China Insider

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses what China’s recent incursions on Taiwan's Pratas Island tell us about China's greater ambitions against Taiwan's outlying islands and ultimately the island of Taiwan itself. He then goes over Kim Jong Un's recent visit to the Chinese-North Korean border and the implications of the growing closeness between China, North Korea, and Russia. Finally, he reviews the ongoing Keen Sword 27 military exercises in Japan's western islands involving the armed forces of the United States, Japan, and numerous other American partners, and what this means for deterring a future PLA attack of Taiwan. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week's episode of China Insider , Miles Yu discusses how China's trade surplus skyrockets while domestic demand stagnates, representing a worsening economic contradiction where China is externally booming but internal optimism is dwindling. He then follows up on last week's discussion of China's military coercion of Taiwan through its National Day, before finally covering the mysterious purging of former Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan a whole decade after his retirement. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week's episode of China Insider , Miles Yu discusses Taiwan’s National Day celebrations and what Taiwan's steadfastness in the face of the Chinese Communist Party's coercion signals for the island’s future and its ties with the United States. Dr. Yu then weighs in on the controversy surrounding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Navi Pillay despite her own tarnished human rights record and the nomination of other highly qualified candidates, and what it reveals about the CCP’s malign influence on the global human rights conversation. Finally, he examines a troubling lab incident in Russia and draws parallels between the restricted information environment surrounding this event and the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses three seemingly unrelated stories from Xi Jinping's recent visit to Washington: the guest list at the White House state dinner, Xi's invitation for 100,000 young Americans to study in China, and the arrival of two giant pandas at the Atlanta Zoo. First, Miles notes how CEOs of major Chinese corporations and other Chinese business elite were notably absent at the White House state dinner in stark contrast to America's star-studded business delegation to Beijing in May, before highlighting what this tells us about the lack of political independence of entrepreneurs and all other citizens in China. Miles then analyzes Xi's invitation for 100,000 young Americans to study in China and the accompanying Chinese state narrative on the issue, including the fact that existing and proposed future student exchanges lack reciprocity and academic freedom for Americans in China. Finally, Miles looks beneath the cute veneer of China's delivery of two giant pandas to the Atlanta Zoo, discussing how this is part of an effort by Beijing to help rebuild its Southern foothold after the 2020 closure of the Houston consulate, as well as how the lovable panda bears themselves have been weaponized by Beijing in global diplomacy for decades. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews last week’s Trump-Xi summit, and details the key highlights from the second dialogue between the two leaders this year. Next, Miles takes a closer look at US-Japan relations following last week’s summit, and China’s emerging narrative against Japan. Finally, Miles follows up on China’s intensifying internal purges amidst continued economic slowdown, and what we can expect from the upcoming slate of purges at China’s fifth plenary meeting. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu takes a look ahead at the Trump-Xi summit, and details what to expect during round two of meetings between Presidents Trump and Xi. Next, Miles reviews the latest assessment of Chinese EV giant BYD, and reports that the automaker may be falling behind industry competition in terms of software development and consumer financing. Finally, Miles take a closer look at reports regarding Xi Jinping’s health, and concerns following his trip to New Delhi for the BRICS meetings where he had fallen ill and whether this will impact his upcoming diplomatic engagements. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the recent threat intelligence report released by Anthropic, developers of Claude AI, that details use of the platform by several Chinese foreign actors for military and security activities. Next, Miles covers the recent BRICS summit held in New Delhi, and highlights the concerns raised among the participating countries over ongoing Middle East security and unilateral sanctions. Finally, Miles looks into an emerging trend among the Chinese labor force involving new labor rights advocacy tactics exercised by the workforce aimed at Chinese companies foreign endeavors to address unfair labor practices and violations. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers updates from the recent G20 meeting, and looks into the emerging clash between the new coalition of nineteen against China’s overcapacity and strategic industrial policy. Next, Miles looks ahead to the Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C. and examines the CCP’s key narratives leading up to the second round of bilateral dialogue between the two leaders this year. Finally, Miles reviews the latest announcement of CCP purges, including a planned mass-dismissal of central committee members and officials at the party's Fifth Plenary session next month. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers ongoing recovery efforts following the recent landslide and flash flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border, and the implications for China going forward. Next, Miles reviews the investigation of cabbages treated with formaldehyde in rural China, and the regional backlash China now faces from its trading partners. Finally, Miles covers the latest news from China’s auto industry, as the domestic market heads for its worst year since 2021 amid continued sales decline. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the recent escalation in trade tensions between the US and Canada over transshipment concerns, and China’s pivotal role impacting the bilateral dynamic. Next, Miles looks at how a seemingly innocuous animated movie release in China went from complete relegation to viral sensation, rivaling performances of other global cinema releases including The Odyssey . Finally, Miles unpacks a recent conviction handed down by the Hong Kong High Court, under the new national security law, for two activists over organized vigils related to the Tiananmen Massacre. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the death and legacy of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji who served from 1998-2003 and played a pivotal role in China’s entry into the WTO. Next, Miles details China’s disdain over Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine last Saturday, on the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the second world war, and reviews the backlash from the visit in China and South Korea. Finally, COVID cases are on the rise again in China, and Miles looks into the spread and how current conditions have led to the surge and CCP efforts to contain the spread of the virus. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu looks into China’s new immigration regulations concerning entry and exit management that will go into effect starting September 15. Next, Miles reviews a homicide in Henan province that has risen to national attention, and why this story in particular has become such a viral sensation. Finally, Miles covers China’s recent attempt to establish a national nature reserve at Panatag Shoal, and details the context behind the latest grey zone initiative and illicit coercion against the Philippines. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu looks into joint maritime exercises conducted by US and Taiwanese coast guard vessels, and details the historic development of joint operations between the US and Taiwan in the strait. Next, Miles reviews White House messaging commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the American liberation of Guam and the 73rd anniversary of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, looking back at the history and legacy of US involvement in the war. Finally, Miles covers recent updates from the US Treasury Department related to enhanced designations issued by OFAC targeting global networks that enable Iran’s military capabilities and support of the IRGC. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews statements from President Xi Jinping delivered at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, and how China plans to use AI as a platform to extend its global dominance initiatives and influence. Next, Miles cover the latest developments from southern China as Typhoon Noul made landfall, and details the Chinese government’s response to the emergent crisis. Finally, Miles examines the contributions of mathematicians Hong Wang and Yu Deng, who became the first ever Fields Medal recipients from China, and details their global academic careers. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews President Trump’s address related to Chinese interference in the 2020 US election, and the the extent to which election materials and systems may have been compromised in the process. Next, Miles details the recent move by the US government to re-adjust sanctions on Hong Kong related to China’s enhanced security crackdowns, and the confusion involved regarding Hong Kong’s autonomous status. Finally, Miles covers China’s record of territorial maritime violations in the Indo-Pacific on the tenth anniversary of the landmark 2016 UNCLOS tribunal ruling against China’s South China Sea claims. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the passing of Chinese economist, Gao Shanwen, known for his outspoken views on China’s economy and capital markets, including China’s GDP growth rate in particular, and examine the impact his passing will have in the field. Next, Miles examines China’s recent submarine-based ballistic missile test in the Indo-Pacific, and how this fits into China’s larger pattern of Indo-Pacific coercion and grey-zone warfare tactics. Finally, Miles observes the fourth anniversary of the assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and highlights his lasting legacy both on Japanese society and the greater Indo-Pacific region. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the 250th anniversary celebrations in the US, and examines the impact of these events on China and Chinese society. Next, Miles reviews the Chinese Communist Party’s 105th anniversary celebrations, including President Xi Jinping’s address to the Party and key meetings held among leading party members to study Xi Jinping’s guiding principles and thought on party building. Finally, Miles looks into the new Ethnic Unity law that recently went into effect in China, and the implications this legislation carries for human rights issues and minority groups both in and out of China. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers President Xi Jinping’s latest round of purges among high-level party officials, including key members of China’s Politburo. Next, Miles looks into the recent incident in Beijing involving a small aircraft collision with the CITIC Tower skyscraper and details the CCP’s concerted effort to censor the incident across domestic social media and news outlets. Finally, Miles follows up on the topic of academic freedom and CCP influence in US academia, and reviews the larger implications of continued academic exchange between the US and China. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu looks into the detention of U Min Zin, a US and Myanmar scholar, while attending an academic workshop in Yunnan Province under allegations of espionage, and details the extent of the diplomatic response since and the current state of academic freedom in China. Next, Miles reviews the bilateral trade relationship between the European Union and China, as EU trade officials claim the status quo is not sustainable either economically or politically and seek to rebalance the current goods deficit. Finally, Miles covers the outcomes from the G7 summit, as leaders agreed to coordinate further reductions in reliance on China’s critical mineral supply chains, including plans to align stockpiling, and what this initiative will mean for both the global REM market and China going forward. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers President Xi Jinping’s high-profile state visit to North Korea last week, detailing the bilateral conversations held between Xi and Kim and stated outcomes, and compares this visit to Xi’s previous meetings with Presidents Trump and Putin. Next, Miles circles back on KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun’s two-week visit to the US, and highlights key meetings and statements from her public engagements. Finally, Miles reviews the current state of China’s developing sport industry both nationally and on the global stage, amidst the NHL Stanley Cup and NBA Finals as well as the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center , hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu , who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.