87 episodes

Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders. They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture are reshaping China and the world. Published every Tuesday.
If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.
For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts.

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Drum Tower The Economist

    • News
    • 4.7 • 63 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders. They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture are reshaping China and the world. Published every Tuesday.
If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.
For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Drum Tower: Ramadan in Xinjiang

    Drum Tower: Ramadan in Xinjiang

    New religious regulations in Xinjiang stipulate that mosques should look Chinese and religious figures should behave patriotically. What do those rules look like on the ground, and did they affect Ramadan celebrations for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities this year?

    David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief visited the far-western region to find out if people are still allowed to fast, and whether—contrary to what officials say—mosques really are being destroyed.

    Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+

    For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

    Drum Tower: South China Seaside

    Drum Tower: South China Seaside

    For centuries, most Chinese turned their back on the sea. But a boom in domestic tourism and the pandemic changed that. Now, whether they want the perfect seaside-selfie or to commune with nature, millions are heading to the beach for the very first time.

    Rosie Blau, The Economist’s international China correspondent, spends a day at Dameisha beach, on China’s southern tip, where she explores what China’s new beach culture reveals about the country today.

    Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+

    For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

    Drum Tower: Xi’s doomed economic plan

    Drum Tower: Xi’s doomed economic plan

    The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes was recently in Beijing for the China Development Forum, an annual gathering where senior Chinese officials meet foreign business bosses.
    She joins our Beijing bureau chief David Rennie to assess Xi Jinping’s new plan to escape economic stagnation. Plus, what is the outlook for China’s relationship with America?
    Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+
    For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

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    • 37 min
    Drum Tower: Civilising the masses

    Drum Tower: Civilising the masses

    The Communist Party wants to build a “civilised” China. Its latest attempt is a nationwide campaign that aims to insert the party, and its ideology, in every aspect of people’s lives.

    Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, examine this campaign and take you to a mass wedding organised by a New Era Civilisation Practice Centre. Together they ask: how does Xi Jinping’s latest civilisation campaign work? And what does it mean to the people who take part?

    Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+

    For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

    Drum Tower: Tick tock for TikTok

    Drum Tower: Tick tock for TikTok

    On March 13th America’s House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok nationwide unless its Chinese owner, Bytedance, agrees to sell its stake. 
    Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, look at China’s side of the story. Joined by Don Weinland, our China business and finance editor, they ask: does Chinese ownership of TikTok really pose a threat to America?
    Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+
    For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 38 min
    Drum Tower picks: Is China a climate saint or villain?

    Drum Tower picks: Is China a climate saint or villain?

    An article from The Economist read aloud. This week our China section looks at how China is supercharging the green transition—while burning mountains of coal.

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
63 Ratings

63 Ratings

AG#TC ,

Love this PODcast

Thank you for giving is valid, intelligent insight on China and various relations with itself and the rest of the world

mleung33 ,

Biased coverage

If you want a large dose of anti China rhetoric, this is the podcast for you. Extremely biased, the hosts can barely contain their contempt for anything China does. China always up to no good or simply incompetent.

LanMouland ,

Love it

Brings a very balanced view of life in China.

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