East Asia Pulse

NUS EAI

In-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia, brought to you by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Episodes

  1. Aug 6

    Unpacking the Complexities of China’s Local Governments: With Prof Jean Oi 

    China’s strong political leadership often drives the perception that its governance is monolithic and highly centralised. In this episode of East Asia Pulse, EAI’s Goh Keng Swee Professor in China Studies, Professor Jean Oi, speaks to EAI Director Prof Alfred Schipke, about the complexities of China’s local governments and the role they play in China’s economic landscape. While they have played an outsized role in China’s economic development by spurring innovation and experimentation, they have also in recent years been associated with debt and the misallocation of resources.     Among other things, Prof Oi weighs in on the need for fiscal reform to address the inconsistencies in local governments' responsibilities and revenue sources and examines the role of local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) in generating revenue.  Key Highlights:  00:00 Defining the central-local government relationship and key challenges faced in this dynamic  08:10 Challenges in balancing growth with the management of local government debt    15:10 How incentive structures for local governments lead to overcapacity and misallocation of resources  23:40 Local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) and their role in generating revenue through land sales and equity investments.  27:10 The need for fiscal reform to address inconsistencies in local governments' responsibilities and revenue sources East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  2. Mar 1

    Canada’s China Reset: Middle Powers in a Fractured World Order with Prof Paul Evans, University of British Columbia

    Canada has been in the headlines during US President Donald Trump’s second administration—not only because of Trump’s talk of Canada as a prospective “51st state”, but also due to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s effort to reset Canada–China ties and rally cooperation among middle powers as the rules-based international order erodes, including through his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In this episode of East Asia Pulse, Prof Paul Evans (Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia and EAI Senior Fellow) speaks with Prof Frank Pieke (EAI Visiting Research Professor) about Carney’s vision for a new international trading system, Canada’s push to diversify trade beyond the US, and the legacy of China historian John King Fairbank—highlighting the continuing importance of empathy and scholarly rigour in interpreting China and US–China relations. Key Highlights: 00:00 Canada, China, and middle-power strategy in the Trump 2.0 era 01:58 Carney’s China reopening and Davos agenda amid a weakening global trading order 03:51 Canada’s domestic divide: Diversify beyond the US vs deepen integration with the US 06:04 Issue-based plurilateral partnerships: flexible, interest-driven groupings 10:03 Can China fit into a new trade/order framework? Carney’s “China must be part of the future” argument 16:42 John King Fairbank in McCarthy-era politics 28:02 Today’s lesson: Managing the “friend of China” label while keeping analytical doors open East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  3. Jan 1

    Can China and India Truly Be Friends? With Dr Pradeep Taneja, University of Melbourne

    After nearly five years of tension, China-India relations have thawed significantly in 2025, with increased interactions between the two sides over the past year.  Amid the backdrop of Trump’s tariffs, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Shanghai in August, where he highlighted the importance of closer ties between the two giants Looking ahead, what are the prospects for China and India’s ability to deepen their ties across realms like trade and technology, while managing longstanding border tensions? In this episode of East Asia Pulse, EAI Deputy Director Dr Chen Gang speaks with Dr Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer in Asian Politics, Political Economy, and International Relations at the University of Melbourne. They explore the current state of India-China relations and how the evolution of economic reforms in both countries has shaped their growth models, strategic choices, and prospects for cooperation and competition. Key Highlights: 00:00 China-India relations in the last five years and the drivers shaping them 06:40 Similarities and differences in the reform paths of China and India 14:09 How a realistic economic relationship between China and India can be forged in areas of trade, investment and technology amid “de-risking” 19:54: What China and India can learn from each other to build strong domestic industries while reducing external reliance 22:38 Practical steps that can help to stabilise China-India ties East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  4. 12/01/2025

    India's Payments Revolution: What Comes Next? With Mr P Vasudevan, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India

    India is racing ahead in modernising its payment systems, from the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’s instant rails to the e‑rupee pilot. Can it set the benchmark for regional standards? What lies ahead for cross‑border digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins under evolving regulation and governance structures? EAI Director Prof Alfred Schipke speaks with Mr P. Vasudevan, Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, on the technology, governance, and policy choices shaping the next chapter of regional payments system development. Highlights: 00:00 The development of India’s payment systems, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s leading fast payment system 04:55 Progress of India’s pilot of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the e-rupee 10:53 The potential of CBDCs for cross-border transactions, and the role played by governance structures in such transactions 15:08 Challenges faced in harmonizing standards and regulations for cross-border CBDCs 24:10 India’s stance on new financial instruments like cryptocurrencies and stablecoins East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  5. 10/01/2025

    China’s Response to Trump 2.0 with Dr Su Qingyi, CASS

    How is China responding to trade policies under Trump 2.0? EAI Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah Tong speaks with Dr Su Qingyi, Head of the International Trade Department from the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). They discuss China’s response to US trade policies, China’s role in global trade governance and prospects for China-ASEAN collaboration. Key Highlights: 00:00 Differences in trade policies under Trump 2.0, compared to Trump 1.0 07:56 The impact of Trump 2.0 trade policies on the world economy 11:25 Assessment of other countries’ responses to US trade tariffs 20:09 China’s position and response to Trump’s trade policies 25:55  China's efforts to enhance its role in global trade institutions and rule-making 27:46 Prospects for China-ASEAN collaboration East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  6. 06/16/2025

    How do SEA countries hedge against US-China rivalry? With Prof Cheng-Chwee Kuik

    Southeast Asia isn’t choosing sides—it’s hedging. EAI Deputy Director Dr Chen Gang speaks with Prof Cheng-Chwee Kuik of the National University of Malaysia about how Southeast Asian countries are navigating intensifying U.S.-China tensions. Prof Kuik unpacks the logic of hedging—why it’s a deliberate, adaptive strategy—and reflects on how the region’s deepening ties with China bring both opportunities and risks. Key Highlights:   00:00 How Southeast Asia-China relations have evolved in recent years     03:59 How pragmatic considerations drive Southeast Asian states’ hedging policies       09:40 The evolution of “dual hierarchies” in the Asian order, with the US traditionally leading the security hierarchy and China leading the economic hierarchy.    13:46 Potential risks and challenges amid growing economic ties between Southeast Asia and China    16:44 Future trends in Southeast Asia-China relations   This podcast episode was recorded on 29 May, 2025. East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  7. 05/11/2025

    Trump's First 100 Days and the Impact of the US-China Trade War: With Mr Steve Okun

    EAI Visiting Research Professor Frank Pieke speaks to Mr Steve Okun, Founder and CEO of Singapore-based consultancy APAC Advisors, in this episode of East Asia Pulse.     They discuss China’s response to the imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” by US President Donald Trump and the effectiveness of the use of tariffs as part of the US' strategy to contain China, following the 100-day mark of his second presidency on 29 April.    They also weigh in on the prospects for a trade deal between the US and China, as well as the impact of US-China trade policies on businesses in Southeast Asia.  Key Highlights:  00:00 China’s dominance in the global markets and the US' response  07:29 The effectiveness of trade tariffs as a tool for the US in dealing with a perceived “China threat”    11:48 Whether the US and China would be able to endure the fallout of the trade war  18:32 The impact of the tariffs on US global firms and the evolving role of China for US businesses  27:48 The response of Southeast Asia-based businesses and companies to the US-China trade conflict This podcast episode was recorded on 2 May, 2025. East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia. Mailing list: http://tiny.cc/eai-emailing LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-asian-institute/ YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EastAsianInstituteNUS

  8. 03/24/2025

    Hong Kong’s Role in Bridging China and Global Finance: With Prof Li Chen

    EAI Director Prof Alfred Schipke speaks to Prof Li Chen, Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Centre for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, in this episode of East Asia Pulse. They discuss how geopolitical developments have impacted China’s financial sector development and the role that Hong Kong plays in connecting China's onshore financial market with global financial markets. They also weigh in on how Hong Kong stacks up against Singapore as a ...

  9. 03/10/2025

    South Korea’s Multilateral Strategy under Trump 2.0: With Prof Lee Shin-wha

    EAI's Head of Korea Centre Dr Lam Peng Er speaks to Prof Lee Shin-wha, EAI Visiting Fellow and Professor of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Korea University, in this episode of East Asia Pulse. They discuss how South Korea’s multilateral strategy could evolve amid the unilateral and transactional nature under the Trump 2.0 administration. They also weigh in on South Korea’s ability to pursue a successful multilateral strategy abroad given its on...

  10. 02/18/2025

    Europe's 'Geopolitical and Technology Shock’: Can the EU Stay Competitive in a US-China Dominated World?

    EAI Director Prof Alfred Schipke speaks to ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School Prof Rana Mitter in this episode of East Asia Pulse. They discuss how Europe can close the gap with the US and China as it confronts a "technology shock" that threatens its competitiveness in key industries. They also weigh in on how the EU can navigate US-China rivalry and leverage its competitive advantages to transform its dual dependencies on the US and China into “dual opportunitie...

  11. 02/03/2025

    Trade, tariffs and technology: CSIS’ Scott Kennedy on US-China ties under Biden and Trump

    EAI Visiting Research Professor Frank Pieke speaks to Dr Scott Kennedy, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about the evolution of US-China relations under the Biden and Trump administrations. They discuss China’s potential strategic responses to Trump 2.0, including the preparation of retaliatory moves, the strengthening of its domestic economy, the expansion of international partnerships. They also weigh in on how US policies on trade...

  12. 01/20/2025

    Trump 2.0: How can global companies manage geopolitical risk? In conversation with Harvard's Meg Rithmire

    In the launch episode of East Asia Pulse, EAI Director Alfred Schipke sits down with Professor Meg Rithmire, James E. Robison Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, to discuss the geopolitical outlook for businesses amid Trump 2.0. They weigh in on how companies should evolve governance practices to deal with geopolitical and national security risk and better prepare for disruptions stemming from US-China tensions, particularly in the context of China's unique ...

  • 12 Episodes

About

In-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia, brought to you by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Information

  • Creator
    NUS EAI
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 East Asia Pulse
  • Show Website
    East Asia Pulse