Politics, Patio Furniture, and China History Pods

Barbarians at the Gate

Jeremiah and David catch up with China hand and old friend Laszlo Montgomery, who is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the China History Podcast. Laszlo describes the evolution of the podcast, how he chooses and researches the topics, and his current project on the history of Xinjiang. The trio also retrace the course of the US-China trade relation via Laszlo's first-hand experience with the "Made in China" supply chains, the Chinese manufacturers of the cheap products that have lined the shelves of the big box retailers such as Wal-mart for the past 30 years. The discussion concludes with a diagnosis and prognosis of Covid-19's impact on the US-China relation, some lamenting and gnashing of teeth about the recent deterioration of the bilateral relationship, but also some cause for optimism with the rise of a new generation of dedicated China hands.

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