Episodes
-
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.________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
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.________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Missing episodes?
-
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.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
The head of the CIA, Bill Burns has described Vladimir Putin as a bully who presents the greatest threat to world peace. The idea that Russia and China may partner to launch a joint provocation is a particular concern for the US and its allies. In this podcast, Samuel Ramani from the defence think tank RUSI provides his assessment of the risks associated with the so-called "no limits" partnership between China and Russia. The presenter is the usual host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
The battle for supremacy in Asia has a new flashpoint in the South China Sea. It is known as the Sabina Shoal and it lies near the Philippines, a nation which is locked in a maritime dispute with China. This has led to collisions between boats, the use of water cannons and threats of a serious escalation. Other nations are watching warily. In this podcast, the Daily Telegraph's Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith offers a compelling account of her experiences in the region to presenter Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
There is a rising mood of bipartisan hostility towards China in Washington ahead of the 2024 election. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, he intends to impose steep tariffs on Chinese exports. His Democratic party opponent, Kamala Harris has said that "America, not China" will win the competition for the 21st century. In this podcast, James McGregor, Director of APCO Worldwide, uses his extensive knowledge of China-US relations to analyse the positions of the presidential candidates. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Two pandas which have been on an extended diplomatic mission to Australia are soon to be recalled to China. Fu Ni 福妮 and Wang Wang 网网) (PRON: "wong wong") have been living happily together at Adelaide Zoo since 2009. However, China wants them back by the end of 2024. They’ll be replaced by a younger pair of animals. Australia’s government seems pleased with the panda deal. But what about its relationship with China in other areas? In this podcast, regular host Duncan Bartlett speaks with Professor James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology in Sydney.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Taiwan and China are practicing for war. China's People's Liberation Army has increased the number of ships and warplanes conducting drills around the island. The Taiwanese air force has responded with live-fire exercises. In this podcast, Bill Emmott, chair of the IISS think tank, discusses what might deter China from using force against Taiwan. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
The world's biggest technology company Apple has close ties to China. Although it is based in California, where it designs famous products, a huge proportion of its gear is assembled in China. Furthermore, Chinese consumers continue to crave Apple iPhones. But critics allege that in order to gain the approval of the Communist Party, Apple assists with censorship and the suppression of political dissent. In this podcast, Benjamin Ismail from the Apple Censorship Project shares his views with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
NATO's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg has warned that China is conducting a huge military build-up. He says China is investing heavily in modern missiles, including an arsenal of nuclear weapons. NATO has ordered its forces to be prepared to counter China's assertive behaviour in the South China Sea and threats to Taiwan. However, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi insists that it is NATO which presents the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. In his view, NATO intervention in the region is bound to "trigger confrontation and escalate tensions." In this podcast, Dr Mercy Kuo from Pamir Consulting analyses the rhetoric from both sides. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
A bi-partisan group of politicians in Washington has called for sanctions to be imposed on officials in Hong Kong. They claim the officials - acting on instructions from Beijing - use tough laws to try to silence political opposition and intimidate those who advocate for democratic principles. In this podcast, veteran journalist Stephen Vines explains the impact of legislation in Hong Kong on the media and wider society. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
The war in Ukraine has made the Russian leader Vladimir Putin something of a pariah in the West but he still meets regularly with Xi Jinping. In theory, Russia and China enjoy a no-limits partnership. But are there constraints on their relationship? Abigaël Vasselier is a former diplomat and is currently Director for Policy and European Affairs and heads the Foreign Relations team at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a think tank based in Berlin. She is also a SOAS alumna. On this podcast Abigaël discusses Russia and China with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Manufacturers of Chinese electric vehicles intend to build their companies into powerhouses to rival Volkswagen and Renault. The Chinese government backs their expansion into new markets, including Europe. This has caused political tension and as a result, a trade war is looming between China and Europe. On this podcast, Duncan Wrigley, Chief China Plus Economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics, discusses the situation with Zeyu Xu of Xinhua News in Beijing.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
The best-selling book Wild Swans by Jung Chang contains harrowing accounts of life in China during the 20th Century. It covers the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the civil war, the establishment of the CCP and the Cultural Revolution. In this podcast, Dr Chang gives a riveting account of how these momentous events impacted her mother and grandmother. She also shares her perspective on the lives of women in today’s Chinese society. The presenter is regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
North Korea is a troublesome neighbour for China. At one level, its Workers' Party, led by Kim Jong-Un, claims fraternity with the Chinese Communist Party. But Marshall Kim follows his own agenda, including belligerent rhetoric against South Korea, the United States and Japan. He's also nurturing his relationship with Vladimir Putin. In this podcast, former BBC China editor Howard Zhang explains how China views the situation in the region. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
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.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Tension rose in East Asia following the inauguration of the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-Te in May 2024. China dispatched fighter jets, bombers armed with live missiles and naval vessels into areas very close to Taiwan’s east coast. Was this a signal that under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China could be prepared to launch an amphibious assault on the island, with a clear ambition to take out its democratically-elected president and place it under the rule of the CCP? In this podcast, Rear Admiral Mike Studeman from the United States Navy discusses the risk of conflict over Taiwan with regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
Tibet, on China's border with India, is seen as having great strategic importance to Beijing. The region, which has been prone to unrest, has been under Chinese control since 1950. Its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is in exile in India but plans to visit the United States this summer. In this podcast, Michael Bristow, China Correspondent for the BBC World Service, discusses Tibet's political significance with regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
China's leaders have taken a sharply critical tone against Israel over its war with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. They have also suggested that the United States is exploiting and exasperating long-running conflicts in the Middle East. In this podcast, Richard Spencer, a correspondent for The Times newspaper, warns that a regional conflagration would be damaging for both China and America. The host is regular presenter, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 -
China is becoming a dominant force in the online realm in Southeast Asia. Partnerships through a network known as the Digital Silk Road enable China to have extensive influence on how people access the internet in countries such as Cambodia, Nepal and Thailand. In this podcast, campaigner Michael Caster explains what he sees as a battle for free speech in the region. The podcast is presented by regular host, Duncan Bartlett.
________________________________________
SCI Blog SCI on X SCI on LinkedIn SCI on Facebook SCI on Instagram
SOAS China Institute (SCI)________________________________________
Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0 - Show more
