MERICS China Podcast
The MERICS China Podcast, brought to you by the Mercator Institute for China Studies, a show that analyses current affairs in China and the latest developments in EU-China relations.
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The CCP prepares for the Fifth Plenum, with Alexander Davey
Ahead of the 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) next year, Beijing is doubling down on social and political stability. In this episode of our podcast, MERICS Analyst Alexander Davey joins Johannes Heller-John to discuss the state of the party and what key signals to look out for as we move towards this key event. Currently, the party is preparing for the upcoming Fifth Ple
China in 26: Die europäisch-chinesischen Handelsbeziehungen
In dieser Ausgabe unserer Podcast-Serie „China in 26“ sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling ausnahmsweise nur über ein Thema, nämlich über die europäisch-chinesischen Handelsbeziehungen. Sie diskutieren die Ergebnisse der Verhandlungen von EU-Handelskommissar Maroš Šefčovič mit seinem chinesischen Kollegen Wang Wen-Tao in Beijing, die deutsch-französischen Vorschläge für di
China in 26: EU-China Beziehungen + Russisch-chinesische Militärzusammenarbeit + Aktuelle Wirtschaftszahlen
In dieser Ausgabe unserer Podcast-Serie „China in 26“ sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über drei Themen, die die kommenden Monate prägen werden: Erstens: wie steht es um die deutschen und europäischen Beziehungen zu China? Stehen die Zeichen auf Kooperation oder Konfrontation? Zweitens: wie sind die neuesten Militärmanöver von China und Russland einzuordnen? Handelt es
How China’s view of its past informs its choices in the present, with Rana Mitter
In this episode, Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School, joins Johannes Heller-John to discuss how China remembers its own history, the meaning of the “New Chinese Nationalism”, the current state of US-China relations, and Europe’s position within this geopolitical landscape. In his view, “the reality of a China that was on the backfoot globally, invaded, oc
China in 26: Xi in Nordkorea, Wirtschaftliche Sicherheit, G7 und EU-Gipfel
In dieser Folge unseres deutschsprachigen Podcasts „China in 26“ sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über Xi Jinpings Reise nach Nordkorea, Beijings Maßnahmen zum Schutz chinesischer Investitionen im Ausland und die anstehenden G7- (15.-17. Juni) und EU-Gipfel (18.-19. Juni).Mehr über die Themen dieser Ausgabe:Chinas Auslandsinvestitionen + Exportkontrollen + Xi in Nordko
Chinese FDI in Europe reaches 7-year high, with Gregor Williams and Andreas Mischer
After several quieter years, 2025 saw a noticeable pickup in Chinese investment activity in the EU and UK, reaching levels last seen in 2018. To take a look at the trends and developments in Chinese investments in Europe, Johannes Heller-John is joined by Gregor Williams, Associate Director with Rhodium Group's China Corporate Advisory Team, and Andreas Mischer, Analyst in the Economy and Ind
China in 26: Starke Diplomatie, schwache Binnenwirtschaft, hohe Investitionen in Europa
In dieser Folge unseres deutschsprachigen Podcasts „China in 26“ sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über die Ergebnisse der Treffen von Chinas Partei- und Staatschef Xi Jinping mit US-Präsident Donald Trump sowie dem russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin in Beijing. Sie werfen einen Blick auf Chinas Wirtschaftszahlen für den April und die Stimmung unter deutschen Unterne
Iran’s relationship with China, with Hamidreza Azizi and David Jalilvand
Today’s episode investigates the relationship between China and Iran, Russia’s role in this multilateral triangle, and how Teheran’s view of the global order aligns with and differs from Beijing’s. Hamidreza Azizi, Visiting Fellow at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), and David Jalilvand, political scientist and managing director of Orient Matters and an Associate Fellow with the German Coun
China in 2026: Neue Regeln für Lieferketten + Ausblick auf Trump-Xi-Treffen
China im Jahr 2026 – diskutiert in 26 Minuten: In dieser Folge des deutschsprachigen MERICS-Podcasts sprechen Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling diesmal mit Katja Drinhausen, Leiterin des Bereichs Politik und Gesellschaft bei MERICS. Sie diskutieren neue Regeln zum Schutz der Wirtschaft und von Lieferketten in China und wagen einen Ausblick auf das bevorstehende Treffen von US-Präsident Donald Tru
China’s overcapacities, with Jacob Gunter and Esther Goreichy
Although 2025 saw China being faced with increased pressure and tariffs imposed by Washington and a marked decrease in exports to the US, the Chinese balance sheet still showed a record global trade surplus of 1.2 trillion USD. Jacob Gunter, Head of the Economy and Industry program at MERICS, and Esther Goreichy, Visiting Fellow at the institute, join Johannes Heller-John to talk about the reasons
China’s interests in the Persian Gulf and beyond, with Plamen Tonchev
The war in Iran has highlighted China’s economic relationship with the countries in the Persian Gulf. In this episode Plamen Tonchev talks to Johannes Heller-John about China’s interests and activities in the Gulf region and Europe’s South-Eastern Periphery. Plamen is Head of the Asia Unit at the Athens- based Institute of International Economic Relations (IIER) and European China Policy Fellow at
China in 26: Energiesicherheit + Überkapazitäten + US-China Beziehungen
In dieser Folge des deutschsprachigen MERICS-Podcasts sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling darüber, warum China die Auswirkungen des Iran-Kriegs auf seine Energiesicherheit bisher gut verkraftet, wie China mit neuen Maßnahmen industrielle Überkapazitäten angehen möchte und was der verschobene Besuch Donald- Trumps für die US-China Beziehungen bedeutet.
Wie China zivile Forschung für sein Militär nutzt, mit Sarah Kirchberger und Antonia Hmaidi
Die Fusion von Militär und Zivilem (junmin ronghe), Englisch Military Civil Fusion, ist eine zentrale Strategie der Kommunistischen Partei Chinas. Die Führung unter Staats- und Parteichef Xi Jinping fördert gezielt die Integration von Unternehmen, Universitäten und Forschungseinrichtungen mit Chinas Militär. Das Ziel: Chinas Volksbefreiungsarmee, die PLA, schlagkräftiger zu machen. China ist gleic
China in 26: Krieg im Iran + 15. Fünfjahrplan + Hausaufgaben für Europa
China im Jahr 2026 – diskutiert in 26 Minuten: In dieser Folge des deutschsprachigen MERICS-Podcasts sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling darüber, wie der Krieg im Iran China betrifft, über die Inhalte des 15. Fünfjahrplans der Kommunistischen Partei und was Europa unternehmen müsste, um mitzuhalten.
China and Russia – a deepening relationship? With Minna Ålander, Filip Rudnik and Eva Seiwert
In these uncertain times of historic geopolitical tensions, it is all the more important to understand the nature and elements of the relationship of two of the world’s most influential powers: China and Russia.Three researchers that investigate the relationship of these two countries join Johannes Heller-John in this episode: Minna Ålander, Analyst at the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Stu
China in 26: Nachlese Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz - Reise des Bundeskanzlers
China im Jahr 2026 – diskutiert in 26 Minuten: In dieser Folge des deutschsprachigen MERICS-Podcasts sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über China auf der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz, bei der auch MERICS als Mitorganisator des „China Tracks“ vertreten war. Sie diskutieren auch über die bevorstehende Reise von Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz nach China, bei der einige hera
Orbital geopolitics, with Antonia Hmaidi and Altynay Junusova
Satellite internet has attracted increased attention in the last years and the possibility for its civilian as well as miliary use makes it a so called “dual use” technology. Antonia Hmaidi and Altynay Junusova, Senior Analyst and Analyst in the Science, Technology and Innovation Program at MERICS, join Johannes Heller-John to talk about China in the race for satellite internet, its competition wi
EU-China relations in 2026, with Grzegorz Stec
Europe has found itself between a rock and a hard place in the last couple of months – between China leveraging export controls on rare earth elements and the US stating its desire to incorporate Greenland. Where does this leave the EU’s China policy? Do we continue to de-risk or do we reconnect with China to hedge in this great power confrontation? Grzegorz Stec, Senior Analyst and Head of the ME
Xi Zhongxun and party history, with Joseph Torigian and Alexander Davey
To understand the Communist Party today requires an understanding of its history. To that end, Joseph Torigian and MERICS Analyst Alexander Davey join Johannes Heller-John to talk about a person who devoted more than 70 years of his life to the cause of the CCP, namely Xi Zhongxun, father of China’s party and state leader Xi Jinping.Joseph Torigian is an Associate Professor at the School of Intern
Domestic debates on China’s global impact, with Alexander Davey and Kristin Shi-Kupfer
2025 has seen the Chinese government act with increasing confidence in its own power and agency on the international stage. Is this confidence mirrored in Chinese self-perceptions? MERICS Analyst Alexander Davey and professor for sinology at the University of Trier Kristin Shi-Kupfer join Johannes Heller-John to cast a spotlight on domestic debates in China.Together with Christina Sadeler from MER
China's global vision, with Katja Drinhausen and Manoj Kewalramani
Eighty years after its foundation, calls for a reform of the United Nations are abundant. Since 2021, China has put forth ideas for such reforms and a different world order in the form of international initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative or Beijing’s most recent addition, the Global Governance Initiative launched in September 2025. Katja Drinhausen, H
China in 25: MERICS China Forecast + Ausblick 2026 + Macron und Wadephul in China
In dieser Folge des "China in 25"-Podcasts wagen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling einen Blick ins Jahr 2026. Dabei schauen sie auf die Ergebnisse unseres MERICS China Forecast, die anstehenden Themen des kommenden Jahres und die Chinareisen des französischen Präsidenten Macron und des deutschen Außenministers Wadephul.Für Mikko Huotari haben die Beziehungen zu China e
China in 25: Klingbeil in China + Handelsüberschuss + Chinas Inlandsinvestitionen
In dieser Folge des "China in 25"-Podcasts sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über die China-Reise von Finanzminister und Vize-Kanzler Lars Klingbeil, über Chinas globale Handelsüberschüsse und über den Einbruch der chinesischen Inlandsinvestitionen.Während die Reise von Vize-Kanzler Klingbeil eine Art Rückkehr zur Normalität in Zeiten turbulenter international
US China policy under Trump 2.0, with George Yin
The relationship between the US and China has been fraud with conflict for many years and its twists and turns have global effects. In this episode, George Yin joins Johannes Heller-John to decipher the China policy of the US and its continuities and changes over the last administrations. They also discuss what the EU can do to find its place amidst the rivalling superpowers.George is a Senior Fel
China in 25: Das Treffen von Trump und Xi - Deutsch-chinesische Beziehungen + Chinas nächster Fünfjahrplan
In dieser Folge des "China in 25"-Podcasts sprechen Bernhard Bartsch, Mikko Huotari und Claudia Wessling über die mit Spannung erwartete Begegnung von Donald Trump und Xi Jinping in Südkorea, über den Stand der deutsch-chinesischen Beziehungen nach der Absage der China-Reise von Außenminister Wadephul und den nächsten Fünfjahrplan, dessen Schwerpunkte die chinesische Führung gerade auf d
Exploring strategic new frontiers, with Helena Legarda
China has designated cyberspace, outer space, the polar regions and the deep sea as “strategic new frontiers”. It sees competition with the US and Europe extending into these areas as well. Helena Legarda, Head of the Foreign Relations Program at MERICS, joins Johannes Heller-John to talk about what interests China has in these areas and how Europe can catch up ground it has lost over time. Helena
CCP priorities and the Fourth Plenum, with Alexander Davey
Ahead of the Fourth Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), this episode of the MERICS China Podcast looks at three issues that are high on the priority list for Chinese decisionmakers, namely urban development, social welfare and global trade tensions. Alexander Davey, Analyst in the Politics and Society Program at MERICS, joins Johannes Heller-John to talk abou
The local reassertion of the Communist Party, with Katja Drinhausen and Nis Grünberg
Governing the people and keeping society “harmonious”, stable and united is seen by the CCP leadership as a core task. The party is now systematically inserting itself into all layers and spheres of society. Johannes Heller-John talks to MERICS Experts Katja Drinhausen, Head of the Politics and Society Program, and Nis Grünberg, Lead Analyst. Together with Alexander Davey they are the authors of t
China in 25: USA und China bei der UN + TikTok + EUCCC-Positionspapier
„China in 25“ – in rund 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es darum, wie China seine Position als globaler Akteur bei der UN-Generalversammlung in New York stärkte, wie Washington und China versuchen, einen Deal für TikTok aufzusetzen und wie europäische Firmen ihr Geschäft in China in einem neuen Posi
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a vehicle to promote narratives of China and Russia, with Claus Soong
From August 31 until September 1, China’s party and state leader Xi Jinping will chair the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Chinese port city Tianjin. Among the leaders expected at the summit is Russian president Vladimir Putin. In a new episode of our podcast, MERICS Analyst Claus Soong explores the role of the group in China-Russia relations. He argues that the SCO, w
China’s rise in biotechnology, with Alexander Brown and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau
Biotechnology is strategically important because of its potential to transform humanity’s control over nature. Governments worldwide are racing to secure their positions in the field – and China is no exception. MERICS experts Alexander Brown and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau join Johannes Heller-John to discuss the rise of China in biotechnology. They are the authors of the report “Lab leader, market as
China's rise to global tech leadership, with James Kynge
In this episode, long-time Financial Times journalist and former MERICS Senior Fellow James Kynge joins Johannes Heller-John to look at China’s technological development in the last decades and ahead into the next ones. He talks about his work as a journalist in China since the mid-1980s and China’s rise as a technological power. James argues that “China is now leading the world as a technological
China aims for self-reliance in AI, with Wendy Chang and Antonia Hmaidi
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we live and work, and its potential use in military applications could alter the global balance of power. The Chinese Communist Party is taking note of this development. During a Politburo study session focused on AI in April, China’s party and state leader Xi Jinping urged a nationwide mobilization to achieve “self-reliance and self-strengthening” in A
„China in 25“: EU-China Beziehungen + BRICS-Gipfel + KI in China
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es um die Beziehungen zwischen China und der EU im Licht der Europareise des chinesischen Außenministers Wang Yi und vor dem EU-China Gipfel in Beijing, um Xi Jinpings Abwesenheit auf dem BRICS-Gipfel und um Chinas wachsende Fähigkeiten in K
The 2025 EU-China summit, with Abigaël Vasselier
The next EU-China Summit will take place in Beijing at the end of this month. In this episode of our podcast, Abigaël Vasselier, Director of Policy and European Affairs and Head of Program for Foreign Relations at MERICS, joins Claudia Wessling, Director Communications and Publications, to talk about her expectations for the summit, the state of EU-China relations and outcomes of Chinese Foreign M
China’s National Security White Paper, with Katja Drinhausen und Helena Legarda
With an uncertain geopolitical environment and ongoing competition with the US and Europe, national security has become even more important than before in China. So much so that a National Security White Paper, the first of its kind, was published in May of 2025.How has China’s approach to security changed under the changing international environment? What new risks does the paper identify domesti
China in 25: China und der Nahost-Krieg + Grundlagenforschung + EU-China-Gipfel
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es um die Eskalation zwischen dem Iran und Israel und wie Chinas Reaktionen darauf einzuschätzen sind, um die Forschungsinvestitionen des chinesischen Telekom Riesen Huawei sowie um die EU-chinesischen Beziehungen. Mehr über die Themen in di
The party and the private economy, with Kasper Ingeman Beck and Nis Grünberg
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is widening its influence over private companies. Since Xi Jinping took office as party and state leader, the CCP has increased its control over the private economy by guiding capital, controlling shares and engaging in corporate governance. In this episode, Kasper Ingeman Beck, Postdoc at the Copenhagen Business School, and Nis Grünberg, Lead Analyst at MERICS, j
Chinese FDI in Europe rebounds, with Armand Meyer and Andreas Mischer
Chinese outbound foreign direct investment in the EU and UK rose for the first time in 2024 after seven consecutive years of decline. In this episode we look at what has changed, where the money is going, and what is happening in the particularly important sector of electric vehicles.Armand Meyer, Senior Research Analyst with Rhodium Group’s China Data Services team, and Andreas Mischer, Analyst w
What to expect from the UK’s China Audit, with Charles Parton
The Labor government in the UK launched an audit of the country’s relations with China in 2024. The results are set to be released in June. In this episode of the MERICS China Podcast, Charles Parton joins Johannes Heller-John to talk about the UK’s China Audit and the importance of science and technology in the China context. Charles Parton is a member of the UK think tank Council on Geostrategy,
„China in 25“: KI-Chips, nationale Sicherheit und Chinas Investitionen in Europa
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es um eine neue Eskalation zwischen den USA und China im Bereich Hochleistungschips und Künstliche Intelligenz, um Chinas Sicherheits- und Rüstungspolitik sowie um Chinas erstmals seit Jahren wieder gestiegene Investitionen in Europa. Die Di
„China in 25“: Einigung im Zollstreit und Xi in Moskau
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es um die überraschende Einigung im Zollstreit zwischen den USA und China in Genf, die eine Senkung der gegenseitigen Zölle für 90 Tage vorsieht. Außerdem beleuchten wir die enge Beziehung zwischen China und Russland, die während der Feierli
US-China policy under Trump 2.0, with Thomas E. Kellogg
After weeks of fierce confrontations, the US and China are making first steps to negotiate in the ongoing tariff row. Ahead of a meeting of representatives of both sides in Geneva, MERICS Director Communications and Publications Claudia Wessling talked with Thomas E. Kellogg, Executive Director of the Georgetown Center for Asian Law. In the new episode of our podcast, Thomas shares his expectation
China’s overcapacities, with Max J. Zenglein and Jacob Gunter
High US tariffs on China have raised concerns in the EU of Chinese goods being rerouted from the US to Europe. This has also rekindled an ongoing discussion about overcapacities in the Chinese industry. Why are they a danger to European industries? What drives them in China? And what options do European decisionmakers have?Max J. Zenglein, Chief Economist at MERICS, and Jacob Gunter, Lead Analyst
„China in 25": Xis Reisediplomatie, Chinas Wirtschaft im 1. Quartal und deutsche Unternehmen
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China. In dieser Folge geht es um die Reisediplomatie von Partei- und Staatschef Xi Jinping, der sich bei Besuchen in Südostasien darum bemüht hat, Unterstützer im Handelskrieg mit den USA zu gewinnen. Wir sprechen auch über die – überraschend positiven – Wachstumszahl
The China-US trade war and implications for the EU, with Jacob Gunter
Global tariffs introduced by the US government under the second Trump administration on April 2nd have rocked global markets. While they have been reduced to a blanket rate of 10 percent a week later, they have increased for China to 145 percent. In retaliation, the Chinese government raised tariffs on all US goods to 125 percent. Johannes Heller-John talks to Jacob Gunter, Lead Analyst at MERICS,
"China in 25": Einschätzungen zum Handelskrieg und China im Koalitionsvertrag
„China in 25“ – in maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China im laufenden Jahr 2025. In dieser Folge geht es um den eskalierenden Handelskrieg zwischen den USA und China sowie um den Koalitionsvertrag zwischen CDU, CSU und SPD.Diese Folge wurde am 10. April um 15:30 Uhr aufgezeichnet. Zu dem Zeitpunkt war von US-Seite noch
How China sees Europe during Trump 2.0, with Grzegorz Stec
The widening rift between the United States and Europe will have an effect on the EUs relationship with China. How does Beijing see the EU in the first months of the second Trump administration? Is there an appetite for closer engagement? And what does this mean for Europe? Johannes Heller-John talks to Grzegorz Stec, Head of our Brussels Office and Senior Analyst at MERICS to get a better underst
Die Bundestagswahl von China aus gesehen, mit Kristin Shi-Kupfer
Die Wahlen zum Deutschen Bundestag vom 23. Februar wurden auch in China aufmerksam verfolgt. Kristin Shi-Kupfer, Professorin für Sinologie an der Universität Trier und Senior Associate Fellow bei MERICS, berichtet in dieser Ausgabe unseres Podcasts, warum Alice Weidel in den Online-Foren so stark diskutiert wird, was die Netizens über Friedrich Merz denken und wie Deutschlands Rolle im transatlant
Kontrollierte Vielfalt – Chinas soziale Medien, mit Kristin Shi-Kupfer und Katja Drinhausen
Einige der weltweit größten und erfolgreichsten Social Media Plattformen sind in China – mehrere davon mit hunderten Millionen Nutzern. Sie sind Ort für soziale Interaktion, Unterhaltung, Nachrichten und Wissensaustausch. Auch politische Themen werden diskutiert wie beispielsweise Debatten zur Anhebung des Rentenalters, zur Familienplanungspolitik sowie zur Rolle von Künstlicher Intelligenz für de
"China in 25": Zölle, USA, China in Wahlprogrammen
„China in 25“ ist ein neues Podcast-Format von MERICS: In maximal 25 Minuten sprechen Mikko Huotari, Bernhard Bartsch und Claudia Wessling über aktuelle Entwicklungen in China im laufenden Jahr 2025. In der ersten Folge geht es um den Zollstreit zwischen den USA und China, die Herausforderungen einer transatlantischen Koordination in der China-Politik – und dem Thema China in deutschen Wahlprogram
DeepSeek and the upcoming AI Action Summit, with Rebecca Arcesati
The Chinese startup DeepSeek has rattled Silicon Valley’s confidence in the United States’ lead in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. DeepSeek’s first free Chatbot App became the most downloaded app on the iOS App Store as well as on the Google Play Store by the end of January. These developments come ahead of the French AI Action Summit, which will take place from February 10 to 11 and conv
EU-China relations in 2025, with Abigaël Vasselier
Abigaël Vasselier, Director Policy & European Affairs at MERICS, just returned from a trip to Washington DC where she discussed transatlantic China policies with US counterparts. In this conversation with Claudia Wessling, MERICS Director of Communications & Publications, Abigael talks about the challenges that lie ahead for the EU in the coming months in managing its relations with China
China’s economy in 2025, with Max Zenglein
China’s economy ended 2024 on a stronger-than-expected note. GDP expanded by 5.4 percent in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year growth to five percent – exactly as forecasted by the Chinese leadership. This momentum gives the leadership a good position to face an uncertain 2025, but significant challenges remain. In this episode Johannes Heller-John talks to MERICS Chief Economist Max Zenglein
China and the race for quantum leadership, with Antonia Hmaidi and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau
China is vying for leadership in quantum research and applications. But it is still early days, and front runners and technical approaches have not yet been consolidated. Johannes Heller-John talks to Antonia Hmaidi, Senior Analyst at MERICS and lead of the MERICS' data task force, and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau, Head of Program "Science, Technology and Innovation" at MERICS, about Chin
Beijing's politics of history, with Daniel Leese
Chinese history – while containing a wealth of cultural, scientific and social achievements – has always been deeply political: China’s emperors tasked scholars to rewrite the past and document the present to justify and glorify their rule. In today’s China, Xi Jinping has launched extraordinary efforts to “tell China’s story well”. In the final episode of 2024, Johannes Heller-John is joined by D
China is dominating exports, but lacking in global integration, with François Chimits
China’s dominance in industrial exports leads to an overestimation of its global role. This is the conclusion of a new report called: “China is the world’s factory – but less integrated into the global economy than the US and Japan”. Johannes Heller-John talks to the author, MERICS Senior Economist in the Brussels Office François Chimits, about the past and future of China’s global economic integr
Fighting local government debt, with Victor Shih and Max Zenglein
After months of weak economic performance, Beijing has introduced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing the economy. They include a 10 trillion yuan local government debt restructuring package.To shed light on the blatant levels of local government indebtedness, Claudia Wessling, Director Communications and Publications at MERICS, talks to Victor Shih and Max Zenglein. Victor is a professor of
China and Trump's election victory, with Jude Blanchette and Katja Drinhausen
What will the renewed election of Donald Trump to the White House mean for the United States’ already complicated relations with China? How does China discuss Trump, both on an informal and expert level, but also in the official realm? And how does all of this concern the EU and member states?To answer these questions Claudia Wessling, Director Communications and Publications at MERICS, talks to J
Europe’s resilience vis-à-vis China, with Grzegorz Stec and Helena Legarda
Building resilience, i.e., the ability to manage risks without compromising long-term development, is at the heart of Europe’s adjustment of its China policy. To contribute to this process, we recently launched the MERICS Europe-China Resilience Audit, which is based on a database of 98 indicators for the economy, security, politics and society. The analysis confirms some significant differences b
China’s global port politics, with Clark Banach and Jacob Gunter
Beijing’s global push to establish a global network of ports with Chinese involvement is slowing. Today’s guests Clark Banach, Program Director at the Alethia Research Institution and former MERICS Futures Fellow, and Jacob Gunter, Lead Analyst at MERICS, discuss the development and changes in China’s global infrastructure investments. In this conversation with Johannes Heller-John, they analyze t
What's next in US export controls targeting China, with Kevin Wolf and Rebecca Arcesati
The rivalry between the US and China about technological and military leadership has one key component: export controls. What is the cutting edge of the United States’ export controls? What do they entail and what role do Washington’s international partners play? Can and will they be effective?In this episode, MERICS Lead Analyst Rebecca Arcesati and Communications Manager Johannes Heller-John ar
China strebt nach Unabhängigkeit in kritischen Technologien, mit Antonia Hmaidi
China ist zu einer bedeutenden Wissenschafts- und Technologiemacht geworden. Über Chinas Streben nach Unabhängigkeit in kritischen Technologien wie künstliche Intelligenz, Quanten- oder Bio-Technologie spricht Johannes Heller-John mit Antonia Hmaidi, Senior Analystin am MERICS. Sie leitet die Daten-Taskforce des Instituts und das vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung geförderte Projekt „
The global sale of Chinese arms, with Helena Legarda and Jacob Gunter
Over the last decade, China’s arms makers have gone beyond solely supplying the People’s Liberation Army and began to look for overseas markets to supplement sales and support Beijing’s geopolitical goals. Arms sales are an often-overlooked aspect of China’s global security and economic footprint and can present challenges to European policy makers and arms producers.To discuss this topic Johannes
Unsicherheit in Chinas Innen- und Außenpolitik, mit Shi Ming
Das Jahr 2024 birgt viele Unsicherheiten für China: Die wirtschaftliche Lage im Land ist schwierig. Vielschichtige Konflikte auf regionaler und internationaler Ebene und die Ergebnisse der Wahlen in der EU und den USA werden sich auch auf China auswirken. Wie geht Beijing die Herausforderungen an? Podcast-Moderator Johannes Heller-John spricht mit dem deutsch-chinesischen Journalisten Shi Ming, ei
The dangerous waters of the South China Sea, with Helena Legarda
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' trip to the Asia-Pacific region in recent days shows that the region is becoming increasingly important for Germany and Europe. The trip took place against the backdrop of growing tensions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea. Beijing’s claims in the waters are far reaching and cover nearly 90 percent of the area. This claim is mostly bas
China's foreign policy, with Akio Takahara
China’s foreign policy has grown more assertive and confident under the leadership of Xi Jinping. How has China’s foreign policy evolved and what does this mean for European interests? Johannes Heller-John talks to Akio Takahara about the rivalry between China and the United States, China’s relations with Russia, the meaning of the Global South in China’s foreign policy – and the worrying tensions
A lack of new ideas at the third plenum, with Alexander Davey
The Chinese leadership has met in Beijing for the long awaited Third Plenum - a key meeting happening once in five years of the formally highest authority of the Chines Communist Party, the Central Committee. It was a chance to lay out policy decisions to address the many issues the country is facing, including sluggish growth, rising government debt and unemployment. To get a first reaction to wh
The Third Plenum and debates about China’s economic future, with Kristin Shi-Kupfer and Katja Drinhausen
The long awaited third plenary session of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party will kick off on July 15. In the four-day meeting its 376 members will vote on programmatic decisions prepared by the Politbureau that will aim to solve the pressing economic and social issues the country currently faces.Johannes Heller-John talks with Kristin Shi-Kupfer and Katja Drinhausen about the Th
Taiwan and cross-Strait relations in a year of elections, with Bonnie Glaser and Abigaël Vasselier
As the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is increasingly unstable, what can we expect from Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te when it comes to navigating relations with China? How will the results of the EU elections affect Europe’s policies vis-à-vis Taiwan? And how might a change of government in the United States impact the situation? These are some of the questions discussed by Bonnie Glaser, M
China steps up investments in Hungary, with Alexander Brown and Gregor Sebastian
Chinese investment in Europe has hit a new low according to a new study by MERICS and Rhodium Group on China’s Foreign Direct Overseas Investment in the 27 EU member states and the UK. It is the lowest level of investment since 2010. In Hungary, however, investments drastically increased and made up just under half of all FDI in Europe in 2023. Where does Chinese investment in Europe stand, what s
China and the European Parliament election, with Ivana Karásková and Grzegorz Stec
Ahead of the European Parliament election on June 6-9, 2024, this episode looks at the role of the European Parliament in EU-China relations and the possible impact of the election results on the European “de-risking” agenda among other topics. Johannes Heller-John talks to Ivana Karásková and Grzegorz Stec. Ivana is a European China Policy Fellow at MERICS and the founder of MapInfluenCE and Chin
Finding a European answer to the China-Russia partnership, with Alice Ekman and Helena Legarda
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Beijing in May to meet with China’s leader Xi Jinping. This will be Putin's first foreign trip after his reinauguration on May 7. The meeting will be another chance for the two leaders to emphasize how important and close the “no limits” partnership of Russia and China is. In this episode of our podcast, we look at the implications of the Sin
Science and technology at the NPC, with Barry Naughton and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau
In this year’s government work report at the National People's Congress, the issue of science and technology was mentioned more often than any other. Why does the Chinese government put so much focus on science and technology? What does this mean for other pressing issues that the Communist Party is facing? And what does it mean for Europe and the United States? To discuss these questions Joh
National People’s Congress 2024: The state implements the party’s decisions, with Nis Grünberg and Jacob Gunter
The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, has held its yearly session in Beijing from the 5th to the 11th of March. This episode looks at what we have learned from this year's NPC and its repercussions for China and Europe. Johannes Heller-John is joined by MERICS Lead Analysts Nis Grünberg and Jacob Gunter. They argue that science and technology as well as secu
Resuming the EU-China people to people dialogue, with Jean-Louis Rocca, Katja Drinhausen and Abigaël Vasselier
The high-level EU-China people-to-people dialogue is planned to be resumed this spring. The last installment happened in 2020, and this podcast episode looks at the relevance and aims of the format and what might be considered as a successful outcome. Claudia Wessling, MERICS Director of Communications and Publications, is joined by Jean-Louis Rocca, Katja Drinhausen and Abigaël Vasselier. Jean-Lo
The challenge of obtaining information from China, with Vincent Brussee
Obtaining crucial information from and on China is becoming increasingly difficult for governments, businesses and researchers alike. “Geopolitics is a big factor,” says MERICS Associate Fellow Vincent Brussee “but there are many other dynamics that are intrinsically tied to how the Chinese political system works.”He is the co-author of a recent MERICS report on the topic and joins Johannes Heller
The rise of China’s high-tech SMEs, with Alexander Brown and François Chimits
Beijing’s industrial policy increasingly puts the focus on the cultivation of high-tech small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This MERICS Podcast episode looks at the emergence of China’s “Little Giants,” as well as Beijing’s goals, key policies, and implications for foreign companies. We also delve into developments in medical technologies, one of the key sectors outlined in the “Made in Chi
EU-China relations in 2024, with Abigaël Vasselier
What are the most pressing issues in EU-China relations in 2024? What does Europe need to focus on in managing relations with China? How might China seek to exploit the campaign season, in which Europe will be preoccupied with its own problems? In this podcast, Abigaël Vasselier, Director Policy & European Affairs/Head of Program Foreign Relations at MERICS, discusses these and other questions
Taiwan presidential elections, with Angela Köckritz
Shortly before the presidential elections on January 13, author and journalist – and former MERICS Senior Policy Fellow – Angela Köckritz travelled to Taiwan to follow the debates on the ground. In this MERICS podcast, she talks to Claudia Wessling about an exciting head-to-head race, Taiwan's approaches to deal with increasing disinformation and fake news from China and the debate about mili
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