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. The conversation offers fresh insights into the emerging power dynamics reshaping security architecture across continents, revealing how new alliances between authoritarian states are transforming international relations in both Europe and Asia.

This month's guest: Nataliya Butyrska is an independent expert on East Asia. She is an author of more than 100 analytical articles and reports on the issues of international relations with a special focus on the Indo-Pacific region and Ukraine's relations with Asian countries. She is also one of the co-chairs for our Women Insight on China Initiative.

Links:

https://zn.ua/eng/why-south-korea-is-still-afraid-to-provide-weapons-to-ukraine.html

https://chinaobservers.eu/china-probes-the-ground-for-negotiations-in-the-russian-ukrainian-war/

https://chinaobservers.eu/ukraines-futile-struggle-to-win-chinas-support-over-the-russian-aggression/

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-02-24/national/diplomacy/North-KoreaRussia-cooperation-escalates-global-threats-says-Ukrainian-ambassador-to-Seoul/2248927

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3809763-ukraine-should-explore-closer-ties-with-south-korea-in-face-of-russiadprk-cooperation-expert.html

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 of podcasts in fostering alternative spaces for discussing taboo topics, including feminist activism in China, and the changing media landscape. Finally, we explore how podcasts can serve as a less-censored medium for communication in an increasingly controlled environment.

This month's guest: Ruohan Xie is an independent journalist and podcaster from China. She hosts and co-founded the award-winning podcast The Weirdos (不合时宜) with over a million subscribers. The podcast invites young Chinese experts to discuss current affairs and cultural topics. The podcast received the "Biggest New Shows of 2020 Award" from Apple Podcasts and featured in major media outlets such as The Economist, AFP, and Global Voices, for promoting progressive values in China. As a journalist, she has published in Wall Street Journal China, Initium Media, Sixth Tone, and Southern People Weekly covering subjects such as forced evictions in Beijing, the Ukraine War and the refugee crisis in Lebanon. She is a recipient of various journalism fellowships in Europe.

Links:

https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/asia/article/3140278/podcasts-burst-scene-china-despite-strict-media-controls

https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1007626

https://www.economist.com/china/2020/08/27/podcasting-provides-a-space-for-free-thought-in-china

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2021/07/07/2003760444

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 conversation explores India's delicate diplomatic balancing act between competing power blocs, navigating its roles in both the China-led BRICS and the US-centered Quad alliance while maintaining its tradition of strategic autonomy. This geopolitical examination extends to India's cautious position on Taiwan and culminates with insights on how the return of Trump to the White House might reshape the triangular dynamics between Washington, Beijing, and New Delhi in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region.

This month's guest: Sriparna Pathak is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Admissions to Associate Dean of Careers at the Jindal School of International Affairs of O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India. She teaches courses on Foreign Policy of China as well as Theories of International Relations. Her previous work experience covers Gauhati University, Don Bosco University; the Ministry of External Affairs, where she worked as a Consultant for the Policy Planning and Research Division, working on China’s domestic and foreign policies; think tanks like Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi and Kolkata respectively, South Asia Democratic Forum in Brussels where she is a Research Fellow and the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research in New Delhi where she worked as a researcher.

Show Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f89b5uPPl3w

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/escalating-conflicts-between-china-and-the-us

https://www.gmfus.org/news/status-and-trajectory-india-china-relations

https://chinaglobalsouth.com/analysis/what-to-expect-from-china-india-relations-in-2025/