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Artwork for China Observers
China
Taiwan
European Union
Ukraine
Russia
Western Balkans
Disinformation
Communication Strategies
Tibet
PLA (people's Liberation Army)
Xi Jinping
Lithuania
Public Affairs
Electric Vehicles
Automotive Industry
Social Media
Hydropower Dams
Climate Change
Belt and Road Initiative
Influence Operations

What Europeans need to know and understand about China, in one monthly podcast Hosted by Emma Belmonte

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes68Founded6 years ago
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Artwork for China Observers

Latest Episodes

China feeds 20% of the world with just 9% of global arable land.

In this episode, we explore China's food security challenges, the impact of geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, and technological innovations in agriculture.

Host: Emma Belm... more

Are you at a very Chinese time in your life ? In this episode Host Emma Belmonte welcomes two guests Zeyi Yang and Jessica Imbach to explore the Chinamaxxing trend, its origins, societal reactions, and implications for cultural perception and soft po... more

What form do China’s information manipulation and influence activities take in Europe ? What narratives do they push ? How do they reach European audiences ? What is there to learn from the specific case of Poland and the Czech Republic ? Alicja Bach... more

What does this year hold for China-EU relations? In this episode of China Observers, host Emma Belmonte speaks with Etienne Soula about the evolving dynamics between the European Union and China in 2026. They discuss the impact of recent US developme... more

What are the implications of China's presence in the Western Balkans when it comes to EU enlargement ? The conversation delves into China's strategic investments, the varying degrees of engagement with different countries in the region, and the backl... more

What do you know about the climate crisis in Tibet ? Dr. Lobsang Yangtso discusses the impact of hydropower dams, the concept of green colonialism, and the resilience of Tibetan nomads in protecting their land and culture. The dialogue highlights the... more

In an era where narratives shape perceptions, China is redefining how it tells its story on the international stage. In this episode, we explore the intricate strategies China employs to reshape its global image, moving from traditional propaganda to... more

Europeans have misunderstood the Sino-Russian friendship and its implications. But how can we change course ? This episode delve into the complex relationship between China and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war and European perce... more

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Recent Guests

Genevieve Donnellon-May
Research fellow at the Pacific Forum; associated researcher at the Institute for Security and Development Policy
Pacific Forum; Institute for Security and Development Policy
Episode: China’s Food Security Crisis: Challenges and Innovations
Zeyi Yang
Senior writer for Wired, co-writer of Made in China
Wired
Episode: Chinamaxxing: The Social Media Trend Explained
Jessica Imbach
Assistant Professor at the University of Freiburg; leads SinoFantasy
University of Freiburg
Episode: Chinamaxxing: The Social Media Trend Explained
Alicja Bachulska
Policy Fellow at ECFR
European Council on Foreign Relations
Episode: China's Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Europe
Konrad Szatters
China Analyst and Editor at China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe
CHOICE/AMO
Episode: China's Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Europe
Etienne Soula
Brussels-based research fellow at the German Marshall Fund
German Marshall Fund
Episode: Unpacking EU-China Relations in 2026
Vladimir Shopov
Visiting fellow with the Asia Program at the European Council of Foreign Relations
European Council of Foreign Relations
Episode: China’s Updated Playbook in the Western Balkans
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso
A Senior Environmental Researcher for the International Tibet Network with a focus on climate change in Tibet and the Himalayan regions.
International Tibet Network
Episode: Tibet and the Hidden Cost of Chinese Green Policies
Dr. Jagannath Panda
Head of Stokum Center for South Asian and Pacific Affairs, involved in climate discussions regarding Tibet.
Stokum Center for South Asian and Pacific Affairs
Episode: Tibet and the Hidden Cost of Chinese Green Policies

Hosts

Emma Belmonte
Host of China Observers
Dominika
Host of Voice for CHOICE Podcast

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

China’s Food Security Crisis: Challenges and Innovations
Q: Why has food security become a top national priority for China now?
Policy focus has intensified due to a combination of limited arable land and water resources, urbanization reducing farming capacity, rising meat and oilseed demand, and concerns that dependence on imports could be a strategic vulnerability, especially amid geopolitical tensions.
Unpacking EU-China Relations in 2026
Q: How do European leaders view the visits by heads of state to China, and what do they signal about EU strategy?
Visiting leaders signal both an attempt at managing bilateral ties and a recognition that China can extract concessions in individual member states, which may undermine EU-level cohesion; this underscores the EU's need to coordinate a unified stance while balancing short-term diplomacy with long-term industrial and security objectives.
Unpacking EU-China Relations in 2026
Q: What is the fundamental economic tension between the EU and China that could shape policy this year?
The core tension is a structural misalignment in how China and the EU pursue industrial growth and global market access, with China's Made in China 2025-inspired strategies clashing with Europe's own open, rules-based, and diversified economic model, making mutual gains hard and necessitating a more tightly managed economic security approach.
Beyond Propaganda: China's Global Media Makeover
Q: What are these new trends you've observed in China's communication strategies?
New strategies include using local content creators to produce appealing lifestyle content rather than directly political narratives, tailored for specific international audiences.
Beyond Propaganda: China's Global Media Makeover
Q: How would you characterize the portrayal of China that Beijing is unhappy with and wants to replace?
China has been engaged in extensive efforts to communicate a more personalized and positive narrative about itself, moving away from traditional propaganda which has not resonated well internationally.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About China Observers

What is China Observers about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners tune into a Europe-centric analysis of China, with a steady focus on how Beijing shapes global economics, security, and media narratives. Episodes commonly explore EU-China relations, Chinese tech policy, sanctions and coercion, and China's soft power through media strategies and regional diplomacy. Guests include policymakers, scholars, journalists, and area specialists who offer cross-cutting perspectives on modernization, governance, and geopolitical risk. The show is likely to appeal to listeners who want nuanced, policy-oriented discussions about China's role in Europe and beyond, with concrete examples and frequent references to current events. A notable strength is the combination of high-profile policymakers and independen... more

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Which podcasts are similar to China Observers?

These podcasts share a similar audience with China Observers:

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

How many episodes of China Observers are there?

China Observers launched 6 years ago and published 68 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact China Observers?

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What guests have appeared on China Observers?

Recent guests on China Observers include:

1. Genevieve Donnellon-May
2. Zeyi Yang
3. Jessica Imbach
4. Alicja Bachulska
5. Konrad Szatters
6. Etienne Soula
7. Vladimir Shopov
8. Dr. Lobsang Yangtso

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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