Pekingnology

Pekingnology explores various aspects of China's domestic policies, its international relations, and public and economic strategies. It delves into the nuances of China's approach to foreign affairs, economic reforms, societal changes, and the global perception of its policies. The newsletter provides insights into China's interactions with other nations, particularly the U.S., and discusses developments in its private sector and technological advancements.

Domestic Policy and Society International Relations and Diplomacy Economic Strategies and Reforms Global Perceptions and Public Diplomacy Technological Advancements and Digital Economy Education and Talent Cultivation Legal and Corporate Developments

The hottest Substack posts of Pekingnology

And their main takeaways

Zhou Tianyong's economic reform agenda

60 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Economics Reforms Growth Policy Industry
  1. China's economy needs big reforms to grow sustainably. Without these changes, growth could drop significantly.
  2. Removing barriers like household registration will help people move and work better, boosting the economy.
  3. To thrive, China must also improve how money flows in society, ensuring that everyday people earn more and can spend more.

Wang Jisi on U.S. society, foreign policy, & China-U.S. relations

75 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Immigration China relations Political trends
  1. The U.S. is seeing a shift in demographics, with minority groups growing faster than the white population. This change could affect the country's political landscape in the future.
  2. Trump's approach to immigration is complex and may not significantly stop illegal immigration. The U.S. is unlikely to become closed off completely due to its reliance on immigrants for economic growth.
  3. China and the U.S. still have areas for cooperation, especially in trade and technology, despite their rivalry. Both countries benefit from maintaining some level of engagement.

Ge Jianxiong on unity and division in China's history

94 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Territorial disputes
  1. China has a long history of unity and division, but future unification can be achieved peacefully if it reflects the people's will, rather than through force.
  2. To maintain national unity, China needs to address issues like ethnic autonomy and democratization, while ensuring local governments have more control.
  3. Resolving territorial disputes is essential, and it requires realistic compromises rather than an insistence on historical claims.

Qian Chengdan on Area Studies in China

67 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🚌 Education Interdisciplinary Political Science Cultural Studies History
  1. China has a strict system for classifying academic disciplines which includes a recent addition of 'area studies.' This means universities can't create new fields without government approval, keeping academic studies organized but also rigid.
  2. Area studies is important because it combines different fields like politics, economics, and culture to understand specific countries or regions better. This helps in making informed government strategies and improving international relations.
  3. Despite the rise in area studies, there are challenges due to traditional academic boundaries. China is trying to support this field by officially recognizing interdisciplinary studies, which allows for more collaboration and talent development.

Wang Jisi on U.S. domestic politics in Trump’s Second Term

67 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Identity politics Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Trump's victory in the 2024 election showed that many voters are unhappy with the current state of the country. His focus on addressing economic issues resonated with people who felt left behind.
  2. The rise of right-wing populism is reshaping American politics, but this conflict over identity and values isn’t going away anytime soon. Different groups express their concerns through varying political movements.
  3. Even with Trump in power, big reforms won't be easy due to ongoing political divisions. His goals may face strong opposition, showing that change in politics is often complicated and slow.
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Ma Ying-jeou Urges Return to Cross-Strait Dialogue on “Peace Journey” Anniversary

45 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Government Policy
  1. Ma Ying-jeou emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue between Taiwan and China. He believes that communication can help improve relations and resolve issues peacefully.
  2. He reflects on past successes in cross-Strait cooperation, highlighting how agreements and exchanges benefited both sides. These examples show that peaceful relations are possible.
  3. Ma urges current Taiwanese leaders to abandon aspirations for independence and instead focus on rebuilding cross-Strait relations for a safer and more stable future.

1st call between Marco Rubio and Wang Yi

181 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy China relations Foreign affairs Political Analysis
  1. Marco Rubio and Wang Yi had their first phone call, but the U.S. State Department mistakenly identified Wang's job title. This confusion happened even under the previous administration, showing it’s a common mix-up.
  2. In the official summary from China about their call, there was an unexpected mention of the U.S. wanting a peaceful resolution for Taiwan. This is unusual and may be a slip because it contradicts China's stance on the issue.
  3. Wang Yi gave Rubio a veiled warning to behave himself during their conversation, highlighting the tension in their relationship given Rubio's past criticisms of China.

Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference

132 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Global Governance Multilateralism
  1. The world is becoming multipolar, meaning many countries will have more equal power instead of just a few dominating. This is a positive change that can lead to more fairness among nations.
  2. It's essential to follow international laws and treat all countries equally, regardless of their power. Respecting each other's sovereignty helps maintain peace and stability.
  3. Cooperation, openness, and working together are key to solving global problems. Countries should not isolate themselves but instead collaborate for a better future.

CEO of DeepSeek's parent, High-Flyer Quant, spoke in 2020

143 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Quantitative AI Market Analysis Emerging Markets
  1. High-Flyer Quant uses AI for its investment strategies. They rely on advanced models and lots of data to predict stock prices and make trades.
  2. The Chinese stock market is seen as less efficient, which gives AI-driven strategies a chance to find opportunities that traditional investing might miss. This leads to potential higher returns for the right strategies.
  3. As more institutions enter the market, competition will increase. High-Flyer focuses on research and development to stay ahead in this tough environment.

The curious case of "TikTok refugees" on Rednote/Xiaohongshu

158 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Migration Data Privacy Content Moderation User Behavior
  1. Many TikTok users in the U.S. are moving to a Chinese app called RedNote due to fears of a TikTok ban. This has led to an increase in the app's popularity.
  2. RedNote is like a mix of TikTok and Instagram, mainly used by young people to share lifestyle tips. However, it hasn't been widely known outside of Chinese-speaking areas until now.
  3. The move raises concerns about content moderation and privacy. RedNote may struggle with foreign-language content and could face pressure from Chinese regulations as more American users join.

Official provincial commentary on DeepSeek

113 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Innovation Global Competition Startups
  1. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has gained international attention for its open-source technology, which allows researchers around the world to access and use it. This approach is seen as a major strength of the company.
  2. The cost-effectiveness of DeepSeek's AI model is highlighted, showing that it achieves high performance at a fraction of the cost compared to similar models in the U.S. This makes AI development more accessible.
  3. The rise of DeepSeek shows that innovation and technological progress can flourish even when facing challenges like export restrictions and competition. Trusting young talent and fostering collaboration are key to success in tech development.

MA Hong on Deep-seated Reasons for U.S.-China Trade Disputes and Future Prospects

60 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Tariffs Globalization
  1. China has become a major player in global manufacturing, making a large percentage of products for the world market. This shift has changed how trade works, impacting jobs in other countries.
  2. The U.S.-China trade war has led to significant changes in trade patterns, with the U.S. looking to import from other countries instead of just China. This is reshaping the supply chains in many industries.
  3. Looking ahead, trade relations may become more regional than global, with smaller countries playing a larger role. The world is moving away from relying heavily on China for manufacturing.

Merry Chrismas

105 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌐 International China Globalization Media Newsletter Politics
  1. The newsletter started in 2020 and has grown from 600 to over 17,500 subscribers. It's great to see it reach so many readers.
  2. The goal of the newsletter is to provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of China. It aims to present a true and multi-faceted view of the country.
  3. Thanks were given to readers and contributors, highlighting the importance of teamwork in creating diverse content about China.

The state of China's small and micro companies

52 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Trends Employment Policy Analysis
  1. Small and micro businesses are crucial for China's economy, providing services and jobs to many people. They help support bigger companies and industries in different areas.
  2. These businesses employ around 400 million people, making them essential for social stability. The livelihoods of many families depend on their success.
  3. Small and micro businesses face challenges like weak demand and high operating costs. They need better financial support and policies to thrive and stimulate the economy.

Chinese economy hinges on market reform & rule of law, NOT monetary or fiscal policy, says Zhang Weiying

109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Policy Analysis Global Trade
  1. The success of the Chinese economy is rooted in market reforms and the rule of law, rather than just government spending or interest rates. This means that true economic growth comes from creating a system that supports freedom and innovation.
  2. Addressing first-order issues, like improving legal systems and personal freedoms, is crucial. These foundational changes spark real confidence among entrepreneurs, driving sustainable economic growth instead of just relying on short-term financial fixes.
  3. China's approach to opening up and internal liberalization must be seen as interconnected. For China to thrive globally, it needs to embrace both international cooperation and reform at home, trusting in the creativity and initiative of its people.

Wang Yi meets Allison, Merz, Kallas, Baerbock, Werthein, Rutte, Scholz, Barro, Albares, & Sa'ar in Munich

41 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Security Geopolitics Multilateralism
  1. Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, met with several key European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, discussing China's role in global issues and emphasizing the importance of multilateralism.
  2. Wang mentioned that China aims to strengthen its relations with Europe and support peace talks, particularly regarding the Ukraine crisis, highlighting mutual benefits and stability.
  3. The meetings reflected China's intention to foster cooperation and understanding with various countries, aiming for a peaceful multipolar world while reinforcing its foreign policy principles.

Wang Yongli clarifies China's issuance of USD-denominated Sovereign Bonds in Saudi Arabia

83 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economic strategy
  1. China recently issued its first US dollar sovereign bonds in Saudi Arabia, which was very successful and attracted lots of international interest. This shows that global investors trust China's creditworthiness.
  2. There has been some exaggerated talk on social media claiming this bond issuance is a big blow to the US dollar. However, these claims are misleading and don't reflect the usual practice of governments issuing bonds in various currencies.
  3. Wang Yongli, a financial expert, emphasized that the bond issuance does not aim to disrupt the US currency or its economy. It's more about China's normal efforts to raise funds in international markets.

Christmas for China-Japan relations

71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Bilateral Relations Diplomacy Geopolitics Cultural Exchange
  1. China and Japan are improving their relationship after years of tension. High-level meetings between their leaders are helping to foster better communication and understanding.
  2. There is a focus on youth exchanges and cultural connections to strengthen friendship between the two countries. Schools and local events can play a big part in bringing people together.
  3. China has made travel easier by removing visa requirements for Japanese citizens, and Japan is also easing its visa rules for Chinese visitors. This will encourage more tourism and personal connections between the nations.

Henry Huiyao Wang: With deal-maker Trump, business cooperation could reset US-China ties

52 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Trade policy Economic Cooperation Political strategy
  1. Trump's business-focused approach could reshape US-China relations. By promoting cooperation through direct investment, both countries might find common ground.
  2. China can learn from Japan's strategy in the 1980s, where investment in US manufacturing helped ease trade tensions. This model shows that collaboration can lead to shared benefits.
  3. American and Chinese companies have a lot to gain from each other. Success stories in both markets highlight how strong business ties can improve relations, even during tough times.

Chinese, U.S. readouts of Xi-Biden meeting in Lima

94 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Bilateral Relations Global Issues Political Leadership
  1. Xi and Biden talked about keeping a stable and cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. They agreed that communication is key to avoid conflicts.
  2. Both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting each other's positions and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, especially regarding Taiwan.
  3. They highlighted working together on global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, showing that cooperation benefits everyone.

Yan Xuetong in 2015: Generalization of Diplomatic Concepts Harms the World's Understanding of China

64 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy International relations Foreign Policy Global Issues
  1. Overgeneralizing diplomatic terms makes it hard to understand their true meaning. It's like saying everything is important, so nothing feels special anymore.
  2. China's diplomatic concepts have lost their original focus and clarity due to this overgeneralization. This confusion can lead to problems in how other countries perceive China's foreign policies.
  3. To fix this, China needs better coordination among its government departments when using these concepts. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and can communicate clearly.

Lou Jiwei on China's banking, PE/VC, IPOs, and Big Tech's role in lending

49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investment Regulation Technology Market
  1. Finance should support high-quality development by improving access to loans for private companies. This includes reducing risks for banks and treating all companies equally, whether state-owned or private.
  2. Government-backed venture capital funds need to focus more on market-driven models. This will help them foster innovation while allowing for some tolerance of failure among startups.
  3. It's important for internet platforms to share the risk in lending to small businesses. By co-lending a portion of the loans, they can help prevent systemic risks in the financial system.

Xu Gao on Establishing a Govt-Market Relationship with Chinese Characteristics

64 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Income Inequality Government Role Trade Relations
  1. Xu Gao believes the government should play an active role in the economy, especially during crises. He suggests that when markets fail, government intervention is necessary to stabilize them.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of addressing income inequality, arguing that the government needs to redistribute wealth more effectively. This will help ensure social harmony and allow all citizens to benefit from economic growth.
  3. Gao also highlights that targeted government policies can promote industrial development. He points to China's new energy vehicle industry as a successful example of how strategic support can lead to significant economic advancements.

Xi at Trump's inauguration? China likely still weighing options

52 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Analysis Bilateral Relations
  1. Trump invited Xi to his upcoming inauguration, marking a unique diplomatic gesture. It's not common for a U.S. president to invite a foreign leader to their inauguration.
  2. China is considering whether or not to attend. They might choose to send a representative instead of Xi himself to avoid potential risks and uncertainties.
  3. If China decides to accept the invitation, it could strengthen their relationship with the U.S. while also showing commitment to peaceful cooperation between the countries.

Bi Jingquan on China’s pharmaceutical evolution and int'l cooperation

37 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals International cooperation Public Health Innovation
  1. China has made big improvements in its pharmaceutical industry by working with international partners. This helps them develop better drugs and get them to the market faster.
  2. Despite progress, China still faces challenges in drug innovation and access. Most new drugs are imitations, and prices are often too low, which can discourage companies from investing in new developments.
  3. To create a better future in healthcare, it's important for different countries to cooperate. This teamwork can help tackle global drug shortages and ensure people can get the medicines they need.

Peking Playbook 20241124

67 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Military Affairs China relations
  1. China's People's Liberation Army is focusing on military legal governance, encouraging its officers to read Xi Jinping's statements on this topic. They want to ensure the military follows the law properly.
  2. There will be new rules from the Chinese government about how internet algorithms work. The aim is to avoid showing too much of the same content and to protect workers in the gig economy.
  3. China has expanded its visa-free travel program to include 38 countries, making it easier for people to visit. This change is meant to boost tourism and improve international relationships.

Taiwan's former parliamentary speaker proposes "separate jurisdictions, one sovereignty"

56 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Peace Studies Geopolitics Cross-strait relations
  1. A former Taiwanese leader suggests that Taiwan and mainland China can have separate governments but still share one sovereignty. He believes this could lead to better relations and peace.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each side's history and respecting each other's ways of life. This mutual respect is key to resolving tensions.
  3. The leader calls for more communication and collaboration between the two sides. He thinks that building trust can help improve the situation and create a brighter future.

Huang Qifan on deepening reforms around urban-rural integration

45 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reforms Urbanization Economy Public Policy
  1. Huang Qifan believes that blending urban and rural areas is crucial for China's growth. This means making sure both city and countryside develop together and share resources.
  2. He highlights that many farmers need bigger pieces of land to boost productivity. Current small farms struggle to produce enough food efficiently, which affects the entire economy.
  3. To make progress, policies must change to support farmers’ rights and income. This way, both rural and urban communities can benefit from their work and improve their living standards.

Beijing Reiterates Readiness to Resume Mainland Tourists to Taiwan

52 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Cross-strait relations Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Beijing wants to let its tourists visit Taiwan again, despite military tensions. They're ready to make this happen if Taipei lifts its ban on group tours.
  2. Taiwan's tourism industry is pushing its government to allow group tours to mainland China, but the government blames Beijing for the current restrictions.
  3. Both sides are blaming each other for the obstacles to tourism, but they both seem interested in resuming travel and improving relations.

Feng Yujun on the Prospects of Russia-Ukraine war after Trump's reelection

49 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Peace Studies Military Affairs
  1. Trump's promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is unrealistic and unlikely to happen.
  2. Russia has different strategies for the war, but its desire for land could lead to ongoing conflict rather than peace.
  3. A fair peace is essential for lasting peace; simply freezing the war would likely lead to future escalations.

Shen Jianguang on Five Major Misunderstandings of China’s Fiscal Stimulus Package

52 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💰 Finance Fiscal policy Debt Management Market Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. The fiscal stimulus package in China is larger than it seems. It includes various measures that could lead to significant economic support, potentially amounting to 20% of the GDP.
  2. Debt replacement efforts will not only improve local government finances but also allow for more government spending. This shift can help stimulate the economy by boosting aggregate demand.
  3. The package aims to help local governments, which can indirectly benefit businesses and households too. Increased spending can stimulate consumption and support recovery in multiple sectors.

How U.S. Customs shattered Chinese female PhD students' American Dream

267 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Discrimination International relations Human Rights Education
  1. Chinese female PhD students experienced mistreatment from U.S. Customs officials during airport inspections.
  2. The students were misled into signing documents without being informed of the content or consequences.
  3. The incidents raised concerns of potential racial and gender discrimination by U.S. Customs.

Jiang Xiaojuan on further deepening economic reforms

60 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics Policy Market Reform Trade
  1. Economic reforms in China focus on creating a level playing field. This means all types of businesses should have equal chances to compete and get resources without favoritism.
  2. There is an emphasis on letting the market decide which businesses succeed or fail. This encourages efficiency and helps the best companies thrive while weaker ones are phased out.
  3. Aligning China's economic rules with international standards is important. This helps local companies compete better globally and supports further opening up the economy.

Wuhan University professor blasts security- and selfishness-driven fragmentation, where "even basic information is not shared"

260 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Society Education Government Security
  1. Chinese society is experiencing a state of fragmentation with a silo effect causing public harm and societal degeneration.
  2. Institutions, like universities, are creating barriers and silos, leading to elitism and division from society as a whole.
  3. Government departments are becoming siloed, leading to inefficiencies, a lack of information sharing, and a decline in societal efficiency.

Tang Shiping predicts Trump "highly likely" to win - probability more than 60%

56 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Forecasting Political Analysis Modeling Public Opinion
  1. A professor predicts that Donald Trump has a greater than 60% chance of winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This prediction is based on computer simulations rather than traditional polling.
  2. The simulations suggest Trump will likely win key states like Michigan, Ohio, and Florida, while Harris is expected to win states like Georgia and Arizona.
  3. The forecasting method used is known as Agent-Based Modeling, which combines real data about voters and economic conditions to make predictions rather than relying on expert opinions.

Henry Huiyao Wang on What the U.S. Election Outcome Means for China

52 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Trade policy Foreign Policy Bilateral Relations
  1. If Trump wins the election, he might raise tariffs on Chinese goods but could still seek cooperation on other global issues. This means there may be both challenges and chances for negotiation.
  2. If Harris wins, she will likely continue the Biden administration's approach, which emphasizes competition with China while avoiding major conflicts. This could lead to a stable but competitive relationship.
  3. No matter who wins, there’s room for the U.S. and China to collaborate on big global problems like climate change and peace initiatives. Finding common ground will be crucial for both countries moving forward.

PLA Daily tells military to address one another formally

49 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Affairs International relations Discipline
  1. The military encourages formal titles to keep things professional. Informal names can cause confusion and disrespect among service members.
  2. Following proper addressing rules is important for maintaining order and discipline in the military. It helps everyone know their roles clearly.
  3. Leaders in the military should set a good example by correcting informal addresses. This helps create a respectful and united environment.

Former econ official says "trillions" to come, but be patient

56 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Market Analysis Government Regulation Investment strategy Macroeconomics
  1. A big economic plan is coming from China, but people need to be patient and not expect immediate results. Changes will happen over time.
  2. The government's strategy involves much more than just money; it includes a variety of policies to support different areas of the economy. This means they are looking at the bigger picture.
  3. Not every policy will show clear numbers right away. Some are about creating a better business environment and building for the future, which might take longer to see the effects.

Chairman Rabbit on tomorrow's Taiwan election

207 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics U.S. Relations Political Dynamics Cross-strait relations
  1. The KMT stands a chance in the upcoming Taiwan election due to internal unity and challenges faced by the ruling DPP.
  2. Accusations of CPC intervention in the election may just be excuses to cover internal issues within the DPP.
  3. If the KMT wins, Taiwan could see improved relations with China and a shift towards peace rather than reunification.