China: Weekly Summary (August 25-31, 2025)

Strategies of Hope and Death: A Look at U.S. Foreign Policy

So, there's this interesting piece by Naked Capitalism that dives into the U.S. foreign policy mindset. It's like, some folks in Washington are just waiting for leaders in China, Iran, and Russia to kick the bucket, hoping that'll magically fix things. The article questions this whole "wait and see" approach, pointing out how it hasn't really worked out in places like Ukraine. It's like betting on a horse race where the horses might not even show up. The piece also talks about the potential chaos that could follow if these leaders do leave the scene. It's a bit like waiting for a storm to pass without an umbrella, hoping the sun will just come out.

ChinAI #325: Reflections on Technology and Power

Then there's Jeffrey Ding reflecting on his book about technology and power. It's been a year since it came out, and he's all about the community support and how ideas are spreading. What's cool is the growth of AI safety research in China. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows; he also touches on the struggles of speaking out on tough issues like human trafficking. It's like trying to plant a garden in rocky soil—some things grow, but it's not easy.

Coffee Break: Armed Madhouse and Misguided Marines

Another piece from Naked Capitalism talks about the Marine Corps' new strategy in the Pacific. They're trying to spread out small units to challenge China's maritime access. But, it's like trying to build a sandcastle with the tide coming in. The strategy faces big logistical hurdles, and the article draws parallels to Japan's WWII island garrisons. It's a reminder that logistics can make or break a plan, no matter how clever it sounds on paper.

More Coal Reality: China's Energy Expansion

Robert Bryce brings us some charts and numbers about coal power. China's building a whopping 227 gigawatts of new coal capacity. It's like they're doubling down on coal while the rest of the world is trying to cut back. The post compares coal and nuclear power, and it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges. But it does make you think about where energy investments are headed globally.

America's Semiconductor Bailout: A Shift in Ideology

Jamie Lord talks about the U.S. buying a stake in Intel. It's a big move towards state capitalism, especially with China in the picture. The article highlights how this isn't just corporate welfare—it's about direct ownership and aligning incentives. It's like the government is putting its money where its mouth is, trying to keep up in the tech race. But it also raises questions about the future of American capitalism.

Leninist Technocracy: China's Quest for the Future

Santi Ruiz has a conversation with Dan Wang about China's technocratic approach. They chat about engineers and lawyers in governance, and how China's policies like the One-Child Policy and Zero-COVID play into this. It's like a grand opera with a technocratic twist, where understanding China means seeing it on its own terms. The discussion also reflects on how these issues relate to U.S. political culture, making it a fascinating cross-cultural comparison.

The FiveStack LIVE: Geopolitical Intrigue

Dean Blundell hosts a lively discussion on FiveStack LIVE. They cover everything from Trump's Greenland antics to China's military display. It's like a geopolitical soap opera, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The episode highlights the manipulation of information and the coordinated attacks on democracy, making it clear that the world stage is anything but boring.

The Myths of Chinese Exceptionalism

Scott Sumner takes on the myths surrounding China. He argues that a lot of the claims about China are exaggerated or misleading. It's like peeling back layers of an onion to find the truth underneath. The post contrasts China's current state with its past under Mao, showing how much things have changed. It's a call for a more nuanced understanding of China, warning against demonization that could lead to conflict.

Mapping China's North American Fentanyl Commanders

Sam Cooper dives into the world of transnational crime. The podcast episode discusses the escape of a cartel boss linked to China and Mexico. It's like a crime thriller, with connections to the CCP and the drug trade. The hosts compare the influence of these figures to notorious drug lords, shedding light on the complex web of crime and politics. It's a reminder of the ongoing challenges in tackling global crime networks.

China is Eating the World: A Personal Reflection

Finally, Santi shares personal reflections on China's transformation. Since their last visit in 2019, the country has become more self-sufficient, with fewer Western brands and a strong internal market. It's like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, with rapid advancements in technology and infrastructure. The post contrasts the experiences of three generations of a Chinese family, illustrating the drastic changes over the decades. It's a thought-provoking look at China's model of authoritarian capitalism and its challenge to Western ideas of democracy and development.

These blog posts offer a rich tapestry of perspectives on China, each adding a unique thread to the conversation. Whether it's foreign policy, technology, energy, or geopolitics, there's plenty to ponder and explore. If you're curious to dive deeper, the authors' pages are just a click away, waiting to unravel more insights and stories.