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ChinaTalk offers an analytical perspective on US-China relations, focusing on policy, technology, economic issues, and cultural exchanges. It translates Chinese sources to explore communism, Taiwan's politics, military dynamics, tech advancements, industrial policies, and societal trends, while evaluating global implications and China's internal and external strategies.

US-China Relations Communism and Political Ideologies Taiwanese Politics and Identity Military Dynamics and Purges in China Economic Trends and Challenges Technology and Industrial Policy Cultural Exchanges and Media Artificial Intelligence Developments Semiconductor Technology Science and Politics in China International Relations

The hottest Substack posts of ChinaTalk

And their main takeaways

Xi Zhongxun: China Book of the Year

459 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25

Xi Zhongxun's life shows how suffering can lead to a strong commitment to a cause. For him, the struggles he faced made him passionate about communism and the Party.
The book highlights that Xi Zhongxun was more complex than just a 'reformer.' He had conflicting views about individualism and Party demands, and his actions were sometimes driven by what the Party needed.
It’s important to recognize that labels like 'good' and 'bad' don’t always fit. Xi Zhongxun's story reminds us that everyone in the Party had moments of both virtue and wrongdoing.

Tel Aviv Notes

637 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25

🏝 Travel Culture Food Politics Lifestyle

Many people in Tel Aviv are very aware of the ongoing conflict, which affects their daily lives and conversations. This shared experience shapes the community's mindset significantly.
Tel Aviv has a vibrant social scene, especially on Thursday nights, with many people enjoying the warm weather and going out to eat and drink together. The city's atmosphere helps combat feelings of loneliness.
The food culture in Tel Aviv is diverse, with a strong burger scene and an emphasis on shared plates. Families seem to thrive here, as seen in the community's high birth rates and welcoming environment for children.

Hovercraft Invasion, Labubu, Tea

296 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25

🎭️ Culture Film Media Technology Soft Power History

China is actively trying to acquire Russian expertise in advanced military technology, especially in the area of hovercraft design, to enhance its military capabilities.
Chinese media and entertainment are growing in popularity, especially among Gen Z, reflecting a cultural shift where domestic content is more favored over foreign influences.
Taiwan's semiconductor industry is facing challenges due to US export controls and competition from China, leading to varied experiences across different sectors within the industry.

The House of Huawei

444 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25

💼 Business Corporate culture Entrepreneurship International Trade Telecommunications Geopolitics

Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, grew up facing hardship during the Cultural Revolution but turned this struggle into his motivation for success. His challenging past helped him build a strong company culture focused on hard work and resilience.
Huawei has grown by exploring high-risk international markets where other companies hesitated, such as Libya and Iraq. This strategic risk-taking allowed Huawei to create valuable global partnerships and expand its business.
The company has faced significant scrutiny from the West, particularly the United States, over security concerns related to its technology. However, Huawei has continued to thrive by emphasizing its importance to China's tech development and fostering a unique corporate culture.

Biotech

681 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Biotech Pharmaceuticals Innovation Health Research

China's biotech industry has transformed from copying foreign drugs to developing innovative medications that compete globally. This shift shows that they are now making significant progress in drug discovery.
Companies like BeiGene and Legend Biotech have successfully created cancer therapies that are approved internationally, demonstrating China's growing capability in biopharmaceuticals and bringing new options to cancer patients worldwide.
New drugs from Chinese companies like Akeso are showing promise in clinical trials, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment. This trend attracts global attention and investments, signaling a bright future for China's biotech sector.

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Huawei Founder on US v China and Basic Research

415 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Research Innovation Policy Economics Development

Basic research is crucial for long-term success. Without it, countries can't make significant advancements and keep up with other leading nations.
There are many challenges in the tech industry, but rather than focusing on the negative, it's important to keep moving forward and adapt. China is making progress through collaboration among its numerous chip companies.
Support for theoretical scientists and researchers is essential. Their work, though often misunderstood and slow to show results, is key to the future development and innovation of the country.

Josh Wolfe on Elon and the Tech Right, R&D, and Parenting

296 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25

🎙 Podcasts Political Commentary Research Funding Cultural Insights

The US is losing its edge in basic research and innovation because companies are not investing as much in long-term scientific studies. This could hurt the country's future discoveries.
There is a need to attract smart immigrants who can contribute to science and technology in the US. Making it easier for them to come here can help us regain our competitive edge.
Parenting today requires adjusting how we communicate and support emotional resilience in kids. Teaching them to understand their emotions and handle challenges will help them grow up more balanced.

Xiaomi

474 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Gadgets Electric Vehicles Robotics Chips

Xiaomi is moving from budget phones to more advanced technology like chips and electric cars. They believe this shift is necessary to compete with big brands like Apple and Samsung.
Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder, emphasizes the importance of hard tech, which includes advanced manufacturing and robotics. He thinks focusing on these areas will help build a stronger company.
Xiaomi faced challenges when a fatal accident involving one of their electric cars raised safety concerns. This event highlighted their need to improve quality and public trust in their products.

Can donors save science?

207 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25

🚌 Education Philanthropy Science Technology Policy Research

Renaissance Philanthropy aims to change how funding works by acting like an investment fund, helping donors target specific goals without the heavy lifting of managing projects themselves.
The organization identifies key areas in science and tech where philanthropic funding can make a real impact, especially at a time when government support is shrinking.
A new model of philanthropy can encourage more donors to get involved by picking clear objectives and making the process less daunting, ultimately leading to more effective giving.

How to Use Banned US Models in China

474 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI E-commerce Censorship Consumer behavior International relations

In China, U.S. AI models like ChatGPT are mostly banned, but people can still buy access to them online through platforms like Taobao. This shows how censorship can be bypassed and how demand for these tools remains strong.
Sellers on Taobao use various tactics to market and price access to U.S. models, including cheaper options and clever advertising strategies to avoid censorship. They exploit loopholes that let them offer these services at lower prices than official sources.
The grey market for these AI models continues to thrive despite government restrictions. This suggests that the state is more focused on controlling specific models like ChatGPT rather than suppressing all U.S. AI technology, indicating a complex relationship with censorship.

The AI Attention War

459 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Open Source Model Training User Experience

AI models are changing how we interact with technology daily. People should explore tools like OpenAI because they can think and analyze complex ideas much faster than before.
There's a growing concern about AI promoting harmful behaviors through sycophancy, where they give positive feedback for negative actions. This could have serious long-term dangers for society.
The competition between Chinese and American AI models is heating up. Chinese models are gaining traction because they offer better licenses and capabilities, even though many businesses fear the risks of using them.

From Yan'an to Mar-a-Lago

652 implied HN points • 27 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leaders Cultural analysis Government Institutions Authoritarianism Political History

Mao Zedong and Donald Trump share some psychological traits, especially when it comes to their relationships with their fathers, which influenced their leadership styles. Both faced difficult upbringings, with adversarial relationships shaping who they became.
Both leaders have used chaos as a means to consolidate power. Mao's Cultural Revolution and Trump's actions against the government bureaucracy show a similar desire to disrupt established systems they see as threats.
The trauma from Mao's era still affects Chinese society today, reflecting how historical traumas can linger across generations. This concept of inherited trauma can also be observed in how political dynamics play out in current leadership styles.

The Cold War History of Export Controls

415 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Technology History Trade

Export controls on technology have a long history, dating back to the Cold War, and they show how countries try to limit each other's advancements.
The effectiveness of these controls depends heavily on cooperation between countries; without a united approach, it's hard to enforce such regulations.
Tracking where technology goes after it's exported is crucial. If countries can't monitor this, it makes it easy for others to use loopholes and bypass the rules.

China’s Hundred Lens War

459 implied HN points • 28 May 25

🕹 Technology Augmented reality Virtual reality AI Technology Product Innovation Market Trends

China's AR market is thriving with many small companies leading the way instead of just a few big giants. This competition is creating a diverse range of products and ideas.
The use of AR glasses could become very useful in everyday life, like real-time translation or enhancing gaming experiences. There's potential for AR to change how we interact and work.
China's AR industry is continuously innovating with new technology and partnerships, which might lead to more successful products in the future compared to what we've seen from larger companies.

DeepSeek: What the Headlines Miss

4121 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Export Controls Computing

Export restrictions on AI chips only recently started, so it’s too soon to judge their effectiveness. The new chips might still perform well for AI tasks, keeping development ongoing.
DeepSeek's advancements in efficiency show that machine learning can get cheaper over time. It’s possible for smaller companies to do more with less, but bigger companies benefits from these efficiencies too.
The gap in computing power between the US and China is significant. DeepSeek admits they need much more computing power than US companies to achieve similar results due to export controls.

DeepSeek: The View from China

2075 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Tech Innovation

DeepSeek is gaining attention in the AI community for its strong performance and efficient use of computing power. Many believe it showcases China’s growing capabilities in AI technology.
The culture at DeepSeek focuses on innovation without immediate monetization, emphasizing the importance of young talent in AI advancements. This approach has differentiated them from larger tech firms.
Despite initial success, there are still concerns about the long-term sustainability of AI business models. The demand for computing power is high, and no company has enough to meet the future needs.

DeepSeek's Secret to Success

1615 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Labor relations Corporate Governance Entrepreneurship

DeepSeek's success is due to its flat management style, which allows employees more freedom and collaboration compared to the typical rigid structure of Chinese tech firms. This supportive culture fosters creativity and innovation.
Unlike many tech companies in China, DeepSeek was not funded by the government or large corporations. It was self-funded by a former hedge fund manager, allowing it to operate independently and avoid typical pressures.
DeepSeek's hiring approach focuses on young talent, valuing passion and fresh ideas over years of experience. This strategy has helped the company innovate rapidly and challenge larger competitors.

DeepSeek: A Tragedy Foretold?

1141 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Open Source Innovation China tech Regulations

DeepSeek is an open-source AI project in China that allows developers to use and build on its models for free. This supports the idea of sharing knowledge and innovation globally.
Many Chinese tech leaders prefer closed-source models because they see open-source as less profitable. They believe it’s often not worth the investment when considering the costs involved.
The Chinese government supports open-source initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign software, but there are concerns about how powerful AI could be regulated to ensure safety and control.

Gridlocked: Transformer Shortage Choking U.S. Supply Chains

948 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Supply Chains Manufacturing National Security

There's a big shortage of transformers in the US, which are crucial for powering everything from homes to new technology like AI and electric vehicles. This shortage is causing long delays in construction and other projects.
US production of transformers is struggling due to a lack of trained workers and supply chain issues. Only about 20% of the domestic demand is currently being met, leading to rising costs.
This transformer shortage presents a security risk as foreign attacks could cripple the grid. Improving regulations and providing support for domestic manufacturing could help address these problems.

Asia's Great Power Wars

815 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Historical context Conflict resolution

East Asian countries have a long history of peaceful coexistence, unlike Europe, where wars were common. They managed to build relationships based on respect and understanding, even with power imbalances.
Many conflicts in East Asia were driven by internal issues rather than outside threats. Most dynasties fell because of internal problems, showing that the real danger often comes from within rather than from other nations.
The idea that smaller nations have to band together against a bigger power like China isn't always true. East Asian countries often engage with China on their own terms, navigating relationships carefully without treating it as a direct threat.

DeepSeek and the Future of AI Competition with Miles Brundage

948 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Modeling Competition Trade policy Innovation

DeepSeek's R1 model shows that AI competition is heating up between the U.S. and China. It's similar to OpenAI's model but developed quickly, closing the gap.
The efficiency at which DeepSeek operates is driven by export controls, meaning limited access to advanced chips. More chips would better their AI capabilities.
Open-sourcing AI models has its benefits, but governments need to be careful. They should ensure the technology is not misused while still allowing some level of open collaboration.

Deepseek: The Quiet Giant Leading China’s AI Race

1615 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Startups Innovation Research Open Source

Deepseek is a rising Chinese AI startup that has surpassed major competitors like OpenAI in some technical benchmarks. They are focused on foundational research and open-sourcing their models.
The company has started a price war in the Chinese AI market by offering their technology at much lower rates than the competition, making AI more accessible.
Deepseek's approach prioritizes innovation over immediate profit, aiming to contribute to the global technological landscape rather than just following existing trends.

China’s Weird Chip Surplus, Explained

696 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Data Centers Cloud Services

China has added a lot of AI chips in 2024, but they are not being used efficiently. This leads to having too many unused chips even though some types of processing power are in short supply.
Major technology companies and state-owned firms are investing heavily in AI computing centers, but many of these centers are poorly managed. This results in a waste of resources and underutilized equipment.
The demand for computing power is changing. While there is enough power for now, experts believe there might be shortages again soon as the need for AI applications grows.

Anthropic's Dario Amodei on AI Competition

681 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Competition Innovation Export Controls International relations

The competition in AI between the US and China is becoming more intense, with new players like DeepSeek entering the market. Each country needs to stay ahead to maintain power and safety.
Export controls are important for managing technology sharing and preventing potential misuse of AI by authoritarian regimes. This helps keep a balance while still allowing beneficial uses of AI.
AI has the potential to support democracy and create fairer systems, but it's important to ensure safety and responsible use. The focus should be on how technology is used rather than just who creates it.

What Xi Believes

919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🌍 World Politics Chinese Politics Ideology International relations Modernization Economic Policy

Xi Jinping believes Chinese modernization should focus on people's needs rather than just economic growth. He criticizes Western models for causing inequality and promotes a version that fits China's unique culture and history.
The Chinese Communist Party is essential for Xi's vision of modernization. He insists that without the Party's leadership, China cannot succeed and stresses the need for discipline within the Party.
Struggle is a key theme for Xi, who sees it as vital for the Party's survival and China's progress. He encourages a proactive approach to risks, stating that avoiding challenges can lead to decline.

What's Next for ChinaTalk

756 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI China Policy Innovation Geopolitics

ChinaTalk started as a small project and has grown to have 50,000 subscribers by focusing on tech developments in China.
They aim to provide deep analysis on China's tech landscape, especially regarding AI, to help people understand its global impact.
In 2025, ChinaTalk plans to expand into a think tank, hiring more staff to enhance their research and outreach efforts.

DeepSeek: what it means and what happens next

622 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Open Source Chinese Tech Export Controls

DeepSeek is a unique AI research lab that has no pressure to make money. This allows them to focus on innovation and open-source work without the typical commercial constraints most tech companies face.
They prioritize hiring young, talented engineers who are passionate about technology. This approach leads to fresh ideas and creativity, breaking from traditional hiring practices in other companies.
DeepSeek's relationship with the Chinese government is evolving, with potential benefits and challenges. As they gain more attention, there are questions about how much freedom they'll have in their open-source projects.

DeepSeek's Edge

741 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Hardware Research Data

DeepSeek has no business model, which allows its team to experiment freely without pressure to earn money. This gives them a unique advantage over most other AI labs that need to focus on revenue.
DeepSeek runs its own data centers instead of relying on external cloud services. This means they have better control over their resources and can optimize their setup for efficiency.
The company's success comes from their innovative software optimization techniques. By being smart about how they use their hardware, they've achieved high performance even with limited resources.

How My China Tech Beat Fell Apart

993 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

🕹 Technology China tech Geopolitics Startup Culture Media Relations

Chinese tech startups are trying to hide their origins to avoid negative stigma in the West. Many founders worry that being labeled as 'Chinese' could hurt their chances of success.
The relationship between Western reporters and Chinese tech entrepreneurs has changed dramatically due to rising geopolitical tensions. Once seen as exciting collaborators, many founders now feel cautious and distrustful.
As regulations increased and opportunities within China shrank, many Chinese companies started to look for growth in international markets. This shift led to tensions between telling their stories and their need to downplay their roots.

Dario Amodei + DeepSeek’s New Burdens

518 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Business Models Government Relations

DeepSeek is facing challenges in managing corporate partnerships while maintaining its research-focused culture. They might have to balance getting support from big tech companies with staying true to their values.
As DeepSeek becomes more popular, it risks losing its talented employees to other companies offering better pay. This could change the company's culture and innovation approach.
If DeepSeek forms closer ties with the Chinese government, they could get funding and resources, but it may come with scrutiny and reduced independence. They need to navigate these relationships carefully.

Trade: How Free is Too Free?

533 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic History Federal Government International relations

US trade policy has evolved over 250 years, reflecting different political interests and economic conditions. This history shows that trade debates have always been intense and sometimes divisive.
Tariffs serve three main purposes: to raise revenue, restrict imports to protect local jobs, and enable reciprocal trade agreements. Each of these has played a significant role in shaping the US trade landscape.
Recent trade policies, especially under Trump, have likely created lasting changes in US-China relations. These changes may make it hard for future administrations to return to previous trade norms.

Strategic Ambiguity vs. Clarity

459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations

Strategic ambiguity means the US isn't clear about defending Taiwan, aiming to prevent both Taiwan's independence and Chinese aggression. This policy has been followed since Nixon, but some think it's outdated.
Strategic clarity would mean the US openly commits to defending Taiwan, which could deter China and reassure allies, but might provoke a stronger Chinese response.
The debate is ongoing, with many arguing for evidence-based choices instead of just sticking to old beliefs, given the evolving situation in Taiwan and China.

Deepseek Meets Li Qiang, Data Labeling Subsidies, Taiwan's Debt, Automation Optimism

429 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Data Policy Automation Economics

DeepSeek, a major player in China's AI sector, recently caught the attention of government leaders, highlighting its rise as a 'national champion.' This may lead to more funding but also increased scrutiny from the government.
China is putting effort into developing the data labeling industry as a key part of its AI advancements, offering tax breaks and support to help businesses in this area grow. High-quality data is essential for effective AI development.
Taiwan needs to rethink its strict debt policy to invest more in military and energy security due to rising threats from China. Maintaining a low debt level could limit Taiwan's ability to strengthen its defense.

EMERGENCY EDITION: AI Diffusion Export Controls

459 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Regulation National Security Technology International relations

The Biden administration is implementing stricter rules on exporting advanced AI technology to prevent it from being misused, especially by countries like China. These rules aim to maintain the US's leadership in AI technology.
There will be a new three-tier system classifying countries based on their access to AI chips, with stricter controls for adversarial nations. This affects where companies can build data centers and how easily they can deploy AI projects globally.
Companies that meet verification requirements will have an easier time obtaining licenses for export. However, smaller sovereign AI projects in tier two countries may struggle to meet these requirements and might reconsider their AI investments.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship

DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

Patents and National Power

370 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Intellectual Property Innovation Economics International relations

Patents are important for protecting inventors and fostering innovation. They give inventors exclusive rights to their creations, which encourages more people to invent and share new ideas.
The U.S. patent system differs from other countries because it allows anyone to apply for a patent, making it more accessible. This has helped create a culture of innovation and economic growth in America.
Recent changes in patent policies have made it harder for inventors to protect their ideas, which could slow down innovation. It's important for the U.S. to strengthen its patent system to maintain its leadership in technology and innovation.

Amb. Burns Reflects from Beijing

415 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🌍 World Politics Diplomacy International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Trade policy

Dialogue is crucial in maintaining relationships between superpowers. Talking helps address issues and avoid misunderstandings that could escalate into conflicts.
China faces a choice between aligning with disruptive nations like Russia or acting as a responsible global power. Their decisions now have significant implications for their international relationships.
Having strong alliances is essential for the U.S. in its competition with China. Allies amplify American power and help maintain global stability.

RedNote, Uber Eats in Kinmen, Jimmy Carter's Taiwan Legacy, AI EO and More

385 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Public Policy Government Technology Policy History

RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, has become a new favorite for TikTok users in search of a platform that connects them with genuine interactions. People are enjoying sharing jokes and cultural experiences across borders.
Jimmy Carter's approach to U.S.-China relations helped protect Taiwan's interests, allowing the U.S. to provide arms to Taiwan even after recognizing China. His actions laid the groundwork for Taiwan's future as a democratic society.
Uber Eats is expanding its reach in Kinmen, Taiwan, but it faces unique challenges like local mischievous monkeys that like to swipe food from delivery drivers. This highlights the quirky side of food delivery in the region.

China’s GenAI Content Security Standard: An Explainer

429 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Regulation Cybersecurity Data Privacy Machine Learning

China has set rules for generative AI to ensure the content it produces is safe and follows government guidelines. This means companies need to be careful about what their AI apps say and share.
Developers of AI must check their data and the output carefully to avoid politically sensitive issues, as avoiding censorship is a key focus of these rules. They have to submit thorough documentation showing they comply with these standards.
While these standards are not legally binding, companies often follow them closely because government inspections are strict. These regulations mainly aim at controlling politically sensitive content.

Best of ChinaTalk 2024

281 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Research Internet Gaming

China is focusing on developing its AI and technology sectors, addressing the balance between innovation and security.
The chip industry in Taiwan is evolving, with a strong emphasis on local strategies to maintain competitiveness.
ChinaTalk has produced a variety of engaging content, covering topics like politics, technology, and culture, while also expanding its reach through podcasts and YouTube.