Sinica Podcast Adam Tooze Climbs the China Learning Curve
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Jul 16, 2025 
Adam Tooze, an economic historian at Columbia University, shares his insights following a month in China. He discusses the post-COVID economic landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by the real estate market and shifting consumer behaviors. Tooze contrasts China's renewable energy advancements with U.S. policies, exploring the geopolitical ramifications. He reflects on the complexities of understanding China as an outsider and the importance of humility in appreciating its cultural nuances. The dialogue is enlightening and filled with personal anecdotes.
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China’s Deep Global South Ties
- China’s global south engagement is deep and multi-layered, involving long-term partnerships beyond Belt and Road.
- Efforts include robust agricultural, rural, and development collaborations driven by institutions beyond just the government.
Europe's Ukraine Dilemma and Autonomy
- Beijing hedges cautiously on Ukraine, not wanting Russia to lose but unable to see a realistic peace path.
- Europe remains panicked and depends heavily on U.S. security, delaying autonomous China policies for years.
European Autonomy Outlook and Trade
- Europe lacks the appetite for strategic autonomy and leans heavily on U.S. security commitments.
- Joint ventures with Chinese investment may be the pragmatic path to engagement despite political tensions.
