If you liked that essay...
...you might like this one even better
I’m delighted to see so many people responding to my recent essay, “The Legitimacy Barrier: How American reluctance to accept China’s political system shapes the relationship.” I know many of you came to this newsletter via my brother Jay’s outstanding Substack, “The Status Kuo.” Welcome to you new subscribers!
If you liked that one, I really encourage you to read this one, where I develop what I think is an important concept, and answer questions that some of you might have about the way I approach China, its politics, and its fraught relationship with the U.S. The essay is called “Priority Pluralism: Rethinking Universal Values in U.S.-China Relations,” and I put a lot of thought and work into it. This one also includes audio narration by me. I would value your feedback.
Meanwhile, please do subscribe to the Sinica Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I’ve been hosting Sinica now for nearly 15 years — the first show was in April 2010. In 2016, we were acquired by The China Project (then still known as SupChina), but in November 2023 that wonderful company went under. With the blessing of management, I re-booted Sinica on February 15 of last year, with this newsletter and frequent contributions from a great roster of writers and podcasters. Sinica is all about reflecting on the way we think and talk about China, and I’ve had the privilege of interviewing many of the truly great thinkers — diplomats, scholars, even the occasional head of government — who bring good sense and deep knowledge to the discourse on China.
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Thank you, Kaiser. Every time I read you, I feel like jumping up and down shouting, “Yes! Yes! Exactly!”
Your essay was well-written and your thoughts were appreciated. I am not in a league to comment extensively as your paid subscribers were, but I understood and agreed with your thinking. I will continue to digest your words. I have also listened to a few of your podcasts before this. I am grateful to have your thoughts. They touch a chord in me, several chords. Thank you.