20th Century Chinese History #4: Early Republican China (1912-1919) Sinobabble 2026-09-22 | 20th Century Chinese History #4: Early Republican China (1912-1919)
What do Chinese people really think about China? (W/Nick Zeller & Craig Kafura) Sinobabble 2025-11-21 | I'm joined by Nick Zeller (uscnpm.substack.com) and Craig Kafura (https://bsky.app/profile/ckafura.bsky.social) to discuss a public opinion poll carried out earlier this year and what it tells us about what Chinese people really think about China. Broken down into 4 reports, we talk about the economy, China-US relations, global leadership, the impact of demographics on answers and why the reaction from westerners reveal an ideological bent and a lack understanding of Chinese society.Read the reports here: globalaffairs.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CCGA-Carter%20Center_China%20International%20Relations%20Report.pdf globalaffairs.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CCGA-Carter%20Center_China%20Economics%20Report.pdfglobalaffairs.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CCGA-Carter%20Center_China%20Global%20Role%20Report.pdfglobalaffairs.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CCGA-Carter%20Center_China-US%20Relations%20Report.pdfChapters (00:00) Introduction & what the survey is about(06:00) Challenges of doing a survey in China(11:00) How faithful do you think the answers are?(14:50) Report 1: Friends with benefits(28:10) Report 2: Economic outlook(40:00) Report 3: Relations with the US(53:55) Report 4: China as a global leaderBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: open.substack.com/pub/sinobabble/p/famine-and-food-security-in-chinese?r=bgkuv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble#Chinapublicopinion #chinasurvey #chinaeconomy
Did China build too much High-Speed Railway? Sinobabble 2025-11-01 | Today we'll be examining the argument of a prominent Chinese scholar that China has built too much High-Speed Railway that is underutilised, unprofitable, and will cause major economic problems in the future. We ask why the state-government would pursue such a misguided policy, and how it's beginning to affect the rest of the world too.Read Lu's original essay here: mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-iBh9BPpi7kl2BGhkGWHaw Chapters (00:00) Introduction - HSR and white elephants(05:00) The history of China's HSR(11:10) Arguments against HSR (25:56) Spillover Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: open.substack.com/pub/sinobabble/p/famine-and-food-security-in-chinese?r=bgkuv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble#highspeedrail #HSR #China
How China built its own Silicon Valley Sinobabble 2025-08-25 | Hangzhou is a city once famed for its poets, tea, and silk, but it’s now capturing attention for something entirely different: AI labs, robotics startups, and IPO-hungry tech firms. The rapid rise of innovative and globally competitive tech startups has led to Hangzhou being dubbed “China’s Silicon Valley.” But not everyone agrees that the comparison is so black and white.Chapters (00:00) Introduction - Hangzhou(02:15) Historical role of Hangzhou(03:28) A bit on Alibaba(09:45) How Hangzhou created its own growth model(14:45) How Hangzhou and Silicon Valley differBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-rise-was-planned?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble#Hangzhou #chinatech #deepseek #siliconvalley
Why foreign brands are failing in China Sinobabble 2025-08-08 | Starbucks recently announced that it's looking to sell part of its stake in its China operations, and is looking for a domestic partner to help boost the company's profile. This comes at a time when a host of foreign firms are seemingly struggling in China after years of riding the wave of the rising middle class. What are the main factors leading to these struggles? What are these brands missing? And what can they do to reverse their fortunes?Chapters (00:00) Introduction - The Starbucks Story(05:45) Changes in the Chinese consumer market(09:00) Foreign brands history in China(20:15) Localisation and the sinking market in China(30:45) Chinese brands go globalBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-rise-was-planned?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Ex-Alibaba Employee Exposes Toxic Culture | China news discussion #10 | 6th July 2025 Sinobabble 2025-07-05 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 30th June. We discuss Luckin Coffee's new opening in the US and whether or not it could be a success. We read through an ex-Alibaba's employee's viral letter exposing the decline in culture, and look to how this applies to the wider tech space in China. Finally, we look at China's AI Industrial policy and how the state plans to integrate AI into the entire economy and become a world leader in AI by 2030For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: edition.cnn.com/2025/06/30/food/luckin-coffee-first-usa-locationinvestor.luckincoffee.co/news-releases/news-release-details/luckin-coffee-debuts-two-us-stores-new-york-marking-another-keymp.weixin.qq.com/s/0qraupQ_Fsc5OxMY3MU9zggreatwallstreet.net/p/alibaba-employee-resignation-letter-jack-ma-corporate-culture?utm_source=%2Finbox&utm_medium=reader2https://www.valueadded.tech/p/the-innovation-cost-of-boss-culturerand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA4012-1.html#Chinanews #AI #Alibaba
China deal leaves rich Cook Islands in tough spot | China news discussion #9 | 22nd June 2025 Sinobabble 2025-06-22 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 16th June. We look at how the Cook Islands' deal with China has annoyed New Zealand and why a supposedly 'rich' country would still need development aid in the first place. We also look at how Chinese brands are expanding overseas and learning how to appeal to foreign buyers, and how another new mediation body sees China trying to position itself as a geopolitical leader and potential rival to the US. Also, a little on understanding city tiers as a bonus!For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4n30y75n0otheguardian.com/world/2025/feb/18/cook-islands-protests-rarotonga-china-partnership-dealeconomist.com/asia/2018/07/21/why-the-cook-islands-fears-rich-country-statusscmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3315210/slick-advertising-sports-sponsorships-help-boost-chinese-brands-fortunes-europescmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3315184/why-has-china-set-new-hong-kong-based-international-mediation-bodyfeelingthestones.com/p/understanding-chinese-city-tiers
Chinas Soft Power Problem Sinobabble 2025-06-20 | We take a thorough look at the nature of soft power, how it can be used, and whether or not a country truly needs it to explore China's soft power deficit and what can be done to fix it. While China does have SOME soft power, arguably its lack of the charm of its neighbours and rivals means its culture and ideology is often met with suspicion or outright rejection. This can lead to difficulties when interacting on the global stage, for example when it comes to pandemic management, border relations, or the promotion of language and culture. Do small wins like the success of the video game Black myth: Wukong present a way out for China's cultural tzars? Or is the hand of the state just too heavy to allow the organic spread of a rich cultural heritage that has the potential to bring China into a new era of prestige and attractiveness?Chapters (00:00) Introduction - South Korea's soft power boom(04:50) What is soft power?(17:22) How soft power can be used and the failure of Confucius Institutes(26:52) Does China need or want soft power?(41:25) Consequences of China's lack of soft power(47:50) Missed soft power opportunities(52:45) Black Myth: Wukong and a potential new era of Chinese soft powerBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/i-asked-4-china-experts-4-questions?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
US Rare earth mineral dependency ends trade war (for now) | China news discussion #8 | 15 June 2025 Sinobabble 2025-06-14 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 9th June. We look at how rare earth minerals may be the deciding factor in this trade war and potentially all trade wars to come. We look at an interview with Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei who states that Chinese chips are still behind the US and more 'basic research' is needed'. And we catch up with some of the latest developments in Hong Kong regarding the national security law.For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-china-will-supply-rare-earths-us-allow-students-2025-06-11substack.com/home/post/p-165729238https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202506/10/content_30078133.html substack.com/home/post/p-165599519theguardian.com/games/2025/jun/11/hong-kong-police-taiwan-mobile-games-reversed-frontscmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3313909/english-lessons-hong-kong-primary-schools-cover-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed
Why the UK is choosing China over the US | China news discussion #7 | 8th June 2025 Sinobabble 2025-06-07 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 2nd June. China accuses the US of trying to reverse the temporary trade truce in place, affecting the future of Chinese students in the US. Also, China's twist on Klarna and why the UK is choosing to For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/us-revoke-chinese-student-visastheguardian.com/world/2025/jun/02/china-us-trade-war-truce-donald-trumpeconomist.com/china/2025/05/29/chinas-crazy-reverse-credit-cardsbbc.co.uk/news/articles/c071jr159p0o#chinanews #china #chinausrelations
Scam centres and fake job syndicates: Chinese white collar human trafficking in SE Asia Sinobabble 2025-05-27 | In January of this year, Chinese actor Wang Xing went viral after being kidnapped in Thailand having travelled for what he thought was a job opportunity, only to be rescued after his girlfriend made a post begging for the authorities to help. After a 4 day ordeal, Wang made a dramatic TV appearance alongside Thai police, with his head shaved but otherwise seemingly unscathed.Wang’s case shed light on an issue that had been getting little coverage in the national press. To date, over 3,000 Chinese nationals are being held in scam compounds in Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia and Laos, many of them run by other Chinese nationals. What caused the rise of these scam centres? How do they target Chinese white collar workers? Why is the Chinese government not doing anything to shut these operations down?Let's explore the world of sprawling forced labour compounds in Southeast Asia, their ties to local governments and police, and how they're getting rich in crypto scams targeting pensioners in pig-butchering schemes around the world.Chapters (00:00) Introduction(04:00) The rise of scams around the world(06:09) SE Asian scam centres and their targets(21:45) The rise of the scam centres and pig-butchering scams(33:00) No justice, no peace of mindBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/i-asked-4-china-experts-4-questions?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Where do all those stolen iPhones go? | China news discussion #6 | 25th May 2025 Sinobabble 2025-05-24 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 19th May. Will China be the main beneficiary of the clashes between India and Pakistan? Also, we find out where all those stolen iphones end up, and whether or not China replacing the US as a global health leader is a good thing or a bad thingFor the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3311270/china-urges-trust-cooperation-pakistan-afghanistan-regional-tensions-mountbbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1w3dln352vovoanews.com/a/taliban-accuse-pakistan-of-sowing-distrust-between-afghanistan-china-/7638230.htmlindependent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/mobile-phone-theft-london-met-police-b2693476.htmlwral.com/news/state/charlotte-woman-tracks-stolen-iphone-china-may-20259to5mac.com/2025/05/21/many-iphones-stolen-in-the-us-and-europe-end-up-in-one-building-in-chinawashingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/21/china-who-donation-500-million/?utm_source=reddit.comchinahealthpulse.substack.com/p/no-china-wont-replace-usaid-but-here#china #chinanews #Indiapakistan #WHO #USAID
Tariffs paused and Starbucks loses ground | China news discussion #5 | 18th May 2025 Sinobabble 2025-05-17 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 12th May. We discuss the outcome of the China-US tariff deal and how no one in China seems to really care. Starbucks is losing out to domestic coffee brands as its lack of strategy and reliance of hollow premium branding fall flat. Also, Xi's success with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and China's role in the India-Pakistan dispute.For the full version please head over to Buy Me a Coffee and consider becoming a supporter today for as little as £5: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks: economist.com/china/2025/05/13/a-great-trade-victory-over-america-is-being-celebrated-in-chinahttps://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334079.shtmlhttps://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/15/WS682520e7a310a04af22bf58c.htmlscmp.com/business/china-business/article/3310407/starbucks-kicks-process-sell-stake-its-sprawling-china-business-growth-stalls?utm_source=rss_feedchannelnewsasia.com/commentary/chagee-mixue-luckin-china-chains-global-success-5086271https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/15/WS68252021a310a04af22bf57a.htmlfortune.com/asia/2025/05/14/colombia-joins-beijing-belt-road-initiative-china-us-fight-control-latin-americatheguardian.com/world/2025/may/14/pakistans-use-of-j-10c-jets-and-missiles-exposes-potency-of-chinese-arms#china #chinanews #Tariffs #USChina
China and the US meet for tariff talks | China news discussion #4 | 11th May 2025 Sinobabble 2025-05-10 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 5th May. We discuss the upcoming scheduled talks between US and Chinese representatives in Switzerland to move towards a resolution on the trade war, as well as Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow ahead of the Victory Day parade.Links: theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-china-russia-kremlinscmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3309454/xi-jinpings-russia-visit-balances-symbolism-and-strategy-europe-watches?utm_source=rss_feedmerics.org/en/china-russia-dashboard-facts-and-figures-special-relationship#:~:text=China%2DRussia%20trade%20has%20surged%20since%20Ukraine%20invasion,-Development%20of%20monthly&text=In%202024%2C%20total%20trade%20reached,the%20types%20of%20goods%20traded.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rgrejkvmjoreuters.com/world/trump-signals-china-initiated-planned-trade-meeting-2025-05-07scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3309589/how-chinas-self-sufficiency-drive-dividing-global-tech-ecosystem?utm_source=rss_feed&firstTimeRegister=truescmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3309569/huawei-unveils-first-laptop-running-self-developed-harmonyos-windows-licence-expireshttps://www.valueadded.tech/p/industrial-policy-for-the-knowledgeFor the full version, head over to the Buy me a coffee page and become a member today!buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membership#china #chinanews #Tariffs #USChina
All US-China tariff war analysis sucks and Im sick of it Sinobabble 2025-05-09 | This is a rant video about the 'expert' 'analysis' coverage of the China-US trade war/tariff skirmish. There is no analysis or even coherent thought process here. This is basically just my train of thought about why it's a bad idea to try and predict the future. I try and relate it to Fukuyama as well, I don't know, just listen and have your own opinions."The End of History?" Francis Fukuyama: https://pages.ucsd.edu/~bslantchev/courses/pdf/Fukuyama%20-%20End%20of%20History.pdfChapters (00:00) Introduction(04:26) How is any of this relevant to tariffs?(10:48) Pro-US and Pro-China analyses are equally bad(21:10) All articles are the same info with a different conclusion#china #tariffwar #chinausrelations Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/i-asked-4-china-experts-4-questions?r=bgkuvLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Spies, Secrets & South Korea | China news discussion #3 | 4th May 2025 Sinobabble 2025-05-03 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 28th April. We discuss the CIA's attempt to recuit spies in the Chinese government, China's plans for an AI dominated future, and why China is annoying South Korea once again.For the full version, head over to the Buy me a coffee page and become a member today!buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membership#china #chinanews #AI #USChina
Impact of NVIDIA ceo visit to China on China-Taiwanese affairs #nvidia #taiwannews #chinanews chi Sinobabble 2025-04-27 | ...
NVIDIA CEO visits China - is the US falling behind in the AI race? #nvidia #ai #chinanews Sinobabble 2025-04-27 | ...
Deepseek wins, Diplomacy woes | China news discussion #2 | 27th April 2025 Sinobabble 2025-04-26 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 21stApril. We discuss mysterious Deepseek news and some of China's latest diplomacy moves in Asia. While China claims it wants peace and even allyship with its Asian neighbours, its actions often seem contrary to its words.For the full version, head over to the Buy me a coffee page and become a member today!buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membershipLinks: scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3307814/deepseek-opens-roles-product-and-design-start-keeps-mum-new-ai-model?utm_source=rss_feedaiproem.substack.combbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kv93y4289osinobabble.substack.com/p/xenophobia-and-anti-japanese-sentimentscmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3307220/chinas-c909-passenger-jet-spreads-wings-vietjet-after-transnusa-lao-airlinesyicaiglobal.com/news/china-eastern-airlines-launches-first-c919-route-outside-chinas-mainlandft.com/content/55b17d8a-c8c2-457c-adda-7134eb7580ad (https://archive.fo/SEsAc)
Guo Wengui is the scammer the US deserved Sinobabble 2025-04-23 | A billionaire with a lavish property portfolio promises to save the US from the evil clutches of the Chinese Communist Party, partnering with right-wing media figures to attract thousands of followers, only to be revealed as a criminal whose businesses scammed fans of hundreds of millions of dollars. Have you figured out who we're talking about yet? That's right, it's Guo Wengui (Miles Guo? Guo Haoyun?)! After a period of self-imposed exile, mysterious Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui begins attracting the attention of powerful political figures in the US by promising the secrets to the annihilation of the CCP and establishment of a new China. The failure of this scheme and the exposure of Guo as a fraud poses an important question: how much should you invest in someone who promises you the key to bringing down your enemy with absolutely nothing to back it up?New York Times Magazine article: nytimes.com/2018/01/10/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-exiled-billionaire-whistleblower.htmlChapters (00:00) Introduction(04:06) New York Times Magazine article(22:16) Guo's shady dealings in China(35:27) Guo's shady dealings in the USBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/ramblings-about-deglobalisationLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Tariffs, Tik Tok, TSMC | China news discussion #1 | 20th April 2025 Sinobabble 2025-04-20 | A discussion of trending China news articles published in w/c 14th April. We discuss how the tariff war between China and the US is spilling into different industries, and how some manufacturers are suffering unexpected consequences in trying to circumvent the US market.For the full version, head over to the Buy me a coffee page and become a member today!buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membership
Zhao Ziyang Sinobabble 2025-03-04 | When we talk about the making of modern China, no name looms larger than Deng Xiaoping. But despite the heavy media bias and weighty political legacy China's architect carries, he did not build modern China alone. In fact, he cannot claim sole responsibility for coming up with the most iconic ideas that shaped China's future, like Special economic zones and new systems of economics. Some of the credit belongs to a much less well known figure: Zhao Ziyang. Removed from power after clashing with the elders of the CCP over the Tiananmen Square Incident, Zhao was crucial to forming some of the ideas that would shape China in the 1980s. A reformer and open minded man, Zhao tried his best to avoid politics, but having been forced to take up a position he didn't want, had to come face to face with his beliefs, which ultimately led to his downfall. This is also a sort of 80s Chinese politics recap episode, as we didn't cover that period in the history episodes at all. Hopefully we can cover more topics from this period over time!Chapters (00:00) Introduction(03:50) Biography of Zhao Ziyang(09:13) Deng Xiaoping vs Hua Guofeng(18:35) Zhao Ziyang Thought(24:32) Social, economic and political tensions of the 1980s(32:35) The dismissal of Hu Yaobang(40:50) The events of 1989(51:50) Zhao's Downfall(55:20) Zhao's plans for the futureSeeking truth from facts translation: gaodawei.wordpress.com/2022/01/03/hu-fuming-author-of-mind-opening-guangming-daily-commentary-practice-is-the-only-criterion-of-truthBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/ramblings-about-deglobalisationLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
There is no decoupling from China (#2) [REUPLOAD] Sinobabble 2024-12-26 | Once again, the powers that be hate my takes -- reupload of the full version!Why are Western (or Global North, whatever) nations pursuing decoupling at this particular moment in history? What is the link between decoupling and de-globalisation? Is either achieveable, or are we doomed to live in an interconnected world with two rival powers threatening nuclear war till the end of time?Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:50) Secondary sector(19:11) De-globalisationBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-eurotunnel-dc2Links to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
There is no decoupling from China (#1) Sinobabble 2024-12-16 | In 2020, Donald Trump made a speech where he announced plans to decouple the US' economy from China's, leading to a media outburst and a half-hearted response from the EU. 4 years later, Trump is back in power and the question of decoupling is back on the table, but the real question here is: is decoupling even possible?In part 1 (of 2? 3?) we take a look at the primary sector of the global economy to see just what decoupling would actually take and how much of a stake China has the in the extraction of raw materials used around the world. As we look at different industries, from forestry to mining, we discover that un-linking or even stepping back from China is not as easy as it may seem.Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/the-consistency-of-the-chinese-partyLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
The silliest debate in Chinese academic history (Boodberg v Creel) [REUPLOAD] Sinobabble 2024-08-12 | #china #chinese #chineseculture REUPLOAD BECAUSE ADOBE HATES ME (If there are problems I don't care at this point, you get what you get I'm so sorry)What is the origin of the Chinese writing system? Where did Chinese characters come from, and how did they evolve over time? Are they pictographs? Ideogographs? Logographs? Phonographs? Or all of the above? This is the nature of one of the most famous debates in Sinology, which took place in the 1930s between historian Herrlee Creel and linguist Peter Boodberg. The debate not only reveals the complexity of including many diverse fields under the single umbrella of 'Chinese studies', but also reveals a deeper controversy about the way Chinese history, language, and thought is understood and interpreted in the Western canon.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:10) Sinology, Chinese characters, and the Shang Oracle Bones(08:00) Origins of the debate(10:33) Creel's argument(26:56) Boodberg's response(40:55) Back and forth(48:03) The end of the debate(50:07) Sinology and SinologismCharacters mentioned:牛(niu, 'cow') was originally drawn like the top of a stick man with a U shape for horns; similarly sheep 羊(yang) was a stick figure with 'M' shaped horns见 (complex character 見), was written on oracle bones as a man with an eye for a head, and evolved over time so the eye was turned on its side and the man's body simplified into just legs鲜 (xian, 'fresh') Creel argues is a compound of fish 鱼 and sheep 羊, but Boodberg argues 羊(yang) was originally the phonetic element of the word里 (li, 'village'); 俚(li, 'rustic', 'vulgar') has the radical for man in front, changing the meaning ffrom noun to adjective集(ji, 'to gather') according to Creel was originally 3 birds gathered on top of a tree, but over time evolved to be just one bird on a tree for simplicity (隹 zhuī short-tailed bird + 木 mù tree)東(dong, 'east') is interpreted by Creel to be the sun behind a tree, 杲(gao, 'bright') is the sun above the tree, and 杳(yao, 'dim, dusky') is the sun below the treeline 圕(tushuguan, 'library'), one of the few standardised polysyllabic Chinese characters used in Mandarin, but no longer in use. sometimes pronounced 'tuan' as a contraction自(zi, 'self') could originally have meant 'self' or 'nose', and been read alternatively 'zi' or 'bi'. Over time, the signifier was added to the word for nose to make it 鼻,(bi, 'nose'), the bottom part 畀(bi, 'confer', 'give') being the phonetic determinate名 (ming, 'name'), in Boodberg's argument made up of 夕(xi 'dark, night') and 口(kou, 'mouth, to utter'). However, he argues that 夕(xi) should be read as ming when used to mean 'dark', as it's the same meaning as 冥 (ming, 'dark, dim').他，她，它 meaning he, she and it are all pronounced 'ta' (there is also 祂, meaning 'He' like a god, also pronounced 'ta')夜(ye,'night'), which has been interpreted to be a man (人) with the moon (夕) tucked under his arm under a roof, is dismissed by Boodberg as a ridiculous interpretationBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-infrastructure-still-has-deadlyLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Chinas social credit system is real. Everyone is wrong about it though. Sinobabble 2024-07-21 | #china #chineseculture Much has been made in Western media about the Chinese social credit system. It's been painted as a totalitarian form of surveillance akin to 1984, where all citizens are tracked, monitored and ranked according to an arbitrary set of rules set up by the state. It's seen as something to be feared, something that could be coming to your country and taking over your life sooner than you think. But the truth of the real social credit system may be a lot more banal. From mistranslations to misunderstandings, let's delve into why the social credit system may be the thing the west has got wrong about China the most in the past 100 years, and why Chinese people might even welcome such an overbearing measure into their lives.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:25) What's in a name?(07:04) Historical precedents and inspiration for the social credit system(17:25) The Social Credit System[s](42:42) Emergent problems(50:00) The problem of perverse incentives(56:47) Public reception to the SCS(1:01:11) Final ThoughtsBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/chinas-eurotunnel-dc2Links to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Think Tank China Analysis is Worthless, Actually. Sinobabble 2024-06-30 | In this episode we discuss Western (mainly US) think tank analysis of China in the 1990s and early 2000s and ask ourselves if they provide any value either for the public discourse or as pieces of policy advice. While experts work hard to produce piece after piece, report after report, looking at China's economic, military, political and technological developments, the actual usefulness of these works either individually or as a collective needs to be evaluated. What started off as the search for a common thread in the evolution of China analysis over a 10 year period ended up being a lambasting of a staple of the intellectual economy. Whoops. We also discuss the problem with information overload in our modern age and the dangers of trying to predict the future.This is a big talky episode, so be prepared to strap in for a whole lot of yappin'.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:00) What is a think tank(06:28) Think tanks analysed(15:00) 1991-1995 - a period of foreshadowing(31:50) 1996-1999 - a period of chaos(46:36) 2000-2004 - a period(53:12) The problem with information overload and predicting the future(58:00) ConclusionsBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLatest Substack post: sinobabble.substack.com/p/is-china-exporting-authoritarianism-702Links to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
How Xi Jinping became emperor. And how everyone missed it. Sinobabble 2024-06-09 | When Xi became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, no one assumed he would take up that position for life. But when Presidential term limits were abolished in 2018, it was widely understood that Xi had made himself supreme leader, and would remain head of the state, party, and military for life. But how did Xi manage to pull this off, and how did everyone seemingly miss the signs? According to some sources, Xi made a swift powergrab, sweeping over party consensus and using guile and manipulation to crush his foes. The truth, however, may be a lot less exciting. Analysis suggest Xi not only went through tried and true boring procedures to gain his position, but that he did so with the explicit support of his fellow party members.Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:29) Background on Xi(11:40) Predicitons about Xi's leadership(19:50) The state of China in 2012(34:50) Xi will be a weak leader(40:30) How Xi managed to turn the tide(47:45) The consensus of the Party as deciding factor(54:15) ConclusionsBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Authenticity and the Disney-fication of Chinas Cultural Heritage Sinobabble 2024-05-13 | Why are so many cultural heritage sites in China fake? Why is the architecture all the same? And why does no one care that all these 'old towns' were actually built in the past 20 years? Let's take a deep dive into the history of the cultural heritage industry in China, the role of the CCP party-state, the agency of local actors, and try and figure out why Chinese tourists love fake reconstructions of mini European villages in the middle of their megacities.*Diary of the visit to Furong was in 2022 no 2002!!Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:45) Attitudes to cultural heritage around the world(06:45) The destruction of China's cultural heritage (11:11) Reasons for rebuilding China's cultural heritage sites(12:38) Defining authenticity(17:00) Examples of Disney-fied heritage sites(40:25) What tourists want(44:45) Does authenticity matter?Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble#China #culturalheritage #unesco #culturalrevolution #chinesehistory #chinatourism
Sinobabble Livestream! Q&A, News & More Sinobabble 2024-05-11 | Join me for our first ever livestream! I'll answer any burning questions you have, discuss new stories about China in realtime, and do some live planning for future episodes :)
The Rise of Chinas EV industry Sinobabble 2024-05-05 | #china #evs #chineseelectriccar Charting the rise of China's electric car industry from the early 2000s till today. How have government and Chinese communist party investments influenced the growth of China's electric vehicle market? How has cooperation with foreign investors such as Warren Buffet led to China's current dominance of the electric car market all around the world?
Chinas EV industry (was funded by the US) Sinobabble 2024-04-28 | There’s a lot of outrage currently about China’s attempts to grow its EV market, at the expense of the US economy. But the truth is that the Chinese EV market wouldn't be where it is today without the generous funding it received (and continues to receive) from the US, Western governments, and multinational companies looking to cash in on the next big thing.So let's talk about the ways in which China's EV industry is funded by the US, both directly and indirectly, partly with the help of your pension fund.#china #evs #electricvehicles #electriccars #chinaevcar #chineseev #chinanews #chinapoliticsChapters (00:00) Introduction (03:15) Timeline of China's EV industry (12:20) The threat of Chinese made EVs (15:00) #1: The West was happy with China’s EV development (when it benefited them) (20:40) #2: China's EV market was funded with US FDI and investor capital(28:45) #3: China's investment scene is better than Silicon Valley(39:30) The West as get rich quick schemeBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Hong Kong 2019-20 protests explained in under 10 minutes Sinobabble 2024-04-20 | The Hong Kong protests between 2019 and 2020 took the country by storm and the world by surprise. What drove the otherwise peaceful people of Hong Kong to take to the streets, battle with police, and take over university campuses? What do the National Security Bill and Extradition Law actually say. And what is the fallout of the protests for contemporary Hong Kong?#hongkong #china #politics
I read all 212 pages of Hong Kongs new National Security Bill. Its not good. Sinobabble 2024-04-14 | "Safeguarding National Security Bill", also known as Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, was passed in March to no public opposition. I read through the whole bill and discussed how it may be used to transgress human rights and common sense in Hong Kong. I also discuss the history of recent protests in Hong Kong, and how they paved the way for Beijing to get its way and increase its control over its peopleChapters (00:00) Introduction to Article 23(03:15) Background: protests and new legislation 2019 - 2021(13:07) Going through Article 23(16:00) Part 2: Treason(18:45) Part 3: Sedition(22:55) Part 4: Espionage(26:55) Part 5: Sabotage(27:27) Part 6: External Interference (31:15) Part 7: Enforcement(36:08) Foreign commentaryBuy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepodLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
Young Chinese people cant find jobs (they actually want) Sinobabble 2024-03-25 | #youthunemployment #china #chinanews In the face of economic turbulence, China's youth are struggling to find jobs that are suited to their skills and can give them the life that they want and were promised. While China's government strives to alleviate youth unemployment, societal and cultural factors pose significant challenges. China's young people are reacting in unpredictable ways - finding alternate ways to get jobs, taking time out to become full time kids, or forging their own paths altogether.Chapters 00:00 Background: Employment in China vs the West03:50 Reasons for youth unemployment in China08:55 Crazy job requirements11:30 Chinese gov helps youth find jobs17:20 Caveat about youth unemployment18:37 Chinese social culture and jobs27:18 Young people's response to joblessnessLinks to everything: linktree.com/sinobabble
TEMU explained in 5 minutes Sinobabble 2024-03-16 | You've heard a lot about the online shopping platform TEMU. Perhaps you've even seen influencer hauls showing off items from the brand, or you watched their Superbowl ad. But who exactly is this new ecommerce giant, and where did they come from?This is a short except from a longer video exploring the world of Chinese ecommerce, fast-fashion, and the future of online retail: youtu.be/LNzlO1Fa5Q4#temu #china #ecommerce
why Chinas ecom companies win when it comes to hauls #sheinhaul #temuhaul #temu Sinobabble 2024-03-13 | ...
Chinas ecommerce dystopia: TEMU, SHEIN and the fast-everything model Sinobabble 2024-03-11 | The newer and nimbler players in Chinese e-commerce are pushing buttons in the West. Rock-bottom prices, fast fulfilment and addictive interfaces are pushed to their limits to take China's dopamine economy global. What's going on, where does AI fit in the picture and what can we do to take on these new standards of consumption?#china #temu #ecommerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------SUPPORT SINOBABBLE: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membershipFollow me on Substack: sinobabble.substack.com Follow me on X: twitter.com/sinobabbleFollow me on Instagram: instagram.com/sinobabble
Chinese Middle Class as a social force for the rise of China #china #politics #chinesehistory Sinobabble 2024-02-28 | ...
Evolution of Chinese Middle Class 1920s-1990s #china #history #chinesehistory Sinobabble 2024-02-28 | ...
White woman aesthetic and middle class politics in China Sinobabble 2024-02-26 | Yoghurt bowls. Lululemon leggings. Ugg slippers. More young Chinese women embrace what they identify as the "white woman aesthetic" as an antidote to the pressures of high maintenance beauty standards and material achievement. As more Chinese women question the grind and settle for less, is the "white woman aesthetic" really an innocent social media fad or a deeper awakening of class consciousness? Chapters 3:15 Introduction to the "White Woman aesthetic"12:00 Chinese middle class anxiety14:31 Defining the Chinese middle class21:05 Morality and responsibility of the Chinese middle class27:32 Limitations of the Chinese middle class37:08 ConclusionsLinks to all my social media: https://linktr.ee/sinobabble By me a coffee membership: buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod/membership #china #chinesenews #currentaffairs #chinese
Education Part 2: The University Gap Sinobabble 2023-08-25 | #china #gaokao #education This is part 2 of 3. In this episode we discuss the gaokao exam, the toll it takes on young people, and the increasing divide between those from richer, more developed areas and students from the margins of society.In part 1 we explored life for middle schoolers racing to the top of an increasingly steep hill: youtu.be/hg86rP15eOE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: sinobabble.substack.comSupport Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
