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Drum Tower

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The Economist

Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders. They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture are reshaping China and the world. Published every Tuesday. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here [https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) .

#11

Climbers (part one): A way out of China

Necoclí is a tiny town on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Beach bars blast party music and sell brightly-coloured cocktails. But Necoclí is not just a tourist destination. It is also a stopping point for migrants heading to the United States. The fastest-growing group among them are Chinese. They are on a journey they call zouxian, or walking the line. Disillusioned with the Chinese dream, they have decided to chase the American version. But first they face a journey that is fraught with peril. Necoclí is the place migrants stock up on supplies and cash, before putting their trust in smugglers who will guide them across the Darién Gap, a treacherous stretch of jungle separating Colombia and Panama. In the first episode of this four-part series, Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent, travels to Necoclí to meet Chinese migrants on their zouxian journey, and asks what drove them to leave China and take such risks. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via [economist.com/podcasts] (http://economist.com/podcasts) . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— [subscribe to Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video ] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

08 Oct 2024

42 MINS

42:27

08 Oct 2024

#10

Trailer: The Modi Raj

Narendra Modi is one of the most popular politicians on the planet. India’s prime minister is eyeing a third term atop the world’s biggest democracy. A tea-seller’s son, Mr Modi began life an outsider. The man behind the political phenomenon remains hard to fathom. India has become an economic powerhouse during his ten years in charge. But he’s also the frontman for a chauvinistic Hindu nationalist dogma. Can Mr Modi continue to balance both parts of his agenda and finish the job of turning India into a superpower? The Economist’s Avantika Chilkoti finds out what makes him tick. Launching June 2024. To listen to the full series, subscribe to [Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) page or watch our [video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

05 Jun 2024

04 MINS

04:58

05 Jun 2024

#9

Run part one: Why are Chinese people running to Japan?

At the height of China’s zero-covid restrictions, a Chinese character that sounds like the English word “run” became a coded way of talking about emigration. Since then many Chinese people have left their country for better opportunities abroad. In the first episode of a three-part series on the “run” phenomenon, we travel to Japan and meet educated, urban Chinese who have made the decision to move. Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, ask: what does their choice say about the country they’ve left behind? Transcripts of our podcasts are available via [economist.com/podcasts] (http://economist.com/podcasts) . Get a world of insights for [50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

14 May 2024

30 MINS

30:52

14 May 2024

#8

Drum Tower: Xi’s doomed economic plan

The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes was recently in Beijing for the China Development Forum, an annual gathering where senior Chinese officials meet foreign business bosses. She joins our Beijing bureau chief David Rennie to assess Xi Jinping’s [new plan] (https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/04/04/xi-jinpings-misguided-plan-to-escape-economic-stagnation?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) to escape economic stagnation. Plus, what is the outlook for China’s relationship with America? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— [Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

09 Apr 2024

37 MINS

37:18

09 Apr 2024

#7

Drum Tower: Tick tock for TikTok

On March 13th America’s House of Representatives passed a bill that could [ban TikTok nationwide] (https://www.economist.com/business/2024/03/13/will-tiktok-still-exist-in-america?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) unless its Chinese owner, Bytedance, agrees to sell its stake. Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, look at China’s side of the story. Joined by Don Weinland, our China business and finance editor, they ask: does Chinese ownership of TikTok really pose a threat to America? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— [Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

26 Mar 2024

38 MINS

38:28

26 Mar 2024

#6

Drum Tower: The sounds of old Beijing

In some ways, Beijing now sounds like a lot of other mega cities. Yet, back in imperial times, sound was used in creative ways to display wealth, to conduct everyday business and, most importantly, to keep order. David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, takes us on a sonic journey through the places where Beijing’s ancient soundscape is being kept alive. He meets Colin Chinnery, a sound artist and archivist, to find out why sound has long been a vital part of Beijing’s spirit, and the ways in which it still is today. Get a world of insights for [50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) Sign up for a [free trial] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus?purchaseRedirect=economist.com/audio/podcasts/onboarding?podcast=babbage) of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

13 Feb 2024

26 MINS

26:44

13 Feb 2024

#5

Drum Tower: Competing for kids

China’s decades-long economic boom was powered by workers who migrated from the countryside to cities to find jobs. But to do so, many of them had to leave their children behind. Now some cities are vying to [attract migrant workers' children] (https://www.economist.com/china/2023/12/14/chinas-cities-compete-for-kids?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) . Zhejiang province is piloting an experimental policy which should make it easier for migrants to bring their children with them to cities and send them to school. David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, and Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, examine Yiwu, a city in Zhejiang that has enacted this policy. Sign up for a [free trial] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus?purchaseRedirect=economist.com/audio/podcasts/onboarding?podcast=babbage) of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

30 Jan 2024

32 MINS

32:06

30 Jan 2024

#4

Drum Tower: Taiwan goes to the polls

China is watching [Taiwan’s next presidential] (https://www.economist.com/interactive/2024-taiwan-election?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) race closely. The results will [influence Xi Jinping’s] (https://www.economist.com/china/2024/01/04/for-china-taiwans-elections-are-a-looming-crisishttps://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/16/xi-jinping-repeats-imperial-chinas-mistakes?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) next steps when it comes to resolving the “Taiwan question”. Ahead of the vote on January 13th, Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, goes to campaign rallies of the 3 parties in the race. We meet voters, young and old, who each have a different idea of who should win and why. Together with David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, they ask: is the election of Taiwan’s next President really a choice between war or peace, as some candidates are saying? If you’re interested in Taiwan, listen to our four-part series on the future of the island. 1. [What does Taiwan want?] (https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/10/24/what-does-taiwan-want?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) 2. [How strong is Taiwan’s silicon shield?] (https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/10/31/how-strong-is-taiwans-silicon-shield?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) 3. [Is Taiwan ready for war?] (https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/11/07/is-taiwan-ready-for-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) 4. [Could China take over Taiwan without force?] (https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/11/14/could-china-take-over-taiwan-without-force?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) Sign up for a [free trial] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus?purchaseRedirect=economist.com/audio/podcasts/onboarding?podcast=babbage) of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

09 Jan 2024

43 MINS

43:39

09 Jan 2024

#3

Drum Tower: Stand-up feminists

Tickets for “Nvzizhuyi”—a monthly stand-up comedy show in New York City— often sell out in less than a minute. The [show] (https://www.economist.com/china/2023/10/19/chinese-feminists-are-rebuilding-their-movement-abroad?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) invites Chinese citizens, mostly women, to tell jokes, perform skits and recount the absurd challenges they’ve encountered as feminist activists in China—things they could never utter in public back home. This week, Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, reports from the dark basement of a comedy club. Together with David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, they ask: Why are some of China’s exiled feminists doing stand-up comedy abroad? And can their performances have any impact back home? Sign up for a [free trial] (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus?purchaseRedirect=economist.com/audio/podcasts/onboarding?podcast=babbage) of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our [FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

05 Dec 2023

34 MINS

34:57

05 Dec 2023

#2

Drum Tower: What does it mean to be Taiwanese?

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many have worried: is Taiwan next? China is giving Taiwan a terrifying choice: unify with China, or face war. People in Taiwan want neither of these. For this special four-part series, David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, and Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, ask whether [Taiwan can preserve its freedoms and decide its own future] (https://www.economist.com/special-report/2023-03-11?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) . In this first episode, they explore how [Taiwan’s divided and changing identity] (https://www.economist.com/special-report/2023/03/06/how-taiwan-is-shaped-by-its-history-and-identity?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=drumtower&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) impacts how close Taiwanese people want to be to China. They meet Chen Yao-chang, a doctor turned novelist, whose idea of what it means to be Taiwanese has changed in recent years. Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with [our limited time offer.] (https://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-drumtower) If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit [our FAQs page] (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch [our video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU) explaining how to link your account. ... Read more

24 Oct 2023

46 MINS

46:31

24 Oct 2023

#1

Introducing Drum Tower

Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders. They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture is reshaping China and the world. For almost seven centuries the beats of China’s most famous drum tower, or gulou, kept people in Beijing to time. The Economist’s latest podcast keeps you up to date every Monday. Sign up to our weekly newsletter [here] (http://economist.com/drumnewsletter) and for full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at [economist.com/drumoffer] (http://www.economist.com/drumoffer) . ... Read more

07 Nov 2022

02 MINS

02:18

07 Nov 2022

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