7 episodes

A relaxing, educational podcast covering China's modern history, current events, and academic analyses of China's politics, society, and culture in a variety of mini-series. Starting with the history of the 20th century, this podcast aims to explore all facets of the history of China, from the major events to the smallest local changes, to give you a full picture of the development of one of the world's most powerful nations. As the series develops, we will discuss Chinese art, religion, politics, culture, and economics, bringing the country's past to life. If you're more interested in modern China, stay tuned for the modern China series where we talk about how the CCP exercises control, makes people disappear, and encourages loyalty. We also get on the ground and talk to the people of Hong Kong about their recent experiences with the protests in the territory in 2019.

Sinobabble Edi Obiakpani

    • News
    • 4.7 • 7 Ratings

A relaxing, educational podcast covering China's modern history, current events, and academic analyses of China's politics, society, and culture in a variety of mini-series. Starting with the history of the 20th century, this podcast aims to explore all facets of the history of China, from the major events to the smallest local changes, to give you a full picture of the development of one of the world's most powerful nations. As the series develops, we will discuss Chinese art, religion, politics, culture, and economics, bringing the country's past to life. If you're more interested in modern China, stay tuned for the modern China series where we talk about how the CCP exercises control, makes people disappear, and encourages loyalty. We also get on the ground and talk to the people of Hong Kong about their recent experiences with the protests in the territory in 2019.

    The "White Woman aesthetic" trend and Chinese class struggle

    The "White Woman aesthetic" trend and Chinese class struggle

    Yoghurt bowls. Lululemon leggings. Ugg slippers. More young Chinese women embrace what they identify as the "white woman aesthetic" as an antidote to the pressures of high maintenance beauty standards and material achievement. As more Chinese women question the grind and settle for less, is the "white woman aesthetic" really an innocent social media fad or a deeper awakening of class consciousness? 

    Chapters 
    3:15: Introduction to the "White Woman aesthetic"
    12:00 Chinese middle class anxiety
    14:31 Defining the Chinese middle class
    21:05 Morality and responsibility of the Chinese middle class
    27:32 Limitations of the Chinese middle class
    37:08 Conclusions


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    • 41 min
    China's ecommerce dystopia: TEMU, SHEIN and the fast-everything model

    China's ecommerce dystopia: TEMU, SHEIN and the fast-everything model

    The newer and nimbler players in Chinese e-commerce are pushing buttons in the West. Rock-bottom prices, fast fulfilment and addictive interfaces are pushed to their limits to take China's dopamine economy global. What's going on, where does AI fit in the picture and what can we do to take on these new standards of consumption?
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    • 31 min
    Young Chinese people can't find jobs (they actually want)

    Young Chinese people can't find jobs (they actually want)

    In the face of economic turbulence, China's youth are struggling to find jobs that are suited to their skills and can give them the life that they want and were promised. While China's government strives to alleviate youth unemployment, societal and cultural factors pose significant challenges. China's young people are reacting in unpredictable ways - finding alternate ways to get jobs, taking time out to become full time kids, or forging their own paths altogether.

    Chapters 
    00:00 Background: Employment in China vs the West
    03:50 Reasons for youth unemployment in China
    08:55 Crazy job requirements
    11:30 Chinese gov helps youth find jobs
    17:20 Caveat about youth unemployment
    18:37 Chinese social culture and jobs
    27:18 Young people's response to joblessness
    Support the Show.
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    • 44 min
    I read all 212 pages of Hong Kong's new National Security Bill. It's not good.

    I read all 212 pages of Hong Kong's new National Security Bill. It's not good.

    "Safeguarding National Security Bill", also known as Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, was passed in March to no public opposition. I read through the whole bill and discussed how it may be used to transgress human rights and common sense in Hong Kong. I also discuss the history of recent protests in Hong Kong, and how they paved the way for Beijing to get its way and increase its control over its people

    Chapters 
    (00:00) Introduction to Article 23
    (03:15) Background: protests and new legislation 2019 - 2021
    (13:07) Going through Article 23
    (16:00) Part 2: Treason
    (18:45) Part 3: Sedition
    (22:55) Part 4: Espionage
    (26:55) Part 5: Sabotage
    (27:27) Part 6: External Interference 
    (31:15) Part 7: Enforcement
    (36:08) Foreign commentary


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    Support the Show.
    Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442

    Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/

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    • 43 min
    China's EV industry (was funded by the US)

    China's EV industry (was funded by the US)

    There’s a lot of outrage currently about China’s attempts to grow its EV market, at the expense of the US economy. But the truth is that the Chinese EV market wouldn't be where it is today without the generous funding it received (and continues to receive) from the US, Western governments, and multinational companies looking to cash in on the next big thing.

    So let's talk about the ways in which China's EV industry is funded by the US, both directly and indirectly, partly with the help of your pension fund.

    Chapters 
    (00:00) Introduction 
    (03:15) Timeline of China's EV industry 
    (12:20) The threat of Chinese made EVs 
    (15:00) #1: The West was happy with China’s EV development (when it benefited them) 
    (20:40) #2: China's EV market was funded with US FDI and investor capital
    (28:45) #3: China's investment scene is better than Silicon Valley
    (39:30) The West as get rich quick scheme

    Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sinobabblepod
    Support the Show.
    Sign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442

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    • 42 min
    Announcing the first ever Sinobabble livestream!

    Announcing the first ever Sinobabble livestream!

    Hi everyone,
    I’m really excited to announce that I will be hosting my first ever livestream this Friday 10th May over on Youtube. This is just a casual event, where you guys can ask me any questions you want, we can discuss current affairs and China news, and we can brainstorm future episode ideas as a collective.
    The stream will be at 10pm BST. You can join us at this link on Friday - I’m really looking forward to chatting with everyone!
    See you soon,
    Edi
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    • 51 sec

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Mike Pear ,

Brilliant Podcast

This is a fantastically interesting and absorbing podcast, hosted by a knowledgeable and charming host (Edi). It is a brilliant place to start for those just beginning to study Chinese history, politics and culture (like me) but it would also have much to offer for those far more experienced in Chinese matters. Highly recommended, and includes plenty of back-up material as well.

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