Today, Steve speaks with Will Vogt, expert on Chinese tech policy. The two discuss China’s approach to technology, how it can impact western businesses, and the country’s investments in tech infrastructure in emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. Will also gives his thoughts on how business leaders best can understand tech developments in China in the coming years. 

Key Takeaways:

  1. China is moving toward a more centralized, collectivist internet. 
  2. Understanding Chinese cultural norms is helpful when looking to do business with Chinese corporations. 
  3. If you are looking to expand into emerging markets, expect various nation states and private actors to be operating there. 
Tune in to hear more about:
  1. The Chinese state’s relationship between technology, security, control, and culture (7:58)
  2. China and AI (9:47)
  3. How Chinese tech and infrastructure is spreading to emerging markets (18:39)
Standout Quotes:
  1. “There's a real risk there that comes from any sort of social, economic, or political revolution, and that is something that has global impacts now because a China that melts down has a lot of externalities involved, and I think that's just something that those stakeholders who are engaged with China, it's important to keep that in mind, not only for global stability, but also to understand the counterpart's point of view.” - Will Vogt
  2. “In certain contexts, what we might call a bug or hallucination in an AI platform can also be viewed as a potential mechanism for propaganda or for establishing a national narrative.” - Will Vogt
  3. “China is changing rapidly. I really want to reiterate to de-emphasize the conversations about chips and even about regional issues in East Asia. So I would say you need to look outward. And it's worth having a better understanding of what markets are being emphasized by China, because that will tell you a lot.” - Will Vogt

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