A key theme of our first podcast series is that China's world-changing production of clean energy and electrification tech had little to do with solving climate change or even being seen as a leader in climate diplomacy. Instead, it's mostly a byproduct of the country's economic strategy and quest for energy independence.

But the US has also played a big role in China's strategy. The two countries were in a pro-globalisation, free-trade partnership back in 2001 when China joined the WTO; but the global financial crisis, the US shale boom, and increasing hawkishness from US administrations of both sides were all factors in the central Chinese government's decisions to become a high end electrotech manufacturer, and to ramp up its energy security with clean and local power.

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Featured this episode: 

Jessica Chen Weiss  - Professor of China Studies and the faculty director of the Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC

Jake Werner - Director of the East Asia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft

Hosted by Tim Sahay and Kate Mackenzie

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