The year 2023 has thus far been a turbulent one for the U.S.-China relationship. An already deeply strained relationship has been rocked further by a number of significant events. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently concluded a visit to Beijing with the stated purpose of re-establishing and reinvigorating high-level contact between the two governments stemming the hemorrhaging in the bilateral relationship. What are the prospects for the U.S.-China relationship for the remainder of 2023 and beyond? Is a materially, or even incrementally, improved relationship between the two countries possible in the foreseeable future? Joining host David Firestein is Dr. Susan Shirk, a research professor and founding chair of the 21st Century China Center at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California San Diego and author of Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise.
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38:57
By the Data: The Chinese American Experience
The downturn in the U.S.-China relationship and the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled sharp increases in anti-Asian rhetoric and hate crimes. Yet, data on the reality of day-to-day life in the United States for Chinese Americans have been limited. To fill this gap in knowledge, the Committee of 100 and Columbia University administered a comprehensive survey late last year to highlight the demographic backgrounds, political opinions and engagement and health and economic status of Chinese Americans.Joining host Euhwa Tran, chief programs officer and chief of staff at the Bush China Foundation, are representatives of the two principle organizations conducting the research: Zhengyu “Z” Huang, president of the Committee of 100 and Qin Gao, associate dean for doctoral education at the Columbia University School of Social Work and the founding director of the Columbia China Center for Social Policy.
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29:04
Intergenerational solidarity on climate with Charles Hua and Aruna Muthupillai
A recent study found that 70% of young people between the ages of 16 and 25 are extremely worried or very worried about the climate. The latest assessment that the global temperature is rising faster than previously predicted has added urgency for action and radical changes. Climate and sustainability are inherently intergenerational, as we must think about our consumption and using our environment in a way that is compatible with maintaining it for future generations. What are the roles young people play to increase awareness and ensure sustainability and a better future for all? How do we foster intergenerational solidarity to create positive synergies and push forward change?
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The China-Texas Nexus
In recent years, China has moved to the center of the federal public policy agenda. Increasingly, it has become a significant topic at the state level, as well. The economic and commercial relationship between China and the state of Texas is substantial and indeed globally significant; China is among Texas’ top export destinations and sources of imports and investment and Chinese students attend Texas universities in large numbers. Despite these connections, some Texas state legislators are introducing bills aimed at immigrants and visa holders from China. One effort, discussed in this podcast, would ban Chinese immigrants from acquiring and owning real property in the state of Texas. If passed, such legislation would likely have far-reaching, and perhaps not fully understood, consequences for the state’s economy, inbound investment and the lives of the many Chinese immigrants who lawfully call Texas home. Another bill introduced after the recording of this podcast would bar Chinese immigrants from attending Texas public colleges and universities.Joining David Firestein to explore the topic of China as a public policy issue in Texas as well as local AAPI issues is Texas State Representative Gene Wu, who represents part of Houston and is a lawyer by trade.
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31:21
The Korean Peninsula: What to Expect in 2023 with Seong-Hyon Lee
Last year, North Korea tested more missiles than any other year and showcased its capability to launch different types of attacks from multiple directions. Its leader Kim Jong-Un has vowed to expand its nuclear arsenal and mass produce tactical nuclear weapons targeting South Korea. In response to these provocations, the US-South Korea alliance remains strong as the core deterrent against North Korean aggression. With increasing hostile rhetoric from all sides, what are the prospects for resuming peace talks? Has the Russian war in Ukraine impacted Kim’s calculus? What are China’s role and interests on the Korean Peninsula, and how are they affected by its strategic rivalry with the U.S.?Join host Zoe Leung, senior director of research at the Bush China Foundation and guest Seong-Hyon Lee, visiting scholar at the Harvard University Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, to discuss these important questions.
The Bush China Foundation Podcast, hosted by David Firestein, is a discussion series that examines the most critical U.S.-China issues of today and tomorrow with policymakers, experts and scholars who provide unique perspectives and insights beyond the headlines.
USA