Last week at the G7 Summit, leaders announced the new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative, a commitment of $600 billion for the construction of global infrastructure by 2027. On this week's episode, Sam and Stewart weigh in on the initiative, its rationale and whether it has the potential to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This week Sam and Stewart are in conversation with eminent economist and author George Magnus, discussing his 2018 book  'Red Flags: Why Xi's China is in Jeopardy'.  Formerly the Chief Economist at UBS, George is a noted authority on what makes China’s economy tick. In this episode, George reflects on his thesis and we discuss whether his arguments have been revised since, as well as examine his current prognosis for China's economy. 

In this week's episode Sam and Stewart explore the significance of the Pacific  from China's perspective. They are joined by seasoned expert Alexander Neill to discuss China's strategic aims in the region and the potential future trajectories Beijing might take.Map: The Pacific region from China's perspectivehttps://geopoliticalfutures.com/chinas-national-security-challenges/#&gid=1&pid=3

In last week’s episode we discussed the potential for a Great Split between China and the West over Taiwan. Today we examine what might lead to this, including the different ways that Beijing might force reunification with what it terms a renegade province. We also look a what the global economic repercussions would be from such a move: it’s not a spoiler to say that they would be horrific.This episode forms Part 2 of our analysis on the breakdown of China-Western relations

In Episode 5 of What China Wants, Sam and Stewart discuss the potential for a rapid economic and political decoupling between China and the West over Taiwan, and ask what such a “Great Split” would mean for the world.

Perched on China's doorstep so-to-speak, Southeast Asian nations have an historic relationship with their neighbour as well as with other global powers. As Chinese influence and investment in the region has increased, we ask whether this might be the front-line for  great power competition?

Beijing has long said it will reunite with Taiwan, apparently whether or not the Taiwanese want to do so. But do Russia’s difficulties in Ukraine change China’s calculations and make such an adventure less likely? Sam and Stewart talk the economic, political, and military calculations involved.

This week on What China Wants, we are exploring whether China is a global military power. The US might lead in terms of bases by 750:1, but there's far more to what China is doing than just military installations. Sam and Stewart discuss the relationship between the CCP and the PLA - China's government and its military - and what this means for China's global reach across the world. 

Welcome to our first What China Wants podcast. Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson discuss whether, after decades of breakneck growth, China’s economy is now shrinking - and if so, what this means for the West.Co-Hosts: Sam Olsen and Stewart PatersonProducer: Francesca Griffin