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China Observers

China Observers

China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE) 68 Episodes Jun 26, 2026

What Europeans need to know and understand about China, in one monthly podcast. Hosted by Emma Belmonte.

Episodes

The Future of China’s Faces: AI, Surveillance and Society Jun 26, 2026 00:28:30 Between facial recognition and AI-generated faces, what is special about facial technologies in China ? And what is the future of faces in China?This episode explores the cultural and political implications of face-related technologies in China, including facial recognition, AI-generated faces, and biometric surveillance, with insights from scholars Margaret Hillenbrand and Xuenan Cao.#China #Beij
China’s Food Security Crisis: Challenges and Innovations May 29, 2026 00:28:16 China feeds 20% of the world with just 9% of global arable land. In this episode, we explore China's food security challenges, the impact of geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, and technological innovations in agriculture.Host: Emma BelmonteGuest: Genevieve Donnellon-MayRead Genevieve's articles for CHOICE hereRead all of CHOICE's articles on our ⁠website#China #Beijing #geopo
Chinamaxxing: The Social Media Trend Explained Apr 24, 2026 00:26:17 Are you at a very Chinese time in your life ? In this episode Host Emma Belmonte welcomes two guests Zeyi Yang and Jessica Imbach to explore the Chinamaxxing trend, its origins, societal reactions, and implications for cultural perception and soft power.Read all of CHOICE's articles on our ⁠websitePaulína Ovečková's article about chinamaxxing here#ChinaMaxxing #China #Beijing #Socialmedia
China's Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Europe Mar 27, 2026 00:29:17 What form do China’s information manipulation and influence activities take in Europe ? What narratives do they push ?  How do they reach European audiences ? What is there to learn from the specific case of Poland and the Czech Republic ? Alicja  Bachulska (ECFR) and Konrad Szatters (AMO) discuss their recent policy brief “Borrowed mouths and laundered messages: China’s influence playbook in Euro
Unpacking EU-China Relations in 2026 Feb 27, 2026 00:29:25 What does this year hold for China-EU relations? In this episode of China Observers, host Emma Belmonte speaks with Etienne Soula about the evolving dynamics between the European Union and China in 2026. They discuss the impact of recent US developments on European perceptions of China, the significance of bilateral visits by European leaders, and the challenges posed by Germany's economic rel
China’s Updated Playbook in the Western Balkans Jan 23, 2026 00:29:25 What are the implications of China's presence in the Western Balkans when it comes to EU enlargement ? The conversation delves into China's strategic investments, the varying degrees of engagement with different countries in the region, and the backlash against certain projects. Vladimir Shopov (ECFR) discusses with host Emma Belmonte the evolving nature of China's approach, the EU&#39
Beyond Propaganda: China's Global Media Makeover Nov 21, 2025 00:26:33 In an era where narratives shape perceptions, China is redefining how it tells its story on the international stage. In this episode, we explore the intricate strategies China employs to reshape its global image, moving from traditional propaganda to more engaging content tailored to local audiences. Host: Emma BelmonteGuests: Dr. David O'Brien and Joanna Nawrotkiewicz,#China #Beijing #ChinaCommun
What Europeans got wrong about the China-Russia friendship Oct 24, 2025 00:34:41 Europeans have misunderstood the Sino-Russian friendship and its implications. But how can we change course ? This episode delve into the complex relationship between China and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war and European perceptions. In discussion with host Emma Belmonte, China-experts Ivana Karaskova (CHOICE) and Alicja Bachulska (ECFR) discuss how Central and Eastern Euro
Ukraine’s Strategic Links in Asia with Nataliya Butyrska Aug 20, 2025 00:27:39 In this thought-provoking episode, we examine the geopolitical ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine across the Indo-Pacific region, with special focus on China's diplomatic positioning and evolving Asian responses. Our expert guest unpacks the strategic realignment between Ukraine and South Korea as they navigate the challenges posed by deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation.
Independent Podcasting in Chinese with Ruohan Xie Jul 16, 2025 00:30:58 In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of hosting a pan-cultural podcast in China, exploring what resonates with the younger generation and the daily struggles they face. We discuss the unique experience of a Chinese journalist reporting to both Chinese and Western audiences, navigating the complexities of bridging these two worlds. The conversation also touches on the role
Uncovering Sino-Indian Relations with Sriparna Pathak Jun 18, 2025 00:32:10 In this episode, we delve into the intricate and often tense relationship between Asia's two giants - China and India. Our expert guest unpacks the multifaceted challenges shaping this critical bilateral relationship, from the persistent Himalayan border disputes to strategic concerns over China's massive dam projects in Tibet and their potential weaponization of water resources. The conve
Discussing Chinese EV Industry in Europe with Janka Oertel and Jakub Jakobowski May 21, 2025 00:29:33 In this episode, we explore the growing presence of Chinese electric vehicle companies like BYD and Leapmotor in Europe, challenging the region’s automotive dominance despite efforts like EU tariffs. The story unfolds with Germany's industrial base grappling with the "second China shock," revealing how its overreliance on China has left it vulnerable in the face of shifting global dy

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