We speak to an eminent historian and China expert on the story of Asia’s transformation. From his childhood in pre-World War Two Ipoh to the effects of Cold War politics on his career to the dramatic moments that’s marked his six decades as a student of history. Professor Wang gives his view on the contradictions between China’s rapid economic development and its stunted political change, the reasons behind authoritarian governance as well as the deep history of the region's South China Sea debacle.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.