The Sinofile

As the world becomes increasingly unstable and volatile, China can appear to be offering little support to its allies against U.S. pressure. However, this is not a contradiction to its long-standing policy of "non-interference in internal affairs." China does not seek to outcompete the U.S. security commitments; rather, it offers only economic and political support to its allies around the world.

For decades, Beijing has promoted a policy of "one country, two systems" to lure in overseas territories it seeks control over. However, recent actions in Hong Kong suggest that Beijing may be ending its softer approach. What does it all mean for Hong Kong? What does it say about China? And how does it all bode for Taiwan?

The recent firing of China's highest ranking military officer, Zhang Youxia, is just the latest example of a decade-long purge from president Xi Jinping against the military. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the few militaries in the world that is designed to protect the ruling party; not the country. However, prior to Xi, the PLA enjoyed a high level of autonomy for decades. Those days are over. Xi is tightening his control over the CCP and the PLA to secure his position. And that is his ultimate goal.

Following the Chinese civil war, the victorious Communists vowed to capture Taiwan, where deposed Nationalist forces fled to. Ever since, Beijing has gained over a billion believers at home to realize "the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation." However, as the United States continues its policy of Strategic Ambiguity toward Taiwan, China has been unable to fulfill on its promise of reunification. The results have put Beijing in a bind where it must constantly bear in mind a domestic monster of its own creation.

an essential part of life in the early 21st century means having wifi to be online and on social media. In China, there is no constitutional amendment allowing freedom of speech. In fact, it is highly limited and censored by the state. However, that has not stopped Chinese people from doing it. Instead, they have figured out how to do so in code, avoiding censorships and worse. Tune in to hear how the Chinese increasingly speak in code online to avoid getting in trouble with the state.

Prior to 911, deepening ties with Latin America (LATAM) was at the top of the U.S. agenda. Instead, China stepped in. Ever since, China has sought to increase diplomatic ties, BRI cooperation, funding for infrastructure projects, and telecommunications developments with the region. But what led to the conditions for many LATAM countries to consider China as a viable partner? What challenges exist and how should the United States respond?

Following China's harsh covid lockdowns, its economy bounced back quicker than most Western economies and appeared to return to pre-Covid normalcy. However, the affects from Covid, and the West's reaction to a more emboldened China, may not have been realized so immediately. Today, China's economy is hurting and its markets are experiencing brutal competition. For those companies that have survived it all, they are barely staying afloat. Tune in to understand what it all means for the future of China-U.S. relations.

Xi Jinping's rule has left China in a place much different from where its trajectory seemed to be taking it. However, this change is not a departure from the way the CCP wants to govern China; rather, it is a revival. Tune in to listen why.

The West continues to incorrectly view the Chinese people as separate from the CCP, expressing views that convey a feeble, weak, and oppressed people. But in reality, the opposite is true. How do Chinese people really view their government? And is there anything that Westerners can compare it with? The largest atheist country in the world may not lack what organized religion provides to people, after all.

China's continued efforts to replace the dollar with the yuan as the world's trade currency falls in line with its ambitions for global primacy. However, there is more to the picture beneath the surface. Why wouldn't the yuan replace the dollar? And what is the real source of power to the valuation of currency? Tune in to find out.