- 15
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
- 345
- YouTube views
About Asia Debates
Asia Debates, where experts exchange on trends and opinions, by Asia Centre (https://asiacentre.eu) This event has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. [Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them]
- Publisher
- Asia Centre
- Category
- news
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 26 Sept 2023
- Latest episode
- 30 Oct 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
30 Oct 2025
China’s Approach to the Law of the Sea: A Maritime Power Instrumentalising International Norms. | Justine Collignon, Mila Issolah
Anissa Aroun (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anissa-aroun-7783551b9/), Justine Collignon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-collignon-787405268/) and Mila Issolah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mila-issolah/) were awarded second prize of Prix Asia Centre for their essay:China’s Approach to the Law of the Sea – A Maritime Power Instrumentalizing International Norms (https://asiacentre.eu/2025/10/30/chinas-approach-to-the-law-of-the-sea-a-maritime-power-instrumentalizing-international-norms-aroun-anissa-collignon-justine-issolah-mila/) In this episode, Mila Issolah, Justine Collignon, and Méline Rousseau (Asia Centre), dive into China’s evolving maritime strategy, its selective interpretation of international law, and the global implications of its actions in the South China Sea. This work is part of a European Commission project China Horizons – Research Consortium (https://www.chinahorizons.eu/our-research/podcasts) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement number 101061700.
23 Oct 2025
Digital Power without trust ? | A look at China's journey
In this episode, Jean-Baptiste Monnier (PhD) (https://asiacentre.eu/fr/author/jb-monnier/), VP and CFO of Asia Centre, and Élodie Papin (https://asiacentre.eu/fr/2024/01/26/elections-a-taiwan-a-travers-lobjectif-un-reportage-captivant-en-images/), general secretary of Asia Centre, dive into the tangled web of data, technology, and power shaping the digital age. From the race for semiconductor dominance to the battle over global data flows, we explore how nations are redefining trust and control in cyberspace. Through a close look at China’s journey—from the ambitions of Made in China 2025 to the rise of massive, hybridized technologies—we uncover how surveillance, censorship, and data privacy have become central to geopolitical competition. As the U.S. hits data bridges and global tensions mount, the question remains: can digital power exist without trust? This work is part of a European Commission project China Horizons – Research Consortium (https://www.chinahorizons.eu/our-research/podcasts) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement number 101061700.
22 Oct 2025
Trust, Compromise and Resilience: watching the island through opportunities lences
This episode looks at the events and situations that have unfolded in Taiwan since the presidential election in January 2024 and the U.S. elections in November 2024 — focusing especially on the various domestic developments during the summer of 2025. Jean-François Di Meglio, honorary Chairman of Asia Cente, interviews Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy about the current domestic situation and international position of Taiwan. Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy is Adjunct Assistant Professor at National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, and currently visiting fellow at the Martens Centre in Brussels. While our discussion relates mainly to Taiwan’s internal politics, it is impossible to separate them from the island’s position on the global scene. The DPP administration, often (and wrongly) labeled as “independence-oriented,” continues to face a challenging domestic situation. In July and August, Taiwan saw a series of popular elections — a unique feature of its democracy, where citizens can trigger votes with enough signatures. The ruling DPP called one election, while the opposition KMT initiated another to challenge the validity of several members of parliament. The KMT-led initiative failed, which in a way strengthened the DPP, as those MPs remain in office. However, since no party holds a parliamentary majority — and Taiwan’s system does not allow for cohabitation — the political situation remains quite unstable. In August, another key event was the referendum on the last nuclear power plant. Although a majority voted to keep it running, turnout was too low for the result to be valid. These examples illustrate how divided Taiwanese society has become — divisions that are also reflected in its relations with mainland China. Beijing continues to leverage these internal tensions to influence parts of Taiwanese public opinion. From Brussels, Taiwan’s situation may seem distant, but it remains essential to connect both worlds and to identify opportunities for mutual learning. The domestic landscape is challenging: polarization has deepened in recent years. Not everything is about China — the nuclear referendum, for instance, shows the diversity of issues that divide public opinion. The recall votes targeting 24 MPs were another sign of how vivid Taiwan’s democracy is. For some, these votes were not a political tool but a necessary democratic exercise, particularly among those opposing the KMT’s ties with Beijing. Even though the recalls failed, they mobilized civil society and demonstrated how a democracy functions. Others, however, fear that such processes only intensify divisions and weaken democratic trust. President Lai has tried to steer the discussion away from polarization, but the key challenge remains: how to rebuild trust and find compromise. Taiwan’s future depends on its political forces finding common ground, because the only actor benefiting from deeper divisions is Beijing — whose interest lies in eroding Taiwan’s democracy from within and diminishing public trust in its institutions. This episode explores these tensions and opportunities, focusing on the central questions of trust, compromise and resilience — within Taiwan’s domestic politics, across the Strait, and in its broader global relations. This work is part of a European Commission project “China Horizons” (formal name is “Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022.
28 May 2025
What does Xi Jinping’s whole-processs people’s democracy mean? • Prof. Jean-Pierre Cabestan
Professor Jean-Pierre Cabestan analyzes Xi Jinping's "whole-process people’s democracy," exploring its ideological roots and implications for governance in China, in this interview episode.
18 Feb 2025
La révolution pragmatique de Deng Xiaoping : analyse de Jean-Pierre Cabestan
Dans cet épisode captivant, Jean-Pierre Cabestan nous présente son dernier ouvrage, "Deng Xiaoping, révolutionnaire et modernisateur de la Chine". Nous plongeons dans les thématiques suivantes : Quel héritage politique Deng Xiaoping laisse-t-il dans la Chine actuelle ? Comparaison entre Deng et Xi Jinping : quelles différences fondamentales ? La montée des extrêmes en Occident : un parallèle avec l'autoritarisme ? L'influence des séjours en France et en URSS sur Deng : clés de sa politique et ses décisions, y compris la répression de Tiananmen. Le soutien des intellectuels à Deng et sa complexité en tant que sujet politique sensible. Pourquoi la valeur de la vie humaine en Chine est-elle perçue différemment ? Un regard éclairé sur l'homme derrière les réformes économiques qui ont façonné la Chine d'aujourd'hui. 🎧 Écoutez dès maintenant !
16 Oct 2024
Technology and Global Power: Navigating the Geopolitics of AI, Semiconductors, and Open Source • Jean-Baptiste Monnier
In this episode of Asia Debates, Jean-François Di Meglio, president of Asia Centre, passes the mic to Jean-Baptiste Monnier PhD, vice-president of Asia Centre, for an insightful discussion on the geopolitics of technology. Jean-Baptiste Monnier PhD delves into critical issues surrounding AI, semiconductors, and open-source technology, addressing their growing importance in global security. Key topics include: The shift of technology as the leading national security asset, surpassing oil and gas Lessons from China’s accession to the WTO The geopolitical landscape of tech innovation Hardware: The global semiconductor race Software: The increasing threats to open-source and AI Policy recommendations for safeguarding open-source ecosystems Platform network effects and the risks associated with coalition-building Asia Centre, founded in 2005, is an independent research institute dedicated to fostering debates and producing publications on international relations, strategic, economic, and socio-political transformations within the Asia-Pacific region. Grounded in academic research, Asia Centre provides valuable insights to both public policymakers and private sector leaders through its Asia CONNECT initiative. This research is part of a European Commission project "China Horizons" (formal name is "Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022.
6 Aug 2024
CCP’s Third Plenum key takeaways • Jean-Pierre Cabestan
Following the third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in mid-July, Jean-Pierre Cabestan explores several critical issues with Jean-François Di Meglio. Professor Cabestan adresses the following topics: Third Plenum and Subsequent Documents: Analyzing the new balance while maintaining the same directions. Economic Challenges: Examining the confirmed "supply-side" approach amidst ongoing difficulties and the limited solutions available. Impact Assessment: Evaluating the level of trust-building and the extent of diffidence towards the CCP. Potential Changes: Discussing possible adjustments and "corrections of path" in the future. Personal Changes: Identifying the personal changes brought about by this Plenum. Documents mentioned : CCP Communiqué: http://en.cppcc.gov.cn/2024-07/19/c_1006186.htm CCP Resolutions: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202407/18/content_WS6698d829c6d0868f4e8e93d1.html Xi’s explanation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QLvrsW83HaSJ4woQcxmHk9-y-SrNQ9Td/view?usp=drivesdk Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Associate Researcher at Asia Centre as well as at the Centre d’Études Français on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a Research Director at the CNRS attached to the French Research Institute for East Asia (IFRAE) at INALCO. Jean-François Di Meglio, renowned sinologist, is the chairman of Asia Centre. Founded in 2005, Asia Centre is an independent research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific region. Rooted in university research, Asia Centre advises decision makers in the public sector as well as in private enterprises (Asia CONNECT). This research is part of a European Commission project "China Horizons" (formal name is "Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022. This specific podcast is part of the WP3 on Chinese party-state politics, a work package led by CBS (Copenhagen Business School).
23 May 2024
Chinese Timing: Why Xi Delayed the Third Plenum • Jean-Pierre Cabestan
Following the publication of his article on the “Two Sessions” (Lianghui) of March 2024 (annual plenary meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC) and China Political People's Consultative Conference (CPPCC)), Jean-Pierre Cabestan delves into the unresolved question: a third plenum was supposed to be held but was postponed. Why was it postponed ? And what can we expect from it ? Under the guidance of Jean-François Di Meglio, Professor Cabestan addresses the following topics: 1. What does usually a 3rd Plenum stand for ? 2. What to make of the delay ? 3. How to interpret the growing loneliness path of Xi Jinping ? 4. Challenges of the 3rd Plenum (economics, discipline ?) 5. What to expect ? 6. What is the domestic vision of the recent trips (in China and abroad) by Xi Jinping and other leaders ? Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Associate Researcher at Asia Centre as well as at the Centre d’Études Français on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a Research Director at the CNRS attached to the French Research Institute for East Asia (IFRAE) at INALCO. Jean-François Di Meglio, renowned sinologist, is the chairman of Asia Centre. Founded in 2005, Asia Centre is an independent research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific region. Rooted in university research, Asia Centre advises decision makers in the public sector as well as in private enterprises (Asia CONNECT). This research is part of a European Commission project "China Horizons" (formal name is "Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022. This specific podcast is part of the WP3 on Chinese party-state politics, a work package led by CBS (Copenhagen Business School).
6 May 2024
[Chine] Échanges avec Claude Martin, Ambassadeur de France 2/2
À l'occasion du soixantième anniversaire de l'établissement des relations diplomatiques entre la France et la Chine, Asia Centre et Jean-François Di Meglio ont eu le privilège d'accueillir et de discuter avec S.E. Claude Martin, Ambassadeur de France et ancien ambassadeur de France en Chine. Fort de son expérience, M. Martin nous conte la vision gaulliste de l'époque qui permet l'établissement des relations avec la Chine communiste (à contre courant des autres pays européens), mais aussi les obstacles et les difficultés actuelles pour l'Union Européenne de peser dans la balance entre les États-Unis et la Chine.
6 May 2024
[Chine] Échanges avec Claude Martin, Ambassadeur de France 1/2
À l'occasion du soixantième anniversaire de l'établissement des relations diplomatiques entre la France et la Chine, Asia Centre et Jean-François Di Meglio ont eu le privilège d'accueillir et de discuter avec S.E. Claude Martin, Ambassadeur de France et ancien ambassadeur de France en Chine. Fort de son expérience, M. Martin nous conte la vision gaulliste de l'époque qui permet l'établissement des relations avec la Chine communiste (à contre courant des autres pays européens), mais aussi les obstacles et les difficultés actuelles pour l'Union Européenne de peser dans la balance entre les États-Unis et la Chine.
18 Mar 2024
[Webinar] Diplomatrix • Mapping the Global Tensions Emanating from China
Asia Centre and SKEMA Business School are honored to introduce DiploMatrix, an open and innovative Interstate Conflictual Relations Index that marks a significant advancement in the realm of real-time geopolitical surveillance. Developed through rigorous analysis of data from the Global Data on Events, Location, and Tone (GDELT) database, DiploMatrix provides an unmatched perspective on the complexities of international tensions, differentiating between verbal and material conflicts for all country-pairs globally since 2015. In a period characterized by the growing influence of geopolitical disputes on global trade, capital flows, and wars, DiploMatrix emerges as an essential tool, equipping stakeholders with a sophisticated early warning system that is both comprehensive and timely. We invite you to join us in discovering this cutting-edge index, crafted to not only track but also foresee the intricate dynamics that sculpt our global landscape. Agenda: Introducing DiploMatrix, data and methodology Using DiploMatrix to map South China Sea tensions Q&A Pannel: * Frederic Munier, SKEMA BS * Rodolphe Desbordes, SKEMA BS * François Issard, Asia Centre * Elodie Papin, Asia Centre * Jean-François Di Meglio, Asia Centre * Jean-Baptiste Monnier, Asia Centre Asia Centre: Founded in 2005, Asia Centre is an independent research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific. www.asiacentre.eu About SKEMA Business School: With 10,000 students of more than 130 nationalities, 190 professors and 57,000 graduates in 145 countries, SKEMA Business School is a global teaching and research institution that trains talents committed to transforming the world sustainably. Hybridisation between the humanities, social sciences and data sciences is at the heart of its model, and global exposure is its modus operandi. Multi-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, EFMD Accredited EMBA), the school is recognised worldwide for its research, more than 70 programmes of excellence, and its international multi-site structure in six countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, South Africa, and the United States. www.skema.edu www.skema-bs.fr •• This event has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. [Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them].
23 Nov 2023
The Mood In Taïwan Before The Elections
In this podcast, Jean-François Di Meglio chairman of Asia Centre welcomed Isabelle Feng, back from a 4 months stay in Taiwan, she presented her measure of the pulse. As a mainlander, Isabelle shared her insights about Beijing’s moves and how the Taiwanese people are reacting to these pressures. Specialized in China’s economy and foreign policy including China-EU and China-USA relations, Isabelle Feng is a scientific associate at the Perelman Centre for the Philosophy of Law at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. They discussed about the mood in Taiwan before the elections throughout the following subjects. They delved into the prevailing mood in Taiwan leading up to the elections, exploring various facets of the discussion. Both participants provided a nuanced overview, drawing attention to the electoral landscape shaped by factors such as the constitution of the Republic of China and the ongoing modifications to its universal suffrage system. The conversation also shed light on the dynamics of political parties during the Yuan legislative period. With I. Feng recently returning from Taiwan, she shared valuable insights into the current state of public opinion. The dialogue then transitioned to an analysis of the perspectives of Xi Jinping and Biden. The discussion culminated in reflections on the post-election scenario and prospects for the future. This research is part of a European Commission project "China Horizons" (formal name is "Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022.
2 Nov 2023
Pessimism in China: implication for Xi’s Leadership
Kjeld Erik Brødsgaard holds the position of Professor of China Studies within the Department of International Economics and Management at Copenhagen Business School. Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Associate Researcher at Asia Centre as well as at the Centre d’Études Français on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is an emeritus senior researcher at CNRS attached to the French Research Institute for East Asia (IFRAE) at INALCO debate about the Taïwan’s pre elections campaign throughout the following subjects. Jean-François Di Meglio, Chairman of Asia Centre based in Paris. This podcast was produced before the passing away of former prime minister Li Keqiang. 1. Young people’s frustration and pessimism results in a brain-drain (Young graduates escape ; Frustration and pessimism ; End of growth ; 0Covid policies ; people don’t consume but save because of unemployment ; anxiety because of possibilities of war) 2. Economic apprehension transitions into political concerns, influenced by Xi's government (Economic anxiety switch to a political one ; Elites place in the party ; Continue corruption of military ; Xi’s successor) 3. A population left disheartened, if not alarmed, by the handling of global diplomacy (Crackdown of cultural activities ; Competition with the US ; Close friendship with Poutine) Jean-Pierre Cabestan mentions the New Yorker’s article “China’s Age of Malaise” by Evans Osnos, October 23rd, yo can find it with the following link https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/30/chinas-age-of-malaise This research is part of a European Commission project "China Horizons" (formal name is "Dealing with a resurgent China” or DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. The project is one of the EU-funded flagship projects to upgrade independent knowledge on China in Europe. The three-year project started in November 2022.
2 Nov 2023
[Webinar] Forbidden Secrets in Chinese Politics
One year after the unprecedented appointments and reshuffles of the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress, China watchers are still pondering the magnitude of issues facing China’s sputtering economy. This comes after Qin Gang, former Ambassador to the US and impending Minister of Foreign Affairs, was withdrawn from the international scene post-June 25th, allegedly due to an extramarital affair. This, and the similarly unexplained disappearance of the previously powerful General Li Shangfu in mid-September, has shifted the focus of China watchers toward the delay in announcing the 20th PCC’s Third Party Plenum. Plenums from 1978 to the most recent in October 2017 have set the tone for economic reforms and announced significant measures in the conduct of domestic policies. Jean-Pierre Cabestan and Jean-François Di Meglio will delve into questions arising from the ever-opaque management of the Party itself. As the Third Belt and Road Summit takes place in Beijing, they will assess the potential consequences of these unexpected developments, placing them into the current perspective of China’s positioning at a crucial crossroads: “releasing political and economic pressure post-Covid” versus the temptation of a more inward-looking political line. This event has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. [Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them].
26 Sept 2023
2024 Taïwan elections - ep n°0
Jean-François Di Meglio, Chairman of Asia Centre based in Paris and Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Associate Researcher at Asia Centre as well as at the Centre d’Études Français on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a Research Director at the CNRS attached to the French Research Institute for East Asia (IFRAE) at INALCO debate about the Taïwan’s pre elections campaign throughout the following subjects. Part 1: Perspectives for the 2024 TW elections Part 2: Taïwan, a significant regional issue, what does China want? Part 3: It’s the economy, stupid. Part 4: Europe-Taïwan, the big splits? Founded in 2005, Asia Centre is an independent research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific region. Rooted in university research, Asia Centre advises decision makers in the public sector as well as in private enterprises (Asia CONNECT). This event has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700. [Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them]
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 345
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 8
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 64
- Engagement
- 60
Host of Asia Debates?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show
Podcast research with Pod Engine