Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Olivia Plotnick, a Shanghai-based social media and marketing entrepreneur, who recently completed a marketing research project spanning 30 cities in 60 days in China. The conversation attempted to answer the question: How’s China’s economy faring? Has the trade war’s impact been felt on the ground? How are consumers spending their money? Olivia’s findings of health & fitness, tourism, beauty, and youth trends challenge conventional wisdom and offer surprising insights into the state of China and its consumers across age groups. She discusses the importance of understanding consumer behavior beyond just data and statistics, and highlights the rise of tier two and below cities, the competition between Starbucks and Luckin Coffee, the explosion of milk tea brands, and the impact of EV adoption. She also delves into changing consumer values and the evolving narrative around China's economy.

Olivia Plotnick's Substack: https://substack.com/@whowhatwai 

0:00 Understanding China's Economic Landscape
04:57 Exploring Tier Two and Below Cities
11:35 Diverse Perspectives on China's Economy
17:33 The Coffee Wars: Starbucks vs. Luckin
23:03 The Rise of Milk Tea and Local Cafes
29:37 Trends in Health, Fitness, and Consumer Behavior
35:20 Debunking Western Narratives on China's Economy

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Wang Xiangwei, former editor-in-chief of the South China Morning Post (SCMP), about covering China over the last three decades, as well as Hong Kong after 2019. Wang led the expansion and digital transformation of SCMP's China coverage, striving to provide insider, balanced, and insightful reporting amid complex political pressures from both Beijing and Hong Kong, all while maintaining editorial independence. He witnessed and navigated Hong Kong’s changing political landscape, including the impacts of the National Security Law, and advocates for Hong Kong's unique role as a distinctive, open, and window into China. Wang Xiangwei thinks Hong Kong’s role should be as a unique capitalist enclave within China that acts as a vital bridge and “superconnector” between China and the rest of the world. Despite political pressures and challenges under “one country, two systems,” Hong Kong should preserve its openness, rule of law, and global connectivity to remain indispensable for China’s modernization and for international capital seeking access to China and Asia. Wang emphasizes that Hong Kong must proactively shape Beijing’s perception of its importance rather than passively yield its future, thus maintaining its distinctive identity and future prosperity.​ After leaving his editorial post, Wang now teaches journalism, continuing to contribute a perspective on China’s global rise and media challenges, and remains an avid writer and observer of China.

Wang Xiangwei's Substack: https://substack.com/@wangxiangwei 

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks to Rui Ma of Tech Buzz China about the divergence in AI development and cultural attitudes between China and the US. Driven by its strong manufacturing capabilities, China deeply integrates robotics with AI, focusing on practical, cash-flow-positive applications like service robots for food delivery or pool cleaning, rather than advanced "sci-fi" level projects. The Chinese government maintains a techno-optimist and encouraging stance toward AI, which, combined with a societal openness to rapid change, results in less fear or caution around the technology compared to the US. Furthermore, foreign investment has largely been replaced by capital from municipal governments and state-owned enterprises. In contrast, the US approach often emphasizes a deregulatory, pro-innovation strategy to maintain global dominance and is more concerned with achieving super-intelligence and AGI.

00:00 Introduction to AI Competition

01:16 Insights from the World AI Conference in Shanghai

05:16 Robotics and AI Integration in China

10:13 Comparative Approaches to AI: US vs China

12:56 The Bubble in Humanoid Robotics

15:35 Cultural Attitudes Towards AI

18:17 Government Support for AI Development

20:01 Investment Landscape in China

24:18 AI Leadership and Global Cooperation

29:37 Future Innovations in China

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with the UK-based macroeconomist, Kelvin Lam, a long-time China observer, about the current state of China’s economy. The conversation highlights several issues, including the challenges in the property sector, the country’s transition towards a high-tech economy, and the need to boost domestic consumption. The discussion also touches on the issue of inequality, the phenomenon of involution (over-competition within industries), and the future outlook for China's economic policies. Kelvin provides valuable insights as China prepares to unveil its 15th Five-Year Plan later in October.

00:00 Introduction to China's Economic Landscape

01:01 Kelvin Lam's Background and Expertise

01:56 Current State of China's Economy

07:28 The Role of the Property Market

10:26 Domestic Consumption and Economic Transition

11:34 High-Tech Manufacturing and Economic Growth

15:01 Unemployment and Labor Market Dynamics

16:14 Government Policies to Boost Consumption

19:11 Income Growth and Social Stability

22:00 China's Technological Advancements and Global Positioning

25:40 Overcapacity and Market Competition

30:52 Government Strategies for Industrial Consolidation

35:17 The Upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan

37:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Carl Wegner, President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan, about the implications of Trump 2.0's policies for Taiwan. The conversation highlights that beyond tariffs, American businesses also worry about energy stability, lack of a US-Taiwan double-taxation treaty, Taiwan's aging population, and geopolitical dynamics. Wegner explains that despite the uncertainty, American investment in Taiwan continues to be strong, with a survey showing over 70% of members plan to maintain or increase their investments. The discussion also touches on promising non-semiconductor industries in Taiwan, such as defense, clean energy, and biotech, as well as the increasing awareness of Taiwan in Washington D.C.  

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. 

Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. 

Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change.

Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms.  

00:00 The Digital Revolution in China

02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising

05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation

08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies

11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing

14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms

17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao

20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences

23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations

25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Professor Philip Hsu 徐斯勤 of National Taiwan University about the intricate political landscape of Taiwan, focusing on the 7/26 recall elections, public opinion regarding identity and relations with China, and the evolving dynamics of Taiwan's relationship with the U.S. Taiwan is the flashpoint where technology, business, and geopolitics intersect. A deeper understanding of this island nation and its dynamic political forces—especially through the lens of Taiwan-China and Taiwan-US relations—is vital for navigating both opportunities and risks with more informed decision-making.

For Wenchi's take on the 7/26 recall elections, please read my Substack. 

00:00 Taiwan's Political Landscape and Recall Elections
05:42 Cross-Strait Relations and U.S. Concerns
08:12 Public Opinion on Taiwan's Identity and China
23:15 Taiwan's Evolving Relationship with the U.S.
30:31 Domestic Issues and Future Implications for Taiwan in the World

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Ethan Tu (杜奕瑾), founder of Taiwan AI Labs, Asia's first open AI research institution. Taiwan AI Labs is dedicated to advancing AI through open algorithms, open-source code, and federated learning, an approach that enables collaborative machine learning without centralizing data, thus preserving privacy and preventing monopolies.

Ethan's career includes founding Taiwan's first Chinese-language search engine, Yam, and the first social media platform, PTT (批踢踢). He later played a pivotal role in helping launch Microsoft's Bing and its first virtual assistant, Cortana. Recognizing AI's immense potential—including its capacity for harm—Ethan returned to Taiwan to champion responsible AI development. His work now focuses particularly on federated learning and combating disinformation. Today, Taiwan AI Labs' innovations are widely adopted in healthcare, privacy protection, and the promotion of democracy.

00:00
Introduction to AI and Its Global Implications

00:56
Ethan Tu's Journey and Taiwan AI Labs

04:34
Concerns Over Big Tech and Data Privacy

06:30
Innovations in Combating Disinformation

10:41
Federated Learning: A New Approach to AI

14:30
Taiwan's National Strategy for AI

15:35
Information Manipulation and Its Impact

21:33
The Infodemic System: Tracking Misinformation

24:59
Building Trust in Information Sources

26:53
Censorship vs. Content Moderation

29:49
The Role of TikTok in Political Discourse

33:52
AI Ethics and Education in Taiwan

35:37
Conclusion: Responsible AI for the Future

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Jett Chen, founder of Semi Vision, a Taiwan-based semiconductor industry research institution providing comprehensive insights into the semiconductor ecosystem. With a family business specializing in semiconductor packaging, Jett observes how AI advancements are transforming the startup ecosystem in Taiwan. Jett discusses the complexities of semiconductor manufacturing, the importance of packaging, and the emerging opportunities for startups in AI. Jett also addresses the energy challenges Taiwan faces as it develops its AI capabilities, the implications of NVIDIA's investment in Taiwan, and the ongoing talent shortages in the engineering sector. The conversation also examines geopolitical factors affecting the semiconductor supply chain, highlighting the competitive dynamics between Taiwan and China, and the implications of the US’s export control policies.

Reference: Jensen Huang's Keynote at COMPUTEX 2025

00:00

Taiwan's Semiconductors and AI Opportunities

05:54

Understanding the Semiconductor Ecosystem

09:37

The Role of Packaging in Semiconductor Manufacturing

11:56

AI Servers and Their Impact on the Industry

15:35

Emerging Startups in AI and Semiconductor

17:35

Energy Challenges in Taiwan's AI Development

20:02

NVIDIA's Investment and Its Implications for Taiwan

21:48

Talent Shortages and Immigration Policies

23:52

Geopolitical Impacts on Semiconductor Supply Chains

27:24

The Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bill Russo, an auto industry expert with a lifelong career in Detroit and China (Chrysler), about China's rapid rise to become the world leader in automobile manufacturing, sales, and exports, as well as the global leader in new energy vehicles, batteries, and the "internet of mobility." 

Bill Russo contributed a chapter, CHINA’S AUTO INDUSTRY: The Race to a Sustainable Future, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change.

00:00
China's Automotive Revolution

02:29
Bill Russo's Journey in the Auto Industry

04:31
The Growth of China's Auto Market

11:22
The Shift from Foreign to Chinese Domestic Brands

15:12
Market-Driven Growth in China's Auto Industry

22:30
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in China

30:47
The Internet of Mobility and Technological Innovation

35:15
The Digital Transformation of Automobiles

39:07
Impact of Trade Wars on Globalization

45:59
Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chains

50:58
The Future of Transportation and Mobility

01:01:09
China's Role in the Global Automotive Landscape

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395