aghast and it took many years before China’s Communist government was accepted. What has led to this profound change in attitudes towards China? And how does the Communist Party seek to present itself as the legitimate leader of the nation? Dr Mark Clifford, an author and former editor of the South China Morning Post considers the basis of Communist Party leadership. The podcast host is Duncan Bartlett.
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Aug 16, 2022
Is China able to broker peace in Ukraine?
Presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers from many countries have urged China to press Russia to stop its military actions in Ukraine. But are they right to assume that a word in Vladimir Putin’s ear from Xi Jinping would lead to a cease fire? It is hard to judge whether Xi Jinping is angry or frustrated with Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. Dr. Marcin Kaczmarski, a lecturer in security studies at the University of Glasgow, is better placed than most people to read the signals, as he’s made the relationship between China and Russia his principle area of research for many years. In this podcast he discusses the Ukraine situation with host, Duncan Bartlett.
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Aug 9, 2022
Hong Kong’s battle for freedom
For many decades, people in Hong Kong enjoyed a level of freedom which was in marked contrast to life in other parts of China. Following the end of the British colonial era in 1997, the Communist Party promised that Hong Kong would remain highly autonomous for fifty years under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. Yet when mass street demonstrations erupted in 2019-2020, China responded with sweeping national security legislation, leading to many arrests and the dismantlement of civil society. Mark Clifford, author of Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow The World, shares his reflections with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Aug 2, 2022
China’s problems with faltering growth and rising debt
One of the loudest messages from the Chinese Communist Party is that it has delivered wealth to citizens by creating an environment in which the economy grows and thrives. However, as a result of the zero-Covid policy and other factors, the economy has hit the buffers. Gross domestic product rose just 0.4% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022 missing expectations and suggesting a recession could be on the way in parts of China such as Hong Kong and Shanghai. In this podcast, Paul Hodges from New Normal Consulting considers China’s economic outlook with host, Duncan Bartlett.
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Jul 26, 2022
Waving the red flag: The rise of Chinese patriotism
The Chinese Communist Party routinely encourages people to be patriotic and to love their country. Textbooks which are studied in all of China’s schools highlight achievements of which they should be proud - including, of course, the success of the Communist Party. The rise in nationalism is not exclusive to China. Yet contemporary Chinese nationalism cultivated by the CCP alarms its neighbours and other outsiders, partly because it often appears to demean foreigners. In this podcast, Professor John Fitzgerald from Melbourne discusses the complex nature of nationalism and patriotism in China with host, Duncan Bartlett.
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Jul 20, 2022
How does the Communist Party view China’s wealth inequality?
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.
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Jul 12, 2022
A powerful force: How cadres shape China
Much of the hard work in running China falls to about 40 million party and government officials, known as cadres. These include powerful figures, such as provincial governors, bosses of state-owned enterprises and chief prosecutors. Originally, cadres were defined as professional revolutionaries, dedicated to the goals of the Communist Party. They still need to be loyal Communists but most of them spend more time on paperwork than insurrection. In this podcast, Professor John Fitzgerald, author of Cadre Country (2022), reveals the sophisticated political processes employed by the Chinese Communist Party. The presenter is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
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Jul 5, 2022
What’s the best term for China’s unique system of governance?
The international media uses strong words to describe China’s system of governance. American newspapers often inform their readers that China’s regime is “authoritarian” or “totalitarian”, or both. Yet supporters of the Communist Party say that China has developed a political system which perfectly suits its culture and that "socialism with Chinese characteristics” is a form of democracy, superior to that of the 'decadent west'. So what is the best terminology to properly describe the politics of contemporary China? Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses this issue with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
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Jun 28, 2022
A Tense New Era in Cross-Straits Relations
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.
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Jun 21, 2022
Beijing to Britain: A relationship in flux
British foreign policy, including towards China, is being forged under fraught circumstances. The Conservative government is losing favour not just with the press and the public but has also experienced battles among its own members. Politicians are sometimes referred to as hawks or doves on China, yet how suitable are such labels? And how much do Britain’s elected representatives really understand China? Sam Hogg founder of Beijing to Britain discusses politics with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 70
Broadcast date: 21 June, 2022
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Jun 14, 2022
Contested ideas: The US response to China's Intellectual Property theft
China does not play fair when it comes to the intellectual property of American companies, according to the Biden administration. It is not a new allegation. The US has been complaining about having ideas stolen by China and the issue helped prompt a 'trade war' when Donald Trump was president. Last year, China amended its laws on patents and copyright. How far do these changes go in satisfying America’s concerns? In this podcast, Benjamin A Jacobs, the Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce China Centre, explains how businesses see the problem and talks through the response among policy makers in Washington. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 69
Broadcast date: 14 June, 2022
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Jun 7, 2022
Xi Jinping's global ambitions
A decade into the leadership of Xi Jinping, China appears to have even greater potential to transform global affairs than at any stage since it began to open up to the outside world, about thirty years ago. We often hear it said that China is ambitious and assertive on the foreign policy front.
Yet how well do we really understand the objectives of Xi Jinping’s foreign policy? Beyond the wolf warrior rhetoric and promises of win-win partnerships, what does China ultimately want in the world? Podcast host Duncan Bartlett puts these questions to Dr Bates Gill, Professor of Asia-Pacific Security Studies at Macquarie University in Sydney and the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence with the Asia Society, Australia.
China In Context: Episode 68
Broadcast date: 7th June, 2022
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May 31, 2022
China and Germany: A strained relationship
As the global order changes, Germany is recasting its relations with China. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel visited China 12 times and forged a close relationship with Xi Jinping. However, under the current German leader Olaf Scholz, there’s a widening diplomatic gulf between the nations, with a growing wave of criticism of China’s human rights record. Both China and Germany face dramatic slowdowns in their economies. So how much do they need each other as trading partners? In this podcast Bonnie S Glaser,* *Director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, guides podcast host Duncan Bartlett through a complex international relationship.
China In Context: Episode 67
Broadcast date: 31 May, 2022
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May 24, 2022
The close ties between Beijing and Hong Kong’s CEO
Political ties between Beijing and Hong Kong are growing tighter as a new Chief Executive prepares to take power in the city. John Lee is an avid proponent of the national security legislation which was brought in to crack down on dissent in Hong Kong, following anti-government protests. Mr Lee is a former police chief and the main candidate favoured by the Chinese Communist Party. His promotion has caused concern among those who campaign for greater democracy and freedom of speech in Hong Kong. Howard Zhang, editor of the BBC’s Chinese service, considers the outlook for the city in conversation with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 66
Broadcast date: 24 May, 2022
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May 17, 2022
The Shanghai lockdown - An insider's view
Twenty percent of China’s international trade flows through Shanghai, so when the port was hit by a lockdown at the start of April 2022, the repercussions quickly rippled across the globe. Companies such as Apple, Tesla, Adidas and Este Lauder all warned of disruption to their supply chains and the likelihood of higher costs for consumers. The enforced period of isolation has been a worrying time for Shanghai’s 25 million residents. In this week’s podcast, Frank Tsai - who’s been confined to his apartment in Shanghai for many weeks - speaks to presenter Duncan Bartlett about his experiences and considers the economic implications of China’s so-called “zero-Covid” approach. Frank Tsai is the founder of China Crossroads.
China In Context: Episode 65
Broadcast date: 17 May, 2022
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May 10, 2022
How does South Korea’s new president Yoon Suk-yeol view China?
South Korea’s new president is enjoying attention from both the United States and China. Yoon Suk-yeol spoke with President Biden just a few hours after he was elected and is preparing to host the US leader in Seoul in May. Mr Yoon has also spoken on the telephone with Xi Jinping, who assured him that China and South Korea are “inseparable partners”. It is a delicate balancing act but there are strong indications that Mr Yoon is more inclined to strengthen the alliance with the US than to draw closer politically to China. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, founder of New Normal consulting, discusses South Korea’s strategy towards China with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 64
Broadcast date: 10 May, 2022
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May 3, 2022
China, Taiwan and the United Nations
China is one of very few countries to hold permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, a committee with the daunting brief to maintain peace and security throughout the world. The mood is often fractious, with China and Russia on one side, at loggerheads with Britain, France and the United States on the other. Xi Jinping recently proposed a new "global security initiative" that upholds the principle of "indivisible security", although he offered few details on how this might be implemented. In this podcast, Bonnie S Glaser, Director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, offers her analysis of China’s role at the UN. The podcast is hosted by the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 63
Broadcast date: 3rd May, 2022
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Apr 26, 2022
China's Money: What Everyone Needs To Know
China regards its money as an ambassador to the world. It would like the yuan - or renminbi - to be held in just as much esteem as the euro, or even the US dollar; in other words, a truly global currency. Yet there are major barriers to the internationalisation of the renminbi, including its limited convertibility and China’s cautious approach towards financial openness. Arthur Kroeber, a founding partner of Gavekal Dragonomics, offers his perspective in this conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 62
Broadcast date: 26 April, 2022
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Apr 19, 2022
China's stance on Russia and Ukraine - An Editor's perspective
China has refused to condemn Russia’s belligerence in Ukraine, drawing accusations that Beijing has supported Moscow’s invasion. When Western nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia and supplied Ukraine with weapons, China warned that such moves add fuel to the fire. China’s leaders insist they are committed to promoting peace through negotiations with both Ukraine and Russia. In this podcast Howard Zhang, editor of the BBC’s Chinese Service, analyses the messages coming from Beijing with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 61
Broadcast date: 19 April, 2022
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Apr 12, 2022
Black prisons and disappearances
The Chinese Communist Party operates an advanced surveillance network, which maintains strict control over all forms of information. Agents keep a particularly close watch over what is discussed on websites and social media. Those who step out of line with their comments on politics face being detained. There are frequent reports of politically motivated arrests and state-sanctioned “disappearances.” These include disturbing testimonies from people who say they have been held in a so-called system of "black jails" - secret prisons in which inmates are cut off from all contact with the outside world. On this podcast Michael Caster, the co-founder of Safeguard Defenders, a human rights group which has made a detailed study of the way political dissidents are treated by the authorities in China, offers his perspective on the issue to host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 60
Broadcast date: 12 April, 2022
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Apr 5, 2022
How the Covid crisis impacts investors’ views on China
People who invest money in China are seriously concerned about the wave of Covid-19 which has spread across the country in the spring of 2022. With daily cases numbering in the thousands, cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have been subject to lockdowns. The longer the crisis continues, the more profound the impact on China’s economic growth. There are international implications, too, as many countries depend on Chinese supply chains for vital goods and services. In this podcast, Janet Mui, head of market analysis from Brewin Dolphin, discusses the situation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 59
Broadcast date: 5th April, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
Should there be a boycott of China over human rights issues in Xinjiang?
The plight of the people who live in the Chinese province of Xinjiang is a matter of heated debate at the United Nations, in parliaments and on social media. It is here that human rights abuses against the Uyghurs are taking place, according to the United States, the European Union and the UK - all of which have responded with sanctions on Chinese officials. Shoppers are also drawn into the debate, through a campaign to discourage people from buying clothes made from cotton which has been picked or processed by Uyghur prisoners. But do sanctions or boycotts bring about a change which benefits the Uyghurs? Professor Darren Byler, an expert on Chinese Central Asia, who teaches at the Simon Fraser University in Canada, considers the ethics. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 58
Broadcast date: 29 March, 2022
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Mar 22, 2022
Xinjiang's detention centres: Re-education or concentration camps?
China has a very serious image problem when it comes to the treatment of of the Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups in the north-western province of Xinjiang. Internet searches on the topic throw up phrases such as “genocide” and “forced labour”. Some researchers estimate that since 2016, more than one million people have been detained without trial. However, while China's critics accuse it of crimes against humanity, the authorities insist that peace and stability has returned to a restive area, once plagued by violent unrest and terrorism. In this podcast, Michael Clarke, editor of The Xinjiang Emergency and a Visiting Fellow at the Australia-China Relations Institute, discusses the situation with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 57
Broadcast date: 22 March, 2022
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Mar 15, 2022
Politically correct history: How the Chinese Communist Party tells its story
Speeches by Xi Jinping are full of references to the events over the past hundred years, as well as stories from China's ancient past. For Mr Xi, the narrative follows China’s steady progress towards prosperity following a century of humiliation, which began with the Opium War in the 1840s. But some historians say that the Party's version of history is too narrow-minded and nationalistic. By brushing over past problems, they say, China misses the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and avoid future mistakes. In this podcast Zeyu Xu, a journalist from the news agency Xinhua in Beijing, discusses the party's approach to history with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 56
Broadcast date: 15 March, 2022
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Mar 8, 2022
Will common prosperity close the gap between rich and poor?
China is a far richer nation than it was 40 years ago, when it began to integrate with the global economy. However, income disparity has also widened, which is a concern to the Chinese Communist Party, especially as it seems to be an affront to its socialist principles. Xi Jinping has begun a campaign to narrow the gap between rich and poor and create what he calls “material and spiritual wealth”. The campaign has a slogan: “common prosperity”. In this podcast, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University in California considers the implications, both for businesses and for China’s poorest citizens. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 55
Broadcast date: 8th March, 2022
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Mar 1, 2022
Threats to China's economy
China's leaders have revealed that they are worried about a number of threats to economic growth, some of them quite serious. Premier Li Keqiang adopted a downbeat tone in a recent speech, expressing his concern at a "complex and grim domestic and international environment" and acknowledging "new downward pressure on the economy". A key concern is a sharp slowdown in the property sector. There are also ongoing costs associated with the pandemic, as China takes a zero-tolerance approach to Covid-19. In this podcast, Tommy Wu from Oxford Economics in Hong Kong offers his expert analysis on the risks facing China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 54
Broadcast date: 1st March, 2022
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Feb 22, 2022
Hong Kong’s relentless battle with Covid
Just as much of the world seems to be emerging from the pandemic, the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong is getting worse. By February 2022, hospitals were in danger of becoming overwhelmed with sick patients, with thousands of people being diagnosed with the coronavirus every day. Xi Jinping said Hong Kong must “mobilise all forces and resources” in the fight against the Omicrom variant. In this podcast, Tommy Wu of Oxford Economics discusses the implications for Hong Kong with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 53
Broadcast date: 22 February, 2022
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Feb 15, 2022
The middle income trap
Xi Jinping claims that China has achieved a tremendous feat by raising the standard of living of its citizens. "No other country can lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in such a short time," he said in 2021, describing the achievement as "a human miracle that will go down in history." However, another huge challenge awaits; keeping China out of the so-called “middle-income trap” - a stage of economic development at which wage levels stagnate. If that happens, it would prevent China from joining the ranks of rich nations, even if its economy is the largest in the world, overtaking America in its total size. In this podcast, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University discusses China's trajectory of development with host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 52
Broadcast date: 15 February, 2022
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Feb 8, 2022
America's relationship with Taiwan - Reasons for concern
In January 2022 China's ambassador to the US, Qin Gang, warned Mr Biden: "If the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely will involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict." He continued: "Let me emphasise this, the Taiwan issue is the biggest tinderbox between China and the United States."
In this episode, podcast host Duncan Bartlett discusses how to reduce the risk of conflict over Taiwan with Michael Swaine, Director, East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington DC.
China In Context: Episode 51
Broadcast date: 8th February, 2022
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Feb 1, 2022
Is Joe Biden recklessly risking conflict with China?
China is one of the most hotly debated topics in American politics and the cause of much division. In both the Senate and Congress, representatives tussle over whether China should be regarded as a strategic competitor, a threat, or a malign influence. Think tanks in Washington offer their interpretations, too.
The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft stands out as being one of the few groups in favour of more cooperation between the US and China. It also challenges a lot of the popular rhetoric on China. In this podcast, Michael Swaine, Director, East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute speaks to Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 50
Broadcast date: 1st February, 2022
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Jan 25, 2022
The political and economic thinking behind China's concept of “dual circulation”
As China strives to become more self-reliant, the Chinese Communist Party is keenly promoting a strategy it calls "dual circulation". This pushes for more goods and services to be developed in China, serving domestic consumers, while at the same time China keeps up enthusiastic trade with the rest of the world.
The Party takes the view that the state must play a central role in business activity. But can state-run entities thrive in a competitive environment? Dr Eunsuk Hong, who lectures on China's economy and management at SOAS, discusses these questions with the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 49
Broadcast date: 25 January, 2022
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Jan 18, 2022
Growing security concerns in East Asia
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
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Jan 11, 2022
China, Japan and the Olympics
Chinese athletes brought glory to their country at the Tokyo Olympics through shooting, diving, weight lifting and table tennis. China hopes the Winter Olympics in Beijing will further boost the nation's international reputation by creating a harmonious atmosphere among skiers and snowboarders. However, the delegations of many countries face a dilemma. Are they obliged to take a stance on China's human rights record? Or should they endeavour to separate politics from sport? In this podcast, renowned author Bill Emmott, chair of the Japan Society of the UK, discusses the response of the Japanese delegation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 47
Broadcast date: 11 January, 2022
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Jan 4, 2022
Dramatic changes in the relationship between China and Australia
Ministerial contact between China and Australia was severed in 2021 as a result of a bitter trade dispute, which has impacted exports of Australian wine, barley, lobster, beef and coal to China. On the security front, Australia has signed up to AUKUS, a nuclear-powered submarine agreement with the United Kingdom and the United States, in a move widely seen as an attempt to counter China's influence. In this podcast Dr Bates Gill, Chair, China Policy Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney takes stock of the situation as Australia prepares to hold a federal election. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 46
Broadcast date: 4th January, 2022
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Dec 14, 2021
The outlook for the China-EU relationship in 2022
Europe is shifting its thinking on China in profound ways. The European Union, once criticized as “soft on China'', has now become outspoken on human rights issues and even sent an official parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. Deep business ties remain but within the EU, public opinion is becoming more sceptical towards China in many European countries, including some which were previously regarded as pro-Beijing. In this podcast, Professor Hanns W. Maull from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin discusses EU-China relations with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 45
Broadcast date: 14 December, 2021
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Dec 7, 2021
How will Olaf Scholz's approach to China be different to that of Angela Merkel?
Big changes are taking place in China's relationship with Germany. Foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, from the Green party, has signalled a more assertive stance, especially on human rights issues, after the commerce-driven pragmatism of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 16 years in power. Ms Baerbock is a key figure in the new cabinet led by Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, Germany's new Chancellor. In this podcast Hanns Maull, Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin analyses the political situation in both Germany and China. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 44
Broadcast date: 7th December, 2021
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Nov 30, 2021
All guns blazing: the political messages of Chinese war films
The highest grossing films at the Chinese box office are war movies. Wolf Warrior 1 and 2, and The Battle at Lake Changjin, portray heroic Chinese soldiers battling against foreign enemies, including the Americans. These big budget productions are overseen by an arm of the state known as the China Film Administration. Are they therefore a form or propaganda, or can they be defined as art? Dr Xiaoning Lu, a lecturer in Chinese culture and cinema at SOAS, shares her views on the political messages of the films, in conversation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 43
Broadcast date: 30 November, 2021
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Nov 23, 2021
Expert analysis of the Xi Biden summit
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
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Nov 16, 2021
Explaining the thoughts of Xi Jinping on climate change
There was a major breakthrough at the Cop-26 climate change conference when China and the United States issued a joint declaration. They said they would work together to achieve the 1.5C temperature goal set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. It paves the way for a historic virtual summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping before the end of 2021. In this podcast, Qinduo Xu a political analyst from China`s Pangoal Institution gives his view on Xi Jinping`s climate policy to host Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 41
Broadcast date: 16 November, 2021
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Nov 9, 2021
What is the attitude of Japan's new prime minister towards China?
Chinese culture and philosophy have influenced Japan. The languages have an overlapping system of writing and there are fusions of ideas in many spheres. Politically however, the countries seem very far apart, especially given Japan`s determination to side with the United States in the great-power rivalry between America and China, which shapes international relations in Asia and beyond. Japan recently had an election, in which Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was victorious. In this podcast, Rory Green, Head of China and Asia Research TS Lombard, talks about Japan's approach towards China with Duncan Bartlett, a Research Associate at the SOAS China Centre and former BBC Tokyo Correspondent.
China In Context: Episode 40
Broadcast date: 9th November, 2021
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Nov 2, 2021
Is China seeking revenge for a "century of humiliation"?
China's leader Xi Jinping often visits museums and his speeches are full of analogies from history. His books, such as the Governance of China suggest he seeks to learn lessons from history as a way of deciding how China should be run today. One of the themes which often comes up is China's so-called “Century of Humiliation". Dr Andrea Janku, a Senior Lecturer in the History of China at SOAS, University of London, explains the significance of the concept to podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 39
Broadcast date: 2nd November, 2021
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Oct 26, 2021
The exuberant lifestyle of Evergrande's billionaire boss
The crisis at the Chinese property group Evergrande Group has brought into focus the exorbitant lifestyle of its chairman, Hui Ka Yan. After vying with Jack Ma for the title of Asia's richest man, Mr Hui's fortune is plunging, as his company defaults on crucial debt repayments. Neither the government nor the central bank seem prepared to bail him out. Yet with liabilities running into hundreds of billions of dollars, Evergrande is seen by investors as a reminder of the risks of doing business with China. In this podcast, Paul Hodges, Chairman Of New Normal Consulting discusses the issues with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 38
Broadcast date: 26 October, 2021
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Oct 19, 2021
Are China and Taiwan on the brink of conflict?
What does it feel like to live on an island which the Economist magazine recently described as “the most dangerous place on earth?” Most people in Taiwan try to get on with their lives as normal, despite the undercurrent of fear caused by a threat of invasion by China. Tensions between China and Taiwan are at an all-time high, just as relations between the US and China reach an all-time low. In this podcast, Liam Gavan Gibson from Taiwan News explains the mood in Taipei and analyses the big speeches given by the presidents of Taiwan and the PRC in the autumn of 2021. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 37
Broadcast date: 19 October, 2021
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Oct 12, 2021
The social and economic implications of China’s love of foreign food
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
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Oct 5, 2021
Keeping China fed
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
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Sep 28, 2021
The new rules on teaching Chinese politics at Hong Kong`s universities
Students in Hong Kong are being encouraged to study China in a new way. The curriculum is subject to approval by the Chinese Communist Party and encourages reflection on patriotism and adherence to the National Security Law, which was introduced following anti-China demonstrations in the city. Some university lecturers say the system is an affront to academic freedom. Other teachers are keen to dispel negative views of China derived from misleading media and fake news. In this podcast, the Director of the SOAS China Institute Steve Tsang talks about principles of teaching Chinese politics both in Hong Kong and in London. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 34
Broadcast date: 28 September, 2021
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Sep 21, 2021
The media image of Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is a geopolitical superstar. Since he became China's leader in 2012, he has been the subject of an enormous number of press reports, documentaries, books and scholarly articles. Much of what we know about this powerful leader is based on what we know through the media, but can we trust the people who are relaying information about him? In this episode of China In Context, the BBC`s China Editor Howard Zhang explains how his team covers stories about Xi Jinping and reveals the difficulty of breaking through the barriers of secrecy and propaganda. The podcast is hosted by the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 33
Broadcast date: 21 September, 2021
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Sep 14, 2021
Reporting on China for the BBC: An editor's perspective
As China rises up the international news agenda, the clamour to report on its politics, social and domestic affairs intensifies. But that also means the Communist Party of China is sensitive to what is reported about the Chinese government and the country by the foreign media. In this week's episode of China In Context, the BBC China Editor Howard Zhang sets out his principles for covering the country in conversation with Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 32
Broadcast date: 14 September, 2021
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Sep 7, 2021
The economic race between China and the United States
It has been more than three years since former US president Donald Trump launched a 'trade war' against China. The Chinese government says it was a waste of time - it insists the clash with the US hasn’t suppressed China's development and there’s still a massive amount of trade going on between the two countries. China set an economic growth target of about six percent for 2021 and it’s likely to easily surpass that, if official figures can be believed. Tommy Wu, lead economist for China at Oxford Economics uses his data-analytic skills to compare China and the US. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 31
Broadcast date: 7th September, 2021
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Aug 31, 2021
The post-pandemic performance of China’s economy
China’s leaders often boast of their country’s economic achievements, especially recently, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The official narrative is simple. While the rest of the world continues to endure great economic pain, China is almost back to full strength. In reality, the situation’s much more complicated - partly because GDP growth can be measured in various ways and it’s always presented in a very flattering light by the official Chinese media. And while some sectors and regions in China do seem to be booming, others are struggling. Tommy Wu, lead economist for China at Oxford Economics scrutinises the data with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 30
Broadcast date: 31 August, 2021
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Aug 24, 2021
The Communist Party’s clashes with religion
The People's Republic of China is officially an atheist country – yet gods and immortals still hold great influence over people’s lives. There are hundreds of millions of followers of the main religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam – as well as Falun Gong, the largest of several banned new religious movements.
Those groups don’t have much in common theologically but each offers an alternative perspective on life to the ideology of the ruling Communist Party. This often creates political tension. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS looks at the changing perceptions of religion in China with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 29
Broadcast date: 24 August, 2021
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Aug 17, 2021
The Christian church in China
Christianity has enjoyed a major revival in China in recent years. However, the relationship between the Christians and the Communists is growing increasingly uneasy. Given Christianity’s association in many Chinese people’s minds with western values, the line between religion and politics sometimes becomes blurred. In some places, particularly Zhejiang province, churches have been demolished and crosses torn down, drawing condemnation of China from religious leaders abroad. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS, discusses China and Christianity with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 28
Broadcast date: 17 August, 2021
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Aug 10, 2021
Is China siding with North Korea against the United States?
Since Joe Biden became the American president, the United States has hinted it would consider holding a dialogue to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear and missile development. However, North Korea has made clear it’s not interested in the possibility of any contact with the US. The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the photogenic Kim Yo-jong, has warned of confrontation. So what could China do to help matters? Is it interested in reducing the tension between North Korea and the US? In this podcast, Dr Edward Howell, Lecturer in Politics at New College, University of Oxford, analyses the tense relationship between North Korea, China and the United States. The host is Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 27
Broadcast date: 10 August, 2021
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Aug 3, 2021
How strong is the connection between North Korea and China?
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
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Jul 27, 2021
Where does the loyalty of the People’s Liberation Army lie?
Xi Jinping has invested heavily in China’s armed forces, determined to create a world-class military with sophisticated, modern weapons. China’s People’s Liberation Army has more than a million men and women under arms. But questions remain about this unusual army. Is it actually the People’s army - or the Party’s army? How loyal are the troops to Xi Jinping? And what would provoke them into a battle? Gordon Arthur is the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media and knows China well, having lived in Hong Kong for 20 years. In this podcast, he considers the strength and sophistication of the PLA and assesses the risk of war. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett from Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 25
Broadcast date: July 27, 2021
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Jul 20, 2021
How united is the Quad in challenging China?
The seas around China are patrolled by the navy of the People’s Liberation Army, which is on constant standby for conflict. The primary threat, as far as China is concerned, is the United States of America. But there is another challenge to China’s growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific. In recent years, America, Australia, India and Japan have been conducting joint military exercises near China under the auspices of the Quad – a coalition focussed on defence and security. Gordon Arthur, Asia Pacific Editor for Shephard Media, gives his view on defence and security issues in the region. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs.
China In Context: Episode 24
Broadcast date: July 20, 2021
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Jul 13, 2021
The diplomatic challenge of cooperating with China on climate change
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases yet its government insists it is following a path towards a green transformation. So where does the rhetoric end and the action begin? And how much cooperation can we realistically expect between China and other countries which say they want to reach an international consensus on tackling climate change? Isabel Hilton, the founder of China Dialogue, a website that analyses environmental issues, discusses climate diplomacy with Duncan Bartlett, the Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 23
Broadcast date: July 13, 2021
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Jul 6, 2021
Biodiversity in China
Chinese people enjoy a close relationship to nature and inhabit one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. However, rapid industrialisation and pollution have had a terrible impact on the environment and caused some species to become critically endangered, or even extinct. There is particular concern about the damage caused by coal mining, one of the key sources of energy to fuel the Chinese economy. In this podcast, a renowned expert on China’s environment, Isabel Hilton, gives her view on what the authorities should do to promote biodiversity.
China In Context: Episode 22
Broadcast date: July 06, 2021
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Jun 29, 2021
The Alibaba affair
Alibaba is the world’s biggest e-commerce company and touches the lives of nearly everyone in China. Its founder is a flamboyant and outspoken billionaire, Jack Ma. However, Mr Ma’s been keeping a low profile since a clash with the Chinese government in 2020, when a plan to float Alibaba’s fintech operations on the stock exchange was suddenly halted by the authorities. Then, in the spring of 2021, regulators slapped Alibaba with a $2.8bn fine, saying it had abused its market position for years. Fraser Howie, a prolific author on the Chinese financial system, explains the significance of Alibaba to Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 21
Broadcast date: June 29, 2021
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Jun 22, 2021
The economic implications of Covid-19
China was the first country to experience a Covid-19 epidemic, responding with lockdowns and travel bans, long before anywhere else. Yet within a few months, life in China seemed to have returned more or less to normal and in the spring of 2021, China announced it had achieved its fastest annual economic growth on record. Despite these impressive achievements, experts warn that economic stresses remain. Tommy Wu, lead economist for the Asia-Pacific region at Oxford Economics, gives his analysis of the situation in China in a conversation with podcast host, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 20
Broadcast date: June 22, 2021
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Jun 15, 2021
The changing relationship between the EU and China
Throughout the European Union, a fierce political debate is raging about how to approach the relationship with China. Should China be prevented from investing in important industries, like nuclear power and 5G communication? Or would it be better to take a more pragmatic approach, recognising the potential that China has to stimulate economic growth and employment in Europe, as the region struggles to recover from the pandemic? Professor Hanns Maull, a Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin. explains through how the debates about politics and economics affect the thinking about China within the EU. The podcast is hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 19
Broadcast date: June 15, 2021
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Jun 8, 2021
Germany and China: Is their friendship over?
Since the early 1980s, Germany and China have been in a fruitful symbiotic relationship, which has fuelled the growth of both their economies. Many Chinese factory workers use German machines to make goods which they export back to Europe and the rest of the world. However, since the start of 2021, the mood between China and Germany has soured considerably, after China imposed sanctions on Germans who had criticised its policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The situation is growing more tense ahead of the election which is due in Germany in the autumn of 2021. Professor Hanns Maull, a Senior Associate Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) in Berlin, outlines the various strands of thinking about China within Germany in this podcast hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 18
Broadcast date: June 8th, 2021
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Jun 1, 2021
China’s relationships with developing countries
China’s global influence and its economic growth have been significantly enhanced by its relationship with developing countries. They are critical in supplying natural resources, especially the fuel and raw materials for China’s thousands of factories. Developing countries are also growing in importance as promising markets for goods exported from China. Furthermore, many developing countries have welcomed the investment that comes with belonging to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – creating a sense of competition in some regions between China, the United States and its allies. Duncan Bartlett discusses these topics with Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS.
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*China In Context: Episode 17
Broadcast date: June 1st, 2021
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May 25, 2021
How effective is China’s vaccine diplomacy?
China’s international image took a blow in the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak, due to allegations of an official cover-up of the disease in Wuhan. Soon afterwards, the Chinese government sought to restore its reputation by encouraging companies to send masks and personal protective equipment to many other nations. This was followed by a wave of vaccine diplomacy. Millions of people in China and other nations have received Chinese jabs. Yet regulators in the US, Britain and the EU have turned down the Chinese vaccines, dismissing them as ineffective or even potentially dangerous. Stephen Chan, Professor of World Politics at SOAS, talks about China’s healthcare policy in this episode of the China In Context podcast, hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 16
Broadcast date: May 25th, 2021
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May 18, 2021
South Korea’s relationships with China and the United States
South Korea and China have a complex relationship. For many decades, South Korea was much more economically advanced than China and it is regarded by the United States as a key ally in Asia, helping to maintain the balance of power as a counterweight to Communism. Yet since China has become increasingly powerful in economic terms, it has found ways to pressure South Korea into meeting its demands. China also retains friendly relations with North Korea - a country with an army which stands prepared to wage war on the South at a moment’s notice. In this episode of China In Context, Rory Green, an economist covering China and South Korea at TS Lombard, talks through the geopolitics of North Asia with Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 15
Broadcast date: May 18th, 2021
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May 11, 2021
The significance of ‘The People’ in China's political discourse
The concept of ‘The People’ is a highly charged term in China and one that constantly appears in the rhetoric of the Communist Party. The official name of the country is the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the central bank is the People’s Bank of China and the leading newspaper is The People’s Daily. So how do China’s leaders define ‘The People’ that they claim to represent? And is there a role in society for people who have a different political ideas to the CCP? Distinguished China expert Clyde Prestowitz explores some of the meanings and resonances of the word ‘people’ in a conversation with Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China in Context: Episode 14
Broadcast Date: May 11th, 2021
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May 4, 2021
How does China’s Communist ideology resemble a religion?
Many sociologists have noticed parallels between Chinese Communism and religion. Both offer sacred texts, prophets and moral guidance. Furthermore, many aspects of China’s ideology seem to be drawn from old myths, ancient seers and even superstition. Clyde Prestowitz has been exploring the intriguing connections between politics and religion in his new book The World Turned Upside Down: America, China and the Struggle for Global Leadership (Yale, 2021). In this podcast, he discusses his ideas with the Editor of Asian Affairs, Duncan Bartlett.
China In Context: Episode 13
Broadcast date: May 4th, 2021
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Apr 27, 2021
What is stoking the rise in Chinese nationalism?
China displays an intense form of nationalism. People are expected to regard their nation as strong and united and to view outside criticism as a threat to progress. The Chinese Communist Party insists on loyalty from its members and encourages people who work or study abroad to remain patriotic. In this podcast, Professor Christopher Hughes from the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics looks at the domestic and international implications of China’s stringent nationalism. Hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 12
Broadcast Date: April 27th, 2021
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Apr 20, 2021
What are the economic risks of conflict between China and Taiwan?
Taiwan’s status as a self-governing island, with its own government and diplomacy, is facing unprecedented challenges. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China often presents Taiwan as a secessionist province, which has no legitimacy as a country. Yet Taiwan is rich and successful. It is home to a huge semiconductor manufacturing industry, producing chips which are used all over the world, including China. In this podcast, Professor Christopher Hughes from the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics appraises the risks of conflict between the neighbours. Hosted by Duncan Bartlett, Editor of Asian Affairs magazine.
China In Context: Episode 11
Broadcast date: April 20th, 2021
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Apr 13, 2021
Going it alone - the lives of China’s single people
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
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Apr 6, 2021
What is life like for people who come from one child families?
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
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Mar 30, 2021
Do China’s leaders really believe their country is superior to all other nations on earth?
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
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Mar 23, 2021
What do China’s leaders mean by national security and should the world be worried?
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
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Mar 16, 2021
Will China’s ageing population cause its economic growth to slow dramatically?
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
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Mar 9, 2021
Has China’s obsession with feminine beauty liberated women?
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
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Mar 2, 2021
How do women in China feel about the state deciding how many children they should have?
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
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Feb 23, 2021
Has the pandemic been good for China?
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
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Feb 16, 2021
What impact is the security law having on Hong Kong?
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
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Feb 9, 2021
How does the current state of US-China relations compare to the Soviet-US Cold War?
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
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