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The Little Red Podcast

Graeme Smith and Louisa Lim
China
Taiwan
Xi Jinping
Cultural Revolution
Disinformation
Cognitive Warfare
Mental Health
William Lai Ching-De
Chinese Communist Party
Dragons
Psi Boom
Psychotherapy
Artificial Intelligence
Human Trafficking
May Day
DPP
Scam Syndicates
Chinese Mythology
Covid-19
Youth Depression In China

The Little Red Podcast: interviews and chat celebrating China beyond the Beijing beltway. Hosted by Graeme Smith, China studies academic at the Australian National University's Department of Pacific Affairs and Louisa Lim, former China correspondent for the BBC and NPR, now with the Centre for Advancing Journalism at Melbourne University. We are the 2018 winners of podcast of the year in the News ... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes100Founded10 years ago
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News

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Latest Episodes

In the fifth episode in the China Rules series, we look at China’s efforts to reshape to global financial system. One milestone has been the recent designation of Deutsche Bank as a renminbi clearing house. China is pushing hard to increase its inf... more

In our fourth episode of the China Rules series, we look at the State Council’s brand-new rules on overseas investment. These formalize central control over outbound investment, addressing the Party’s concerns about sensitive technologies and data, w... more

In the latest episode in our China Rules series, we look at the rise and potential fall of China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. Once scoffed at by Elon Musk, China’s EV industry is charging ahead in international markets with its top car brand, BY... more

In the second episode of our series, China Rules, we look at an industry dominated by China: humanoid robots. Beijing’s running, dancing and fighting robots are more than just a gimmick; the country’s 15th Five-year Plan puts robotics right at the he... more

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Recent Guests

Gregory Chin
From Boston University's Global Development Policy Centre
Boston University
Episode: The Rise of the Petroyuan: Who will win the Global Economic Order?
Kevin Gallagher
From Boston University's Global Development Policy Centre
Boston University
Episode: The Rise of the Petroyuan: Who will win the Global Economic Order?
Stephanie Kam
Assistant professor at RSS at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Nanyang Technological University
Episode: Money (That’s What I Want): China’s New Investment Regime
Lizzi Lee
Fellow on Chinese economy at the Asia Society Policy Institute
Asia Society Policy Institute
Episode: Money (That’s What I Want): China’s New Investment Regime
Fengming Lu
Lecturer, Australian National University
Australian National University
Episode: Out of Battery? China's EV Dreams Flicker
Yu Yang
Principal Lead Analyst of Automotives and Robotics
Yole Group
Episode: Out of Battery? China's EV Dreams Flicker
Alberto Moel
Professor of Finance, University of Hong Kong; former Vice President at Veo Robotics
University of Hong Kong; Veo Robotics
Episode: Lightning Strikes: China’s Robot Revolution
Chang Che
Writer, Asia Technology Correspondent for The New York Times
The New York Times
Episode: Lightning Strikes: China’s Robot Revolution
Jennifer Lind
Associate Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and author of Autocracy 2.0
Dartmouth College
Episode: China Rules: Autocracy for sale

Hosts

Graeme Smith
Host from Australian National University's Department of Pacific Affairs; long‑time China analyst with a focus on governance, policy, and regional dynamics.
Louisa Lim
Co-host; former China correspondent for BBC and NPR; brings on-the-ground reporting and expertise in media, governance, and Chinese policy.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 323 ratings
  • Matt in San Jose, California

    The most professional China watching podcast available. No fluff, just the important stuff.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    老板你干什么?
    United Statesa year ago
  • Wow 🤩🤩🤩

    Everyone everywhere should listen to this podcast ….

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Polyglot1962
    Australia3 years ago
  • Excellent podcast for anyone more than casually interested in China, its politics, and the future relation between Chinese and Western powers. (Sidenote for the unaware, the podcasts name is a pun on chairman Mao's quotations, colloquially known as the "Little Red Book".)

    Features lengthy interviews with experts of Chinese politics and culture, most of which actually understand Mandarin language. Only turn-off for those not versed in the language might be the superfluous use of Mandarin terminol... more

    Podchaser
    5
    Podhound
    4 years ago
  • Quite possibly the best academically informed podcast on China currently in existence. Outstanding analysis, great production, and stand-out hosts. For those who criticize the show for being either too analytical or too journalistic, I hear you. But I personally find that the hosts find a perfect balance between these two extremes that gives birth to something uniquely rewarding through the podcast medium. My only gripe is that they don't release twice as many episodes :)

    Podcast Addict
    5
    eon
    4 years ago
  • Layman Appreciation

    An important contribution to perspective of Cuna in the World.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bill nrma
    Australia5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Balanced, analytical, and well-produced discussions that are accessible to both newcomers and experts.
Professional hosts and guests with deep subject matter expertise.
High-quality guest diversity and strong geopolitical and policy context.
Some listeners feel the stance leans Western; others praise thorough, non-sensational coverage.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#201
Taiwan/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Rise of the Petroyuan: Who will win the Global Economic Order?
Q: What moment signaled China's break from being a rule taker in global financial governance?
The Asian financial crisis marked a turning point where China benefited from IMF membership but began to push for reforms and broader influence within the IMF, signaling a move from rule taker toward greater influence in shaping policy.
Out of Battery? China's EV Dreams Flicker
Q: Yu Yang, is government subsidies in China that different from subsidies elsewhere?
Subsidies in China were broader at the start and gradually made to favor domestic battery suppliers, aiming to build a competitive, locally integrated ecosystem rather than simply funding foreign players.
Lightning Strikes: China’s Robot Revolution
Q: Chang, what's your takeaway from the humanoid robot half marathon? Is this a breakthrough or a gimmick?
It's a bit of both; robots are rapidly improving, but the real barrier is manipulation tasks in real industrial settings, so the race serves as a showcase rather than a proof that humanoids can replace human labor yet.
Little Red Podcast x Face Off
Q: So what is China up to when it comes to espionage?
The session suggests China is pursuing comprehensive, long-term intelligence and influence operations, leveraging a federated system across provinces and a culture of secrecy to outmaneuver Western rivals, while expanding outreach through diaspora networks and strategic partnerships in the Middle East.
The Garbage Time of History: Is China Still Marxist?
Q: What signs are you seeing already of that happening?
Xu expresses concern about a potential shift towards a fascist-type totalitarianism in response to exogenous shocks, including the need for public support for likely future conflicts.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Little Red Podcast

What is The Little Red Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful examination of China's economics, politics, technology, and global influence through expert guests and seasoned hosts. Episodes routinely unpack policy shifts, industry dynamics (from EVs to robotics and AI), and how China's strategy interacts with Western markets, governance, and international power. Notable strengths include rigorous analysis, a balanced perspective, and access to leading researchers, journalists, and policy voices, making complex topics approachable for professionals across business, academia, and government who want deeper context beyond headlines.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Little Red Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Little Red Podcast:

1. Sinica Podcast
2. Pekingology
3. ChinaPower
4. Lowy Institute
5. The China in Africa Podcast

How many episodes of The Little Red Podcast are there?

The Little Red Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Little Red Podcast?

Recent guests on The Little Red Podcast include:

1. Gregory Chin
2. Kevin Gallagher
3. Stephanie Kam
4. Lizzi Lee
5. Fengming Lu
6. Yu Yang
7. Alberto Moel
8. Chang Che

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