Best China Podcasts (2025)

1
Allied Scale: Rush Doshi on US-China Net Assessment 1:13:33

2h ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Rush Doshi (CFR, Biden NSC, author of the excellent The Long Game) and I run through the US-China tale of the tape. The future of America's relationship with its allies may be the key hinge variable for whether this century turns out to be China's to define. Do give this one a listen. Especially if you're JD Vance! See Rush's Foreign Affairs articl…

1
Kenya Prez Ruto Shows Persistence Pays When Negotiating With China 48:56

1h ago48:56

48:56

Kenyan President William Ruto wrapped up a four-day visit to China on Friday and returned home with a massive new railway deal and more than a billion dollars of investment pledges. Ruto's successful closing of the Phase III extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to the Ugandan border comes after nearly a decade of Kenyan lobbying in China. Also, …

1
Panel: What's at stake in the battle between Harvard, Trump administration? 53:41

1h ago53:41

53:41

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration to halt the freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars. Does the lawsuit signal a major escalation in the growing conflict between higher education and the Trump administration, and what could be the possible outcomes? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the A…

1
Chinese leaders pledge high quality development to resist external instability 59:45

3h ago59:45

59:45

China's top leadership has pledged to support companies severely impacted by tariffs, along with measures to boost consumption and expand opening up (01:10). China has once again denied tariff negotiations with the U.S. and called on Washington not to create confusion (01:55). And China’s Shenzhou-20 mission is taking zebra fish experiments in spac…

1
Chinese leaders pledge high quality development to resist external instability 59:45

3h ago59:45

59:45

China's top leadership has pledged to support companies severely impacted by tariffs, along with measures to boost consumption and expand opening up (01:10). China has once again denied tariff negotiations with the U.S. and called on Washington not to create confusion (01:55). And China’s Shenzhou-20 mission is taking zebra fish experiments in spac…

1
A cure for the lovesick? 28:04

6h ago28:04

28:04

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you out of love and back to reality. Does being lovestruck require a cure, or is this simply a right of romantic passage?/ As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival unfolds its magic, we get a report …

1
A cure for the lovesick? 28:04

4h ago28:04

28:04

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you out of love and back to reality. Does being lovestruck require a cure, or is this simply a right of romantic passage?/ As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival unfolds its magic, we get a report …

1
Robo-owls to the power grid rescue! 24:01

5h ago24:01

24:01

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powerful synergy of technology and nature, where sparks fly in all the right ways! We’re taking you on a tour of machines lending their digital smarts to help monitor and protect our ecosystems. On the show…

1
Robo-owls to the power grid rescue! 24:01

7h ago24:01

24:01

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powerful synergy of technology and nature, where sparks fly in all the right ways! We’re taking you on a tour of machines lending their digital smarts to help monitor and protect our ecosystems. On the show…

1
What’s at stake in William Ruto’s state visit to China? 53:16

3h ago53:16

53:16

① China and Kenya have upgraded their ties to a new level. Why is Kenyan President William Ruto’s ongoing visit to China important to both sides? (00:54) ② In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, China’s foreign minister said Beijing supports Tehran holding nuclear talks with Washington. We explore China’s message on the Iran nuclear issue at a …

1
China successfully launches Shenzhou-20 crewed space mission 59:45

1d ago59:45

59:45

China and Kenya have announced the elevation of ties to a Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, and agreed to set up an example for China-Africa relations (01:01). China's Tiangong Space Station is welcoming a new three-member crew after the successful launch of the Shenzhou-20 mission (07:22). And China says there are no tariff talks with…

1
China successfully launches Shenzhou-20 crewed space mission 59:45

13h ago59:45

59:45

China and Kenya have announced the elevation of ties to a Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, and agreed to set up an example for China-Africa relations (01:01). China's Tiangong Space Station is welcoming a new three-member crew after the successful launch of the Shenzhou-20 mission (07:22). And China says there are no tariff talks with…

1
Gen Z's temple dining zen trend 25:06

4h ago25:06

25:06

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of rice in a tranquil temple? Temple meals are surging as Gen Z's go-to antidote to stress—blending mindfulness, tradition, and nourishment into one soul-soothing ritual. / As content creation and influen…

1
Gen Z's temple dining zen trend 25:06

6h ago25:06

25:06

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of rice in a tranquil temple? Temple meals are surging as Gen Z's go-to antidote to stress—blending mindfulness, tradition, and nourishment into one soul-soothing ritual. / As content creation and influen…

1
Two Chinese sites named UNESCO Geoparks! 27:38

4h ago27:38

27:38

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales millions of years in the making. Join us to find out exactly what makes these places so spectacular! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

1
Two Chinese sites named UNESCO Geoparks! 27:38

7h ago27:38

27:38

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales millions of years in the making. Join us to find out exactly what makes these places so spectacular! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

1
Why China is an increasingly important partner of Azerbaijan 53:12

5h ago53:12

53:12

① Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is on a visit to China. How can Beijing and Baku enhance cooperation? (00:52) ② After US President Donald Trump signaled a potential U-turn on his trade war with China, Beijing urged Washington to cease coercive practices and talk to China based on equality and mutual respect. What could have prompted Trump to s…

1
China, Azerbaijan form Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 59:45

2h ago59:45

59:45

China and Azerbaijan have agreed to elevate ties and exempt visas during a state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (01:02). A new three-member crew will head to China's Tiangong Space Station on Thursday for tasks including science experiments and spacewalks (01:57). And the International Monetary Fund has downgraded growth forecasts for …

1
China, Azerbaijan form Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 59:45

2h ago59:45

59:45

China and Azerbaijan have agreed to elevate ties and exempt visas during a state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (01:02). A new three-member crew will head to China's Tiangong Space Station on Thursday for tasks including science experiments and spacewalks (01:57). And the International Monetary Fund has downgraded growth forecasts for …

1
Is spanking a parenting right? 22:26

5h ago22:26

22:26

Spanking remains a divisive discipline tactic—while some dismiss it as harmless, others condemn it as damaging. Its effectiveness is fiercely debated, with some statistics suggesting that at least some parents are still in support of it. / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: On the Beat, a 1995 Chinese film dire…

51
Is spanking a parenting right? 22:26

7h ago22:26

22:26

Spanking remains a divisive discipline tactic—while some dismiss it as harmless, others condemn it as damaging. Its effectiveness is fiercely debated, with some statistics suggesting that at least some parents are still in support of it. / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: On the Beat, a 1995 Chinese film dire…

51
Pages to pixels: Livestreams elevate book sales! 30:18

7h ago30:18

30:18

April 23rd marks World Book and Copyright Day, and in China, the celebration has gone digital. Bookstores and sellers are embracing the trend, ramping up livestreaming events to connect with readers like never before. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushun.

1
Pages to pixels: Livestreams elevate book sales! 30:18

5h ago30:18

30:18

April 23rd marks World Book and Copyright Day, and in China, the celebration has gone digital. Bookstores and sellers are embracing the trend, ramping up livestreaming events to connect with readers like never before. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushun.

1
What’s at stake in the first China-Indonesia foreign and defense ministerial dialogue? 53:44

21h ago53:44

53:44

① China and Indonesia have held the first meeting of a Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue. How can the two sides push bilateral ties to higher level? (00:54) ② China rolls out guidelines on upgrading its pilot free trade zones. What does it tell us about the country’s move to further open up itself? (12:50) ③ Dozens of leading US econom…

1
Tariffs center stage at IMF/World Bank meetings 59:45

3d ago59:45

59:45

The International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring Meetings have opened amid market turmoil stirred up by U.S. tariffs (01:01). Wall Street and the dollar plunged as investor confidence falters in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and his attacks against the Federal Reserve chair (37:21). And the presidents of Kenya and Azerbaijan ar…

1
Tariffs center stage at IMF/World Bank meetings 59:45

23h ago59:45

59:45

The International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring Meetings have opened amid market turmoil stirred up by U.S. tariffs (01:01). Wall Street and the dollar plunged as investor confidence falters in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and his attacks against the Federal Reserve chair (37:21). And the presidents of Kenya and Azerbaijan ar…

1
The problem with people pleasing 27:50

1d ago27:50

27:50

Ever agreed to something you didn't want to do—just to avoid disappointing someone? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in the people-pleasing trap: always prioritizing others' needs over your own, even when it leaves you exhausted. But why do we keep doing this? And what price do we really pay? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing…

1
The problem with people pleasing 27:50

1d ago27:50

27:50

Ever agreed to something you didn't want to do—just to avoid disappointing someone? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in the people-pleasing trap: always prioritizing others' needs over your own, even when it leaves you exhausted. But why do we keep doing this? And what price do we really pay? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing…

1
Where can cleaners rest? 24:20

1d ago24:20

24:20

Step into any shopping mall, school, or hospital in China, and you'll find gleaming floors, spotless halls, and perfect order. But behind that immaculate facade are the cleaners—always moving, rarely resting, often without a proper place to pause. As our buildings and cities shine brighter, it's time we shed light on the need for proper rest spaces…

1
Where can cleaners rest? 24:20

1d ago24:20

24:20

Step into any shopping mall, school, or hospital in China, and you'll find gleaming floors, spotless halls, and perfect order. But behind that immaculate facade are the cleaners—always moving, rarely resting, often without a proper place to pause. As our buildings and cities shine brighter, it's time we shed light on the need for proper rest spaces…

1
Can US make it in pressuring other countries to restrict trade with China? 53:16

2d ago53:16

53:16

① In response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on other countries to restrict trade with China in exchange for exemptions to US tariffs, China has called on countries not to appease the US. What could be the consequences of appeasing the Trump administration in trade? (00:53) ② US Vice President JD Vance is in India for a four-day v…

1
China, Indonesia talk political security, defense in first ministerial "2+2 dialogue" 59:45

2d ago59:45

59:45

Foreign and defense ministers from China and Indonesia have discussed political security and defense cooperation at the first "2+2 dialogue (01:06)." China says it will counter any tariffs deal that the United States makes at Beijing's expense (05:40). And China has pledged visa-free transit and payment convenience among other measures to accelerat…

1
China, Indonesia talk political security, defense in first ministerial "2+2 dialogue" 59:45

2d ago59:45

59:45

Foreign and defense ministers from China and Indonesia have discussed political security and defense cooperation at the first "2+2 dialogue (01:06)." China says it will counter any tariffs deal that the United States makes at Beijing's expense (05:40). And China has pledged visa-free transit and payment convenience among other measures to accelerat…

1
Beijing Film Festival: Lights, Camera, Action! 23:56

2d ago23:56

23:56

We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: the compelling Chinese movie, Better Me, Better You (《好好的》). / Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves—so what happens when schools restrict them? From China's classroom bans (correlated with rising dropout rates) to UK campaigns for smartphone-free childhoods over men…

1
Beijing Film Festival: Lights, Camera, Action! 23:56

2d ago23:56

23:56

We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: the compelling Chinese movie, Better Me, Better You (《好好的》). / Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves—so what happens when schools restrict them? From China's classroom bans (correlated with rising dropout rates) to UK campaigns for smartphone-free childhoods over men…

1
Exotic fruits revitalize South China 28:40

2d ago28:40

28:40

Hainan—China's breathtaking tropical paradise—is famous for its pristine beaches and idyllic climate. But now, the island is making headlines for something even sweeter: its exotic fruit farms are becoming a delicious new driver of rural revitalization. We explore the opportunities of this juicy venture—and what lessons other regions can harvest fr…

1
Exotic fruits revitalize South China 28:40

2d ago28:40

28:40

Hainan—China's breathtaking tropical paradise—is famous for its pristine beaches and idyllic climate. But now, the island is making headlines for something even sweeter: its exotic fruit farms are becoming a delicious new driver of rural revitalization. We explore the opportunities of this juicy venture—and what lessons other regions can harvest fr…

1
Chips: Liberated? Trump’s Semis Tariff Gambit 50:23

3d ago50:23

50:23

Bill Reinsch of CSIS and the Trade Guys podcast with Jay Goldberg of Digits and Dollars and the Circuit podcast join to dicuss Trump's tariff impact on semis on another CSIS-ChinaTalk Chip Chat! Bill lays out the four clashing instincts driving policy in MAGA 2.0: revenge for decades of perceived slights, a bargaining bluff to coerce concessions, a…

1
Breaking Huawei + Tariffs Done Right with SemiAnalysis and Asianometry 34:32

4d ago34:32

34:32

Dylan Patel is a man on a mission. We get into how: Huawei is giving NVIDIA a run for their money What USG needs to do about it What smart semiconductor tariff policy would look like o3 Outtro Music, a little texas country for you all: Ernest Tubb, Walking the Floor Over You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQIRRReZIls Hank Thompson, Wild Side of Li…

1
Panel: Trusted partners amid trade wars: Xi's Southeast Asia trip 50:00

5d ago50:00

50:00

Chinese President Xi Jinping completed a landmark state visit to three key Southeast Asian nations — Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The trip came at a time of rising global trade tensions, with Washington’s tariff threats casting a shadow over the world economy. What does this trip reveal about China’s evolving role in the region? And why is it d…

1
China, Cambodia vow to build all-weather community with a shared future in the new era 59:45

5d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded his state visits in three Southeast Asian countries, after meeting Cambodian leaders and pledging to build an all-weather community with a shared future in the new era (01:08). The IMF warns that U.S. tariffs will weaken the global economy and trigger inflation (15:40). Ukraine says it has signed a memoran…

1
China, Cambodia vow to build all-weather community with a shared future in the new era 59:45

5d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded his state visits in three Southeast Asian countries, after meeting Cambodian leaders and pledging to build an all-weather community with a shared future in the new era (01:08). The IMF warns that U.S. tariffs will weaken the global economy and trigger inflation (15:40). Ukraine says it has signed a memoran…

1
Data centers on the Moon? 25:39

5d ago25:39

25:39

Lunar data centers promise extreme cooling and cosmic isolation—but are they worth the astronomical costs and logistical challenges? With Earth-based solutions still viable, is this visionary leap even justified? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) (21:04)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun…

1
Data centers on the Moon? 25:39

5d ago25:39

25:39

Lunar data centers promise extreme cooling and cosmic isolation—but are they worth the astronomical costs and logistical challenges? With Earth-based solutions still viable, is this visionary leap even justified? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) (21:04)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun…

1
China's young shoppers chase emotional fulfillment 26:54

5d ago26:54

26:54

The way young people shop in China is changing rapidly. A new report reveals that over 40% of young consumers now prioritize emotional value and personal interests in their purchases. We explore this shift and uncover the drivers behind this emotional trend. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun…

1
China's young shoppers chase emotional fulfillment 26:54

5d ago26:54

26:54

The way young people shop in China is changing rapidly. A new report reveals that over 40% of young consumers now prioritize emotional value and personal interests in their purchases. We explore this shift and uncover the drivers behind this emotional trend. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun…

1
Zambia’s Kafue River Disaster Puts China’s Mining Record Under Fire 43:47

5d ago43:47

43:47

In February, a tailings dam at a Chinese-owned mine in Zambia collapsed, releasing 50 million liters of acid waste into the Kafue River—a critical water source for millions. The spill sparked national outrage and raised urgent questions about environmental oversight, China’s expanding role in Africa’s mining sector, and Zambia’s ability to safeguar…

1
How significant is President Xi’s trip to Cambodia? 52:50

6d ago52:50

52:50

① Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a two-day state visit to Cambodia. How significant is the trip? (00:42) ② California has become the first US state to sue Donald Trump over tariffs. What could come next? (24:59) ③ The 137th China Import and Export Fair is underway in Guangzhou. How is it promoting global trade at a time when multilateralism is …

1
President Xi looks forward to more high-quality cooperation with Cambodia 59:45

6d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China-Cambodia relations remain rock solid, and he looks forward to deepening cooperation (01:08). China says it will pay no attention to the U.S. tariff numbers game but will defend national interests (10:47). And the China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan is advocating sustainability (17:35).…

1
President Xi looks forward to more high-quality cooperation with Cambodia 59:45

6d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China-Cambodia relations remain rock solid, and he looks forward to deepening cooperation (01:08). China says it will pay no attention to the U.S. tariff numbers game but will defend national interests (10:47). And the China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan is advocating sustainability (17:35).…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

China Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen