China Insider

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the passing of Chinese economist, Gao Shanwen, known for his outspoken views on China’s economy and capital markets, including China’s GDP growth rate in particular, and examine the impact his passing will have in the field. Next, Miles examines China’s recent submarine-based ballistic missile test in the Indo-Pacific, and how this fits into China’s larger pattern of Indo-Pacific coercion and grey-zone warfare tactics. Finally, Miles observes the fourth anniversary of the assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and highlights his lasting legacy both on Japanese soci...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the 250th anniversary celebrations in the US, and examines the impact of these events on China and Chinese society. Next, Miles reviews the Chinese Communist Party’s 105th anniversary celebrations, including President Xi Jinping’s address to the Party and key meetings held among leading party members to study Xi Jinping’s guiding principles and thought on party building. Finally, Miles looks into the new Ethnic Unity law that recently went into effect in China, and the implications this legislation carries for human rights issues and minority groups both in and o...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers President Xi Jinping’s latest round of purges among high-level party officials, including key members of China’s Politburo. Next, Miles looks into the recent incident in Beijing involving a small aircraft collision with the CITIC Tower skyscraper and details the CCP’s concerted effort to censor the incident across domestic social media and news outlets. Finally, Miles follows up on the topic of academic freedom and CCP influence in US academia, and reviews the larger implications of continued academic exchange between the US and China.

China Insid...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu looks into the detention of U Min Zin, a US and Myanmar scholar, while attending an academic workshop in Yunnan Province under allegations of espionage, and details the extent of the diplomatic response since and the current state of academic freedom in China. Next, Miles reviews the bilateral trade relationship between the European Union and China, as EU trade officials claim the status quo is not sustainable either economically or politically and seek to rebalance the current goods deficit. Finally, Miles covers the outcomes from the G7 summit, as leade...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers President Xi Jinping’s high-profile state visit to North Korea last week, detailing the bilateral conversations held between Xi and Kim and stated outcomes, and compares this visit to Xi’s previous meetings with Presidents Trump and Putin. Next, Miles circles back on KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun’s two-week visit to the US, and highlights key meetings and statements from her public engagements. Finally, Miles reviews the current state of China’s developing sport industry both nationally and on the global stage, amidst the NHL Stanley Cup and NBA Finals as...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu observes the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and discusses how families of the victims plan to honor their loved ones both in mainland China and abroad despite CCP censorship. Next, Miles reports on China’s continued economic woes as growth rates have declined over the past few months, and assess renewed calls for CCP intervention to spark stimulus and address increasing concerns. Finally, Miles reviews an investigative report stemming from a whistleblower disclosure of non-public foreign funding to Stanford University from Chinese state-backed entities, and comments on the exte...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers remarks given by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, and what his statements reveal about the current objectives of US defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Next, Miles reviews China’s decision to impose significant penalties on several brokerage firms over alleged trading infractions, and how this move fits into China’s global economic coercion apparatus. Finally, Miles unpacks KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s planned visit to the US, what we can expect from this tour, and the potential impact her visit may hav...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the moratorium of US weapon sales to Taiwan as part of a $14 billion package approved by Congress, and how the decision impacts cross-strait relations. Next, Miles covers the bilateral dialogue held between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping and assesses the outcomes and joint statement issued by both leaders following the summit. Finally, Miles discusses the tragic mining disaster at the Liushengyu mine in Shanxi Province, and analyzes how this crisis compares to prior mining disasters and China’s ongoing issues with adherence to safety regulations.

China I...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the two-day summit held in Beijing between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. The discussion covers the strategic objectives and red lines negotiated by both leaders during the summit, and breaks down the various outcomes on key issues covered in the bilateral meetings related to the US-China trade relationship, the Iran War and conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, and US policy toward Taiwan including pending arms sales. Lastly, Miles provides his assessment of the larger implications toward the evolving strategic competition dynamic between the US and China, and what...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the sentencing of former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, and how the rulings fit into the larger pattern of Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge campaign. Next, Miles unpacks what is at stake in the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, including key strategic priorities and points of contention for both sides. Finally, Miles reviews the current views held among the Chinese people related to Trump’s visit, and general sentiment toward US bilateral engagement with China.

China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the state of press freedom and media rights in China in the wake of the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, where China ranked 178th out of 180 countries. Next, Miles covers the CCP’s latest attempt to address the issue of youth disenfranchisement, claiming foreign intelligence operations are behind the popular Lying-Flat movement. Finally, Miles breaks down the fallout following KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun’s visit to Beijing, and the impact of emerging internal divisions within the party on the special defense budget proposal.

China Inside...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the latest sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Controls targeting Chinese shadow fleet vessels involved in illicit Iranian oil transports, and the role these measures play in the larger scope of Economic Fury. Next, Miles examines Japan's participation in the Balikatan joint training military exercise, along with the U.S. and Philippines, and the larger implications of Japan's increased involvement in bilateral and multilateral security alliance frameworks in the Indo-Pacific. Finally, Miles reviews recent CCP regulations that further restrict the freedom of multinational corpo...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses Xi Jinping’s campaign for the sinicization of religion by the CCP and the increased repression of religious freedom in China, ten years later. Next, Miles reviews the latest updates from the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and how this maritime operation impacts PLA strategic calculus and potential future engagements involving Taiwan. Finally, Miles covers recent comments from Chinese real estate tycoon, Pan Shiyi, calling China’s real estate market a Ponzi scheme following Evergrande’s founder, Xu Jiayin’s, entered guilty plea in the ongoing l...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews China’s planned peace offensive toward Taiwan ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit, and how this strategy may impact talks between the two countries’ leaders. Next, Miles dives into the latest developments from the US-Iran war and discusses how nearly six weeks of conflict have affected China’s approach to international affairs. Finally, we observe the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and review the importance of the landmark legislation governing unofficial US relations with Taiwan.

China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s C...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews new policies enacted by China’s Education Ministry aimed at reducing excess stress and pressure among primary and secondary school students. Next, Miles looks into China’s campaign of transnational repression and coercion against human rights advocates and legal experts with familial ties to members of ethnic minority groups living in China. Finally, Miles discusses the recent political purge of Politburo member and former Xinjiang chief, Ma Xingrui, as the third such purge in recent months related to China’s aerospace program.

China Insider is a weekly podca...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews Xi Jinping’s fourth visit to the Xiong’an New Area development project and details his plans for the “city of the future” including its domestic reception. Next, Miles explores the impact of US military operations in the Middle East on cross-strait relations, and addresses concerns over how a potential prolonged engagement will influence the US commitment to Taiwan. Finally, Miles covers the extensive espionage, technology transfer, and national security threat against US universities and colleges, and how the CCP’s coercive apparatus has evolved over the past several years.<...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the widespread scale of Xi Jinping’s purges in recent weeks that extends to include China's leading weapons experts and defense science officials, and the impact these removals have on PLA military operations. Next, Miles covers the CCP’s ongoing global influence campaign against western nations on the individual level, and explores how independent proxies can unknowingly further party messaging in key decision-making forums. Finally, Miles discusses the challenges faced by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung since he took office, and the his attempt to delicately balance South Korea’s p...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews China’s western hemisphere influence in the context of Cuba, and the importance of Cuba to China’s global strategy. Next, Miles discusses China’s potential role in the ongoing Strait of Hormuz standoff and the impact of shipping restrictions on the Chinese economy. Finally, Miles covers the Paris summit between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, as a prelude to the Trump-Xi summit and the possibility of renewed trade talks between the two countries.

China Insider is a weekly podcast projec...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews China’s Two Sessions, and what to look forward to over the coming days of China’s largest annual political meetings. Next, Miles takes a closer look at China’s security and weapons exports to Iran and provides a quality assessment of Chinese weapon systems. Lastly, Miles examines China’s response to joint military action from the US and Israel in the wake of the conflict in Iran, and how much of China’s restrained response reflects the real impact of structural and hard power limitations.

China Insider i...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu analyzes the wider impact of Operation Epic Fury in the context of US-China relations, and how the joint operation changes China’s calculated approach to extending their influence in the Middle East. Second, Miles covers the Trump Administration’s efforts to counter PRC influence via multilateral forums and hemispheric diplomacy in the upcoming Shields of the Americas summit. Finally, Miles weighs in on the “regime change” debate, and the role of such operations within the US national security strategy and key strategic deterrence initiatives as well.

China Insider is a...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the 2026 winter Olympic games in the context of the ongoing US-China diplomatic rivalry and larger geopolitical implications of the games. Next, Miles unpacks the recent US Supreme Court ruling on US trade tariff policy, and how this might shift the landscape in bilateral trade negotiations between the US and China. Finally, we observe the Chinese lunar new year and Miles reviews what challenges lie ahead for the CCP regime in the year of the horse.

China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Ce...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the recent video call held between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to strengthen Beijing-Moscow ties and examines the current state of bilateral relations. Next, Miles provides analysis of China’s evolving clean energy sector and the importance of the EV market and other clean technologies to China’s GDP growth and economic trajectory. Finally, Miles reviews China’s increasing domestic economic struggles, as efforts to address rising youth unemployment and the lingering affordability crisis continue to fall short, and what this might mean for the Chinese economy in 2026.

China...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the increase of PLA naval and air patrols around Scarborough Shoal in response to US-Philippine joint military exercises, and what this development indicates about China’s evolving maritime strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Second, Miles unpacks the decision by the Chinese Football Association to issue 73 lifetime bans to coaches and players for match fixing and details the larger network of corruption across professional sports in China. Finally, Miles reviews the executions of eleven Ming mafia family members related to scam centers based in Myanmar, and what this judicial process reveals...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the recent CCP investigations into the vice chair of China’s Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, and the chief of staff of the commission’s Joint Staff Department, Liu Zhenli, and what these purges mean for PLA operations and effectiveness. Next, Miles reviews the authorization of President Trump’s Board of Peace, the international actors that have joined so far, and the significance of the board to China. Finally, Miles unpacks China’s demographic crisis and declining birthrate, and how the CCP plans to respond to the crisis.

China In...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu breaks down China’s arctic strategy and regional ambition despite its geographic inconsistency as a non-arctic state, and how this relates to US security interests in Greenland. Second, Miles covers the recent trade agreement between the US and Taiwan following months of negotiations, the terms involved, and the significance of this deal for the semiconductor and AI sectors. Finally, Miles reviews Prime Minister Mark Carney’s state visit to Beijing last week and the various outcomes including the preliminary trade deal and economic cooperation framework. China Insider is a weekly podcas...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu analyzes China’s repositioning toward Iran and Venezuela, and how recent geopolitical developments in each country shift China’s strategic economic and political interests. Next, Miles examines the US response to China’s shifting global strategy under the new National Security Strategy, and details potential future actions to deter Chinese interests around the world. Finally, Miles reviews the Monroe Doctrine and how some analysts might misread key elements in their applied arguments regarding contemporary international affairs and US foreign policy.

China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US special operations forces, and details China’s response to the operation including the impact this will have on China-Venezuela oil deals. Next, Miles breaks down the PLA’s the recent Justice Mission 2025 military exercise, and what this means for the continued multilateral defense of Taiwan against mainland incursion. Finally, Miles unpacks Japan’s cabinet approval for a record spending increase in the 2026 defense budget, and examines the impact this move will have on Japan’s evolving security strategy toward China. China Insi...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the recent announcement from technology giant Canon to close one of its major printer facilities based in mainland China, and assess the impact of a rising demand for domestic manufacturing on foreign companies based in China. Next, Miles covers the news of US naval operations and intercept of a Chinese cargo ship en route to Iran reportedly carrying dual-use goods in a move to prevent Iran’s continued remilitarization efforts. Finally, Miles provides analysis on the CCP’s continued efforts to spread anti-Japanese propaganda, and the political fallout from these...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the new 2025 National Security Strategy document released by the White House, highlighting key elements involving the shifted focus to Indo-Pacific defense initiatives with attention to China and Taiwan. Next, Miles covers China’s latest episode of anti-Japanese sentiment during a cultural festival in Shanghai, and how this rising xenophobic trend has backfired for the Chinese Communist Party. Finally, Miles responds to the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to discredit his own published statements on Beijing’s goal for the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland, and unpacks the larger implicat...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the recent call between President Trump and Xi Jinping on the topic of Taiwan, highlighting the importance of narrative dominance in the information warfare domain in cross-strait relations. Next, Miles looks into the catastrophic five alarm fire in Hong Kong last week that resulted in at least 128 casualties, and the latest updates from the official investigation into what caused the apartment complex fire. Finally, Miles reviews Taiwan’s $40-billion supplementary defense spending package, and how effective the investment will be to enhance Taiwan’s security infrastructure and further deter asymme...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu goes solo. First, he examines Tesla’s announcement that it will eliminate all China-sourced components from vehicles manufactured in the United States within the next two years. This marks a monumental shift in the company’s supply chain and signals a broader decoupling of key US industries from longstanding Chinese chokeholds and security vulnerabilities. Second, Miles revisits the 2015 purchase of the US insurance firm Wright USA, which specializes in liability insurance for Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigations personnel, by the Chinese conglomerate Fosun Group. He explains why the su...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu tracks the backlash over statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Japan's defense policy regarding Taiwan, and what motivates Beijing's unique outrage. Second, Miles follows up on the KMT party elections last month in Taiwan where former KMT lawmaker Cheng Li-wun took over party leadership, and unpacks what this means for the KMT party platform moving forward. Lastly, Miles comments on recent political analysis from the New York Times addressing the duality of the Chinese state - one that appears outwardly strong, but faces internal struggles that may te...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's recent trip to Beijing amidst the US government investigation into the company's potentially illicit sales to China in violation of US export regulations. Next, Miles provides detailed analysis on the PLA Navy's CNS Fujian - China's latest aircraft carrier to enter fleet service - and what this means for China's naval warfare operational capacity and blue water capabilities. Finally, Miles reviews Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's recent address at the European Union's Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China's Annual Summit (IPAC) in Brussels. China Insider is a we...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the Chinese Communist Party’s fourth plenum, including the newly announced five-year development plan and appointment of Zhang Shengmin as the new Vice Chair of the Central Military Commission. Next, Miles covers the latest developments from the ASEAN summit in Malaysia including the US-China trade deal framework, and previews the upcoming APEC summit as President Trump plans to meet with Xi Jinping in South Korea. Finally, Miles circles back on Japan’s elections for Prime Minister, and outlines the potential impact PM-elect Sanae Takaichi will have on China-Japan relations and th...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews the recent mass-purge of nine high-level PLA military officials and Politburo members, and the impact of Xi Jinping's continued military centralization on the PLA's warfighting capabilities. Next, Miles details the life and career of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Dr. Chen Ning Yang, and the formative role he played in support of the CCP's United Front strategy. Finally, Miles covers the latest dialogue following China's announced export controls for rare earth minerals, and responds to criticisms related to the important role of hawkish rhetoric in the US-China strategic competition landscape. Ch...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses China's recent announcement expanding export controls to further restrict foreign access to rare earth elements, and the larger impetus behind Beijing's enhanced export policy. Next, Miles unpacks the CCP's latest political warfare tactic to coerce the UK government and begin construction on the new Chinese embassy in London. Finally, Miles comments on Taiwan's 114th National Day celebrations, and reviews President Lai's comments on his plans for Taiwan's economic development and national security policies. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute’s China Center, hosted by China Cent...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the accelerating trend of financial flight, and whether the CCP can stem the flow of China's wealthy elite from leaving the country. Next, Miles reviews Japan's Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, the upcoming election for Prime Minister, and China's response to the current slate of candidates and desired outcomes. Finally, Miles comments on the recent purge of Liu Jianchao from China's International Department, and Xi Jinping's efforts to concentrate the CCP's foreign affairs and diplomatic dialogue under a more centralized authority. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hu...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu provides a summary of Xi Jinping's recent trip to Xinjiang to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the region's founding, and the significance of this visit in contrast to Beijing's ongoing persecution of the Uyghur people. Next, Miles unpacks the latest developments within the CCP's influence operations and misinformation campaigns against Taiwan that aim to provoke instability and conflict between the DPP led executive and KMT controlled Legislative Yuan. Finally, Miles reviews President Trump's recent statements at the UN General Assembly regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what this could...

Miles sits down with Dr. Steven Quay, Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute as well as the Founder and CEO of Atossa Therapeutics, Inc., to discuss the evolving landscape of emerging technology and AI-enabled biological warfare operations. With the increased potential for integrated dual-use technology in hybridized warfare tactics, the international community must develop counterstrategies to prevent the proliferation of biothreats and biological weapons, and adequately prepare for future military and public health crises. The conversation pulls from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides an assessment of the current capabilities of dual-use biothreats within China’s military doctrine, and cr...

In this week’s episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the latest developments surrounding the US-China TikTok deal that reached a proposed framework for the US to secure protections for American user data in the hands of Oracle Corp. including algorithm management, application development, and source code review. Next, Miles reviews President Trump's move to impose a fee for US companies on all new H1-B visa petitions, and what this move means for Beijing's planned rollout for their new K visa program. Lastly, Miles unpacks the recent bid by the Trump administration to retake Bagram Air Base in Af...