Perched on China's doorstep so-to-speak, Southeast Asian nations have an historic relationship with their neighbour as well as with other global powers. As Chinese influence and investment in the region has increased, we ask whether this might be the front-line for  great power competition?

Beijing has long said it will reunite with Taiwan, apparently whether or not the Taiwanese want to do so. But do Russia’s difficulties in Ukraine change China’s calculations and make such an adventure less likely? Sam and Stewart talk the economic, political, and military calculations involved.

This week on What China Wants, we are exploring whether China is a global military power. The US might lead in terms of bases by 750:1, but there's far more to what China is doing than just military installations. Sam and Stewart discuss the relationship between the CCP and the PLA - China's government and its military - and what this means for China's global reach across the world. 

Welcome to our first What China Wants podcast. Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson discuss whether, after decades of breakneck growth, China’s economy is now shrinking - and if so, what this means for the West.

Co-Hosts: Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson
Producer: Francesca Griffin