The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Episode: Zhang Yuanan Talks to Evan Osnos About the Chinese View of Trump
Date: June 26, 2017
Host: Evan Osnos
Guest: Yuanan Zhang, journalist for Caixin (Beijing)

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation between The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos and Beijing journalist Yuanan Zhang, discussing how Chinese citizens and media perceive President Donald Trump’s administration six months into his presidency. The dialogue explores Chinese public reactions to U.S. political drama, the evolving bilateral relationship, China’s emerging global leadership role, and the shared transactional approaches of both Trump and Xi Jinping.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chinese Attention to U.S. Politics

• Chinese public & media follow U.S. closely

  • Osnos inquires about Chinese engagement with American politics.
  • Zhang reveals that major U.S. political developments, like ex-FBI Director James Comey’s testimony, are quickly translated and widely circulated in China.
  • Notable quote:
    • Zhang (@02:31): “Many Chinese media translate that testimony into Chinese, including us… People would say, wow, this is so fascinating. This is even better than House of Cards.”

• Pop culture reference

  • House of Cards is very popular among young Chinese who are interested in American-style political drama.
    • Zhang (@03:01): “Yes, it is very popular among young people.”

2. Shifting Expectations: Trump as Candidate vs. President

• Pre-election rhetoric & post-election reality
  • Initial Chinese concerns over Trump’s harsh campaign language about China (“currency manipulator”, threats of tariffs).
  • Once in office, Trump softened his stance after meeting Xi Jinping, focusing instead on cooperation, e.g., North Korea.
  • Notable quote:
    • Zhang (@03:23): “When he came into the office, Chinese were a little bit nervous... But he follow through on those and said, okay, I learned a lot from my meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping… And he doesn’t further push the trade and currency manipulator issues... Maybe that is why he backed off from some of the promises.”

3. The Trump–Xi Relationship

• Summit at Mar-a-Lago & personal connections
  • The summit was characterized by unexpected friendliness; Trump’s family’s connection to Chinese language and culture (Ivanka’s children speak and sing Chinese) was well-received in China.
  • Both leaders are seen as pragmatists capable of making deals.
  • Notable quote:
    • Zhang (@04:59): “His daughter Ivanka and his grandchildren can speak Chinese, which was very appealing to Chinese readers... What’s in common was probably two leaders are seen to be very pragmatic, they can solve issues and do deals.”
    • Osnos (@05:45): “In some ways, Americans talk about President Trump as a transactional president.”
    • Zhang (@05:52): “Yes, that’s what they’re in common.”

4. Global Leadership: China Steps Forward?

• Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord seen as China’s opportunity
  • Chinese leadership now more visible on the world stage—exemplified by Premier Li Keqiang’s trip to Europe and President Xi’s speech at Davos championing globalization.
  • Mixed feelings among global elites as China, not the U.S. or EU, is now seen as advocating globalization.
  • Notable quote:
    • Zhang (@06:54): “[President Xi] talked about globalization. Participants at Davos were impressed. At the same time, they had a mixed feeling that EU and United States were not the one who’s promoting globalization at this stage.”

5. Ambivalence About Becoming the World’s Number One Power

• China’s aspirations & reservations
  • Historically seen itself as a great civilization, but not fully ready to assume the mantle of global leadership due to domestic challenges (GDP per capita, employment, social issues).
  • Public expectation is that China will lead—just not yet.
  • Notable quote:
    • Zhang (@08:28): “People in China are also seeing the rise of China very rapidly in the past 10 years, and they would expect this growth to continue... It wants to be [a world leader] sometime in the future, but it’s not ready yet.”

Most Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the drama of American politics:
  • “This is even better than House of Cards.” – Yuanan Zhang (@02:31)
• On Trump’s pragmatic shift:
  • “He doesn’t further push the trade and currency manipulator issues... Maybe that is why he backed off from some of the promises.” – Yuanan Zhang (@03:23)
• On personal connections and leader chemistry:
  • “His grandchildren could, like, sing Chinese songs... It went better than many of the expectations.” – Yuanan Zhang (@04:59)
• On Xi Jinping’s global pitch versus the U.S.:
  • “We need a leader like that in this era.” – Unnamed executive, recounted by Yuanan Zhang about Xi’s Davos speech (@07:10)
• On China’s readiness for leadership:
  • “It has the aspiration to be a world leader, but it’s not there yet...” – Yuanan Zhang (@08:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:31] – Chinese media’s intense coverage of U.S. political drama & House of Cards comparison
• [03:23] – Chinese reactions to Trump’s shifting policy after election
• [04:59] – Discussion on the Trump-Xi relationship and personal rapport
• [06:11] – China stepping up on the global stage after U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Accord
• [08:28] – China’s ambivalence about becoming the world’s leading power

Tone & Style

The conversation is sharp, insightful, and blends wit with political acuity—mirroring The New Yorker’s trademark style. Zhang brings an informed, nuanced perspective from inside China, while Osnos draws out key contrasts and commonalities in both countries’ leaders and societies. Both speakers are candid and clear-eyed yet maintain a cordial, open dialogue throughout.