China Global

On a previous episode of the China Global Podcast, we discussed Beijing’s position on the conflict in Gaza during the early days following Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Today, we discuss one of the conflict’s spillover effects– the attacks on cargo and trade ships transiting the Red Sea by the Houthis, an Iranian-backed Shia group governing parts of Yemen. While the Chinese-brokered rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran was as the beginning of a “wave of reconciliation” in the region by China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, the resurgence of violence since October 7th has proven that prediction to be overly optimistic. At face value, disruptions of global trade may seem to run counter to Chinese interests, but Beijing’s hesitance to become more deeply involved in the crisis may tell us something about China’s calculations in this crisis. It may also show the limits of Chinese influence in the region. Host Bonnie Glaser is joined by Ahmed Aboudouh. Ahmed is an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council, and heads the China Studies research unit at the Emirates Policy Center. His research focuses on China’s rising influence in the Middle East and North Africa region, Gulf geopolitics, and the effects of China-US competition worldwide. Timestamps[01:36] China’s Statement on Palestine at the International Court of Justice[08:20] Why is China indirectly supporting Hamas despite its relations with Israel?[12:11] Effectiveness of China’s Narrative Critical of America and the West[16:54] Israel, Palestine, and China’s Diplomatic Calculus[20:12] China’s Hesitance to Counter the Houthis in the Red Sea[25:15] Does China have leverage over Iran, and if so, will they use it?[29:59] Circumstances for Deeper Chinese Involvement

Exploring China's evolving engagement in Myanmar's conflict post-coup, including strategic interests such as energy security and managing Western influences. Discussing China's role in brokering ceasefires, negotiating agreements, and protecting economic interests. Highlighting tensions with ASEAN, suspicions, US-China dynamics, and strained relations with Myanmar in the aftermath of the military coup.

Explore the book 'Facing China, the Prospect for War and Peace' which analyzes potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific and China's gray zone strategies. Delve into the Thucydides Trap concept within the US-China relationship. Discover Chinese experts' perspectives on the risk of conflict and the economic consequences. Uncover China's successful Grey Zone strategy in the South China Sea and its ambitions in overseas military operations.

An analysis of China's Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, focusing on Xi Jinping's speech and his more activist approach to PRC diplomacy. The episode explores Xi's concept of the community of common destiny, major country diplomacy, and China's future diplomacy. It also discusses the historical significance of foreign affairs work conferences and the shifting foreign policy priorities of Xi and Hu Jintao. The episode concludes with a discussion on the learning aspect of Chinese foreign policy.

This episode of a podcast focuses on China's perspectives and likely reaction to the recent election in Taiwan. It discusses Beijing's expectations, the statement issued by the Taiwan Affairs Office, and the initial restrained response. It also explores the impact of the Woodside Biden-Sigenping Summit and analyzes Xi Jinping's statements on Taiwan's reunification.

The podcast explores how domestic politics in the US and China are shaping their bilateral relationship. It discusses the differences in domestic politics between the two countries and how they impact their relationship. The decline of certain political forces that historically promoted a better relationship is analyzed, along with the role of leadership in managing the US-China relationship.

Bonnie Glaser, Jessica Chen Weiss, and Thomas Christensen discuss the role of credible assurances in effective deterrence. They emphasize the need for conditioning the threat of punishment and outline necessary actions for the US, China, and Taiwan. The podcast explores the challenges of providing credible assurances, balancing assurances and threats in Taiwan, and maintaining consistent actions and rhetoric.

In this podcast, the upcoming EU-China summit is discussed, focusing on key events and challenges. The speakers address the EU's multifaceted policy approach towards China, the importance of open communication channels, and the need to de-risk the EU-China relationship. They also explore the EU's perspective on China as a competitor and growing concerns about Taiwan.

China's response to the Israel-Hamas war is discussed, including its criticism of Israel's military response and call for a ceasefire. China's past relationship with Israel and the Palestinian cause is explored, as well as its potential role in mediating the conflict. The rise of anti-Semitism in Chinese society and its consequences are discussed. China's efforts to isolate the US and influence its relations with Israel are also highlighted.

On August 1, 2017, China official opened its first overseas military base in the East African nation of Djibouti. The base, constructed to provide logistical support to the Chinese navy’s counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, marked a major step toward Xi Jinping’s goal of constructing a world class military by the middle of the century.The US Defense Department has just released its annual China Military Power Report, and that says that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) probably has also considered adding military logistics facilities in 19 countries around the world (in addition to Djibouti): Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Tajikistan. To expand its global footprint, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will need to cultivate good relations with potential host countries. China’s military diplomacy is likely aimed at achieving that objective among others.Today’s discussion focuses on the key features and goals of China’s military diplomacy and its quest for additional military installations – or what the Chinese call “strategic strongpoints.” Host Bonnie Glaser is joined by Kristin Gunness, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. She previously served as the Director of the Navy Asia Pacific Advisory Group at the Pentagon, advising the Chief of Naval Operations on security and foreign policy trends in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on Chinese naval and gray zone warfare capabilities. Earlier this year, Kristin testified on China’s overseas military diplomacy and its implications for American interests at a hearing convened by the US Economic and Security Review Commission.  Timestamps[02:20] Introduction to Military Diplomacy[04:36] Three Objectives of Chinese Military Diplomacy[06:15] China’s Regions of Interest[08:48] Gauging the Success of China’s Military[11:46] Beijing’s Broader Geo-Political Strategy[13:47] Challenges Posed to US Interests[15:53] Military Installations Versus Commercial Ports[17:20] Potential Chinese Presence in Cambodia [19:27] Potential Chinese Presence in Equatorial Guinea [21:41] Beijing’s Assessment of their Military Diplomacy[23:33] Recommendations for a US Response