Can diplomatic charisma prevent crises from escalating? Does the CCP feel conflicted about aligning with the likes of Iran and North Korea? What’s the use of communicating during a great power competition?

To find out, ChinaTalk interviewed R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, whose diplomatic career spans 35 years and 8 countries.

We discuss…

• Kissinger’s experience negotiating with the CCP,


• Why China’s negotiating tactics are so different from those of the Soviet Union,


• How European allies are helping to push back against Chinese aggression,


• Great power responsibilities, and whether Chinese leaders truly appreciate the reputational costs of helping the Russians and the Houthis,


• Biden’s victories with new partners in the Pacific,


• How diplomats express consequences and draw red lines during international crises,


• Areas of mutual interest where the U.S. and China can still engage productively,


• The importance of specialists in the Foreign Service. 

Outro music: 

Óró Mo Bháidín - Mary O’Hara

Auld Lang Syne - Rendition by The Irish Rovers, originally written by Robert Burns

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices