This episode of Sharp China, a news/current affairs podcast featuring an interview format, focuses on the evolving situation surrounding TikTok in the US and broader US-China relations. The hosts discuss recent news reports suggesting the Chinese government is considering a sale of TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk, exploring the potential implications for US national security and politics. They also analyze Xi Jinping's New Year's essay, highlighting its emphasis on self-reliance and struggle, and discuss the implications for China's economic and foreign policies. Finally, the hosts cover recent developments regarding US export controls on AI technology and the ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan, including the construction of new Chinese barges suitable for amphibious landings. The discussion emphasizes the complex interplay between political maneuvering, technological competition, and potential military escalation in the US-China relationship.
