John Zinn

John Zinn, a China analyst from the Brookings Institution, shares insights on the evolving U.S.-China relations and China's strategic maneuvers under pressure. Don Wineland, a finance editor at The Economist, discusses China's cultural exports, highlighting the global rise of LaBubu dolls and the animated hit Najjar 2. They explore how Chinese soft power is gaining traction, thanks to mid-career creators and better funding. With these shifts, China's cultural influence is set to expand significantly in the coming years.

This week, John Zinn, former Director for China at the National Security Council, shares his insights on China's evolving global stance. He discusses the country's shift from defensive to assertive strategies, examining Xi Jinping's tech-focused economic plans and the unexpected consequences of U.S. tariffs. The conversation delves into whether China's bold actions signal real strength or hidden weaknesses, along with the implications for Taiwan. Zinn also highlights Europe's growing dependence on China and the potential risks this poses for Western nations.

Joel Wuff, analyst at the National Defense University; Peter Mattis, China-focused former CIA analyst and Jamestown Foundation president; John Zinn, Brookings China politics specialist; Dennis Wilder, veteran CIA China analyst now in academia. They unpack PLA purges, the political control of the military, implications for readiness and corruption, and how leadership turnover reshapes signaling and risk calculations abroad.