The hottest China Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Strategic or tactical? China’s leaders have tried hard to reassure investors. The wisdom of Chinese philosopher Hu Shih comes to mind: “More study of problems, less talk of ‘isms’”.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 196 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China's leaders are working hard to reassure investors amid economic challenges.
  2. There is skepticism surrounding China's commitment to its reform and opening up policies.
  3. Recent measures suggest China is addressing concerns about legal protections for entrepreneurs.

The Tucker Interview

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. The Tucker Carlson interview with Putin didn't break new ground, but generated views and highlighted the power of Twitter for news.
  2. Putin's incorrect historical claims were discussed, shedding light on the importance of transparent cost/benefit analyses in foreign policy decisions.
  3. Various political dynamics and implications surrounding the Ukraine situation, including corruption, global power struggles, and potential military actions, were analyzed.

India & Energy

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. India's population is the same size as China's, making up 35% of the global population.
  2. India's energy usage per capita is 7% of the United States, showing a huge gap in lifestyle and energy consumption.
  3. India's development model should not follow the West, requiring a new approach to 'development' for the entire world.

A quick wallow in the swamp

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics China
  1. The US-China policy has a long history dating back to David Rockefeller.
  2. There is a political split between the National Security State and big corporations regarding China.
  3. Janet Yellen's warning on US decoupling from China indicates resistance from corporate America.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

China’s new premier Li Qiang appeared to have pushed all the right buttons to project a pro-business and pragmatic governing style.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 176 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Li Qiang emphasized focus on reviving the economy in the next five years, reassuring the private sector and promising to improve the entrepreneurship environment.
  2. Li Qiang made it clear that his role is to execute plans set out by President Xi Jinping, showing a change from past premier styles.
  3. Li Qiang maintained a sharp focus on reviving the economy during his press conference, dedicating less time to international relations and emphasizing the importance of field research.

How the US created the “Iran-backed Houthis”

Nonzero Newsletter • 677 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. The US involvement in Yemen against the Houthis may have been based on misleading narratives.
  2. Artificial intelligence is advancing and could lead to job displacement for both low-skill and high-skill workers.
  3. China's population decline could be linked to unintended consequences of their one-child policy, affecting women's views on childbirth.

The energy wars. Are China and America on a collision course?

World Game • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics China
  1. It asks whether China and America are heading toward a clash over energy interests.
  2. Observers point out a long-standing tendency to explain interventions by hidden energy motives, and now some people claim promoting democracy was the true reason for the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
  3. The Maduro operation sparked controversy and conspiracy theories even as President Trump offered a live public explanation, underlining tensions between official accounts and public suspicion.

Chinese AI is crushing tech stocks

Alex's Personal Blog • 197 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology China
  1. Chinese AI models are affecting American tech stocks negatively, causing major declines in companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. This raises questions about how competitive American AI firms really are.
  2. The large amounts of money American tech companies are spending on AI hardware might be wasted since Chinese models like DeepSeek can do similar work with less investment.
  3. There are some positives, like the potential for learning from DeepSeek's open-source models, and the company is limited by government rules, which helps maintain competition.

Losing control of Africa.

Philoinvestor • 137 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Africa has a complex history with colonial influences, resulting in challenges and inequalities.
  2. Decolonization in Africa has led to artificial states and ongoing struggles, with foreign powers often serving their own interests.
  3. Countries like China, Russia, and Turkey are increasing their influence in Africa, challenging traditional powers like France.

The Average Chinese City

ChinaTalk • 652 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌐 International China
  1. Some of the top headlines from China reveal struggling economic situations post-zero-covid.
  2. Small cities like Baoji reflect challenges in China's economy with falling home prices and limited job prospects.
  3. Education in small-town China can be marketized, with families fighting for opportunities in local high schools.

Made-in-China Mess

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China's strict zero-Covid policies have led to widespread public protests as people become frustrated with ongoing lockdowns and health care failures.
  2. The country's vaccination efforts have lagged behind other nations, resulting in a higher number of Covid cases and deaths compared to places like India and the U.S.
  3. There are major economic consequences for China, including factory disruptions and a tarnished global reputation, prompting some businesses to consider relocating.

Propaganda Made in China

The Outpost • 98 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Conflicting narratives in world events create murky waters.
  2. Propaganda is constructed as memetic ordnance in a meme war economy.
  3. Engagement in world affairs will fall into three categories: direct participant, detached spectator, or mindless amplifier of narratives.

Does China Have a Timeline for Taking Over Taiwan?

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China has not specified a timeline for taking over Taiwan, but maintains a firm stance on reunification with force if necessary
  2. Xi Jinping has made it clear that he reserves the option to use force to achieve reunification of Taiwan
  3. Speculations on potential timelines for China taking military action against Taiwan are based on significant dates and goals, including by 2027, 2035, and before 2049

Top Links 372 China's New Year spending, the history of the growth paradigm, outlaw electric trikes and the Autobiography of Red

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China's Lunar New Year holiday saw increased travel and spending, surpassing pre-pandemic levels despite economic growth concerns.
  2. The post focuses on topics like the history of the growth paradigm, outlawing electric trikes, and the Autobiography of Red.
  3. The information shared in the post is intended for paid subscribers only.

Taiwan Election Results: How Lai won, what China thinks, and what’s at stake for the DPP

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Current VP William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party won the Taiwan presidential election with over 40% of the vote.
  2. The DPP lost control of the legislature in Taiwan's election, falling from 61 to 51 seats.
  3. The Taiwan election was a referendum on DPP governance and internal issues like population crisis, high real estate prices, and military conscription.

Is there a Pediatrics Shortage in China?

Cheryl’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness China
  1. There is social media concern in China about a shortage of pediatricians and medical supplies for children, particularly due to an increase in respiratory diseases.
  2. China's number of pediatricians has actually improved over the years, and the current shortage is more due to the sudden demand caused by the rise in respiratory illnesses targeting children.
  3. Even though there is a shortage of pediatricians in China, it is not as severe as portrayed on social media, and efforts are being made to increase the number of trained professionals.

China forgives 23 loans for 17 African countries, expands ‘win-win’ trade and infrastructure projects

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China has forgiven 23 loans for 17 African countries, showing a commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and deepening collaboration with the continent.
  2. Western accusations of Chinese 'debt-trap diplomacy' in Africa are baseless, as China has a history of cancelling debt and restructuring loans, aiming for win-win results.
  3. The US has been pressuring African countries to cut ties with China and Russia, while experts debunk the myth of the Chinese 'debt trap' narrative.

When This “Red Boy” Grows Up, AI-Based Tool 360GPT Could Give China an Edge in Cyber Conflict

Natto Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🕹 Technology China
  1. Qihoo 360 is developing an AI tool called 360GPT that could potentially enhance China's cyber defense capabilities.
  2. Zhou Hongyi, the founder of Qihoo 360, is actively embracing AI technology to strengthen cybersecurity in China and prepare for cyber warfare.
  3. There are tensions between the US and China in the cyber realm, with Qihoo 360 openly calling out US hacking activities and emphasizing the need for national preparedness in cyber warfare.

Imperial And China

Surfing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Geopolitical trends will impact the sustainability revolution, causing controversy as the sector grows.
  2. China's focus on solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and EVs is reshaping the sustainability sector's priorities.
  3. Collaboration between scientists and companies linked to China's military is now raising concerns compared to the past.

我最新专栏的中文翻译：《王向偉真話中國》新政府新使命：需堅決遏制‘極左’思潮。

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 98 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. The Chinese government needs to firmly control extreme left-wing ideologies to ensure economic development.
  2. Historical leadership transitions in China focused on economic development and pragmatism rather than ideological debates.
  3. Current challenges in China include economic recovery post-COVID and balancing international relations while curbing extreme nationalist ideologies.

China May Stay Permanently Behind the US in Generative AI

Interconnected • 447 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🕹 Technology China
  1. China may be permanently behind the US in Generative AI due to factors like blocking quality datasets.
  2. Unique attributes of Chinese Internet data, like linguistic challenges, present additional hurdles for AI developers in China.
  3. New regulatory burdens in China around AI development may hinder progress and keep the country behind the US in generative AI.

China launches Global South economic alliance to challenge US 'unilateralism' and 'cold-war mentality'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China is forming international alliances to counter US dominance and promote 'win-win cooperation'.
  2. The Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative aims to advance sustainable and people-centered development goals, including reducing poverty and achieving carbon neutrality.
  3. The economic alliance includes countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and others, challenging US hegemony and contributing to the emergence of a more multipolar world.

Why Science Dominates China’s Political Culture

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Science is a national quest in China, driven by nationalism, with a focus on achieving technological advancement and international prestige.
  2. China's modernization history saw the concept of science elevated from a mere tool to a grand narrative that influences the evaluation of national power.
  3. The CCP's focus on science and technology as a central value raises questions about the impact of scientism on China's future progress and international relations.

Top Links 386 China's investment shifts gear, Sudan's refugee crisis spills over, southern African drought & America's history crisis

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Adam Tooze's Chartbook Newsletter covers a range of topics like China's changing economy, Sudan's refugee crisis, Southern Africa's drought, and America's history crisis.
  2. Paid subscribers get access to in-depth content and analysis on important global issues.
  3. The newsletter provides great images, links, and reading recommendations for those interested in understanding complex global developments.

China pledges wealth redistribution, full employment, anti-corruption fight in 20th CPC national congress

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics China
  1. The Communist Party of China (CPC) pledged to redistribute wealth, reduce inequality, pursue full employment, uphold gender equality, and protect the environment in their 20th national congress.
  2. In the 20th national congress, the CPC emphasized the importance of improving people's well-being and raising the quality of life through measures like enhancing income distribution policies, supporting low-income earners, and combating corruption.
  3. During the 19th national congress, the CPC shifted its focus towards addressing 'unbalanced development' and prioritizing equitable income distribution as the central contradiction in Chinese society.

Beijing Wishes Away Hamas Terrorism

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Beijing's neutral stance on Hamas terrorism overlooks the suffering in Israel
  2. Chinese media coverage shows bias towards Gaza by downplaying Israeli suffering
  3. China calls for peace talks and a two-state solution in response to recent conflict

The Hong Konger

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. The world seems to have forgotten about Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure in the Hong Kong democracy movement.
  2. Jimmy Lai, a wealthy Hong Kong business icon, faced persecution for his pro-democracy stance and involvement in protests.
  3. Despite facing imprisonment, Jimmy Lai remains steadfast in his commitment to fighting for the people of Hong Kong and their freedom.

King Xi

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🎾 Sports China
  1. China is hosting the Olympics soon, showcasing amazing sports facilities and talented athletes. It's an exciting time for sports fans around the world.
  2. With one in five people living in China, the country has built a huge middle class. This growth is significant on a global scale.
  3. China's achievements go beyond sports; they have made remarkable changes that impact millions of lives, making them a key player in the world today.

02/07/14 - Weekly Roundup!

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China
  1. People in China are protesting for delayed wages and facing financial struggles due to the preparations for Chinese New Year.
  2. Severe snowfall in China has led to people getting stuck on highways and facing harsh conditions without electricity or food.
  3. Various incidents like building collapses, lack of fire safety equipment, stock market issues, and banking problems are causing significant concerns and unrest in different parts of China.

China to sustain top-down, debt-fueled investment in major projects and security capacities, ex-official says

Pekingnology • 33 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics China
  1. China plans to keep investing heavily in important projects and security measures for the next five years. This means that the government will continue to fund big projects to help boost the economy.
  2. The funding comes from special long-term bonds, showing a strong commitment from the central government. This method is different because it's a top-down approach, meaning the government decides on projects rather than local areas.
  3. These investments aim to improve many aspects of life in China, from transportation and education to food security. The goal is to make everyday life better for people while also preparing for international challenges.

What I've Been Reading | November 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics China
  1. Political Tribes by Amy Chua discusses the importance of ethno-cultural identity in politics.
  2. China After Mao by Frank Dikötter presents China as a superpower with internal problems like corruption and state control.
  3. Both books offer insights on crucial issues shaping global dynamics.