As the United States under President Trump enters a new phase of strategic competition with China, a fresh wave of tariffs in 2025 has reignited tensions across the Pacific. Is this conflict a passing phase of protectionism, or the beginning of a long-term global realignment?

In this episode of the CISS Podcast, we are honored to speak with Professor John Gong, a leading expert on international economics, to unpack the structural forces behind this trade war. From industrial decoupling and subsidy races to innovation strategy and geopolitical bargaining, this conversation sheds light on what’s really at stake in the China-US rivalry.

Amid ongoing global turbulence, China’s military development has drawn increasing attention. What are the key priorities of China’s military modernization? How might this process contribute to global security? In this episode, Zhou Bo, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University, offers deep insights into international perceptions of China’s military rise, and the principles and goals behind its military modernization. Mr. Zhou stresses that China’s military modernization is a peaceful rise, with a strong focus on safeguarding overseas interests and enhancing maritime capabilities—all while upholding the principle of peaceful development. Looking ahead, China’s military evolution aims to foster a more stable and peaceful international landscape.

Against the backdrop of technological innovation profoundly reshaping international security dynamics and great power strategic competition, how do emerging technologies become key variables influencing China-U.S. strategic stability? The China Forum of Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) invited CISS Director Da Wei and University of Pennsylvania Assistant Professor Fiona Cunningham for an in-depth dialogue on the impact of emerging technologies on traditional nuclear deterrence theory, nuclear strategy, and the future landscape of China-U.S. competition and cooperation.

Under Trump’s second administration, the United States has undergone significant adjustments in both domestic and foreign policy, dramatically increasing the uncertainty of China-U.S. relations. In this episode, CISS China Forum invites Susan A. Thornton, a retired senior U.S. diplomat with rich experience with the U.S. State Department in Eurasia and East Asia, and currently a Senior Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center, for an in-depth discussion with Professor Da Wei, Director of CISS. on critical dimensions of China-U.S. relations such as the dynamics of fentanyl issues, potential implications of the Trump 2.0 era, and the role of professional diplomacy in current geopolitical landscape. Ms. Thornton also shares her personal experience teaching at Yale, exploring the role of education, cultural exchange and the younger generation in shaping future China-U.S. relations.

How does the diffusion of general-purpose technologies (GPTs)—rather than mere innovation—redefine the dynamics of global power competition? In this episode, CISS China Forum invites Professor Jeffrey Dean from George Washington University to a in-depth discussion with CISS fellow, Dr. Dong Ting, on how diffusion shapes economic competition, inspired by his latest book. Prof. Dean offers insights into U.S. and Chinese technological strategies, the military-civilian nexus of GPT diffusion and recent policy shifts from “innovation-centric” to “diffusion-driven” paradigms. The dialogue also explores future research frontiers, including gender inclusivity in STEM education and open-source ecosystems, offering a fresh lens to decode technology’s role in global power transitions.

During the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 14-16, discussions were held on European security, the Ukraine crisis, and other global security topics. On February 15, Ambassador Fu Ying, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, was invited to a panel discussion on the topic of “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific?”, where she emphasized, “China is committed to maintaining stability in the South China Sea and promoting regional economic cooperation”. This episode showcases a selection of Ambassador Fu Ying’s speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference, sharing her views on the China’s position on the South China Sea.

In recent years, the BRICS mechanism has played a pivotal role as a key platform for cooperation among emerging economies, contributing to global governance reform and the advancement of South-South cooperation. The China Forum of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University has invited Dr. Sun Chenghao, a fellow at CISS, to engage in a dialogue with Professor Wang Lei, Director of the BRICS Cooperation Research Center at Beijing Normal University. Prof. Wang will review the history of BRICS cooperation, provide an in-depth analysis of its significance in the evolving global landscape, and explore how deepening “Greater BRICS Cooperation” can drive the global governance reform. He will also highlight the unique strengths of the BRICS mechanism, discuss China’s contributions, and share insights on the future prospects of BRICS cooperation.

Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th president of the US in Washington DC, marking the start of his second term in the White House. Characterized by America First and anti-globalization, Donald Trump’s first term saw him launch a trade war with China and demand higher military spending from European allies. With Trump’s return to the White House for his second term, are both China and Europe likely to see big challenges in his second term? What does Trump 2.0 mean for the China-Europe-US triangle? The China Forum of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University has invited Dr. Shi Yan, a Fellow at CISS, to be a guest on this podcast to share her views on China-Europe relations and how to address challenges in the future.

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States earlier today, ushering in his second term in office. What shall we expect in terms of challenges, opportunities, and potential risks in China-U.S. relations under Trump 2.0.？How can both sides proactively address the upcoming challenges？

In this episode produced by China Forum, Center for International Security and Strategy of Tsinghua University, five experts will have a panel discussion on the implications of Trump’s second term for U.S.-China relations. They are Professor Da Wei ,Director of CISS; Ms.Xiao Qian, Deputy Director of CISS; Mr.Zhou Bo，Senior Fellow of CISS; Professor Gong Jiong from University of International Business and Economics and Professor Xie Tao, Dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

A new geopolitical landscape is evolving in an unstable and fragmented international context. In early November, Ambassador Fu Ying, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, was invited to a panel discussion at the 7th Paris Peace Forum on the topic of “History in the making: How will the US election impact the world?” , where she emphasized, “No one country or group of countries can resolve all the global challenges”. This episode showcases a selection of Ambassador Fu Ying’s speech at the 7th Paris Peace Forum, sharing her views on the global order, multilateralism and China-U.S. relations.