Chinese Whispers

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A fortnightly podcast from the Spectator on the latest in Chinese politics, society, and more. From Huawei to Hong Kong, Cindy Yu talks to experts, journalists, and long time China-watchers on what you need to know about China.

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Recent Reviews
  • andhiggins
    Excellent Analysis on China
    The PLA Purges episode was particularly great. Cindy is an excellent interviewer with a unique perspective and background.
  • travelingteacher28
    Good info, terrible sound
    We used to live in China so very interested in news and insights about the country, the history and the people. Often though we struggle to understand the host and guests. The guests tend to ramble , and don’t speak into the microphone maybe? As they speak their voices go down and whoever edits doesn’t fix the sound for the listener.
  • Elliot F.
    Quite I nformative but attempts to stay “neutral“
    China is an important part of the world’s stage these days. While CCP malign behavior is critically important to understand, there is also the Chinese people that have their own lives and produce much of what we consume. Cindy is quite knowledgeable about these subjects and discusses them eloquently with varied guests who have specialized knowledge. Because Cindy reports about China likely from sources within China, she can’t perhaps say all that she would like to. But she tries to cover all perspectives.
  • jumper car
    Wasted opportunity
    One sided content. Mostly propaganda and the research are intellectually lazy and arbitrary. To give it a benefit of doubt, I’ve spent many hours listening to the show but always left empty handed. Not worth my time, there are better content out there.
  • Reflecting on China
    Excellent
    Excellent podcast, very insightful.
  • Mormor725220
    Great background on China
    My husband and I are planning a trip to China. After reading books on Chinese history and culture I was looking for something more current. What a gem this podcast is! Great variety of topics, and Cindy is phenomenal. I’m listening through all the old episodes now.
  • 唐思德
    I always look forward to this one
    I listen to just about every Englis-language podcast show about China news. It takes guts to get out there and publicly say anything about this subject without getting excoriated by either the Panda Huggers or Dragon Slayers. Cindy Yu is a commendable host and IMHO doesn’t come off being biased against China at all. These nitpicks about “she said this or said that” are so sad and reveal more about the reviewer than the show. Overall Chinese Whispers is as informative as it is entertaining. I listen cover to cover to every episode. Cindy Yu has a foot in both worlds and delivers the content and the interviews in a way that is authoritative and relatable. Don’t be swayed by West haters and China haters. Listen to this show that I suggest, is presented intelligently and offers us listeners food for thought to draw our own opinions.
  • xi didi
    It’s starting to go downhill
    In the latest episode. The question should be, how can EU consumers benefit from affordable and environment-saving EVs. But she goes, “the threat of Chinese EVs”??
  • Htylvr
    Host Needs to Get Over Her Trump Derangement Syndrome
    People are tired of the way Trump has been demonized in the media and persecuted by the US Democrats. The needs to educate herself and no just spew Democrat media talking points, it taints the whole show.
  • Jonathan Kyle, Washington DC
    Highly Informative and Engaging
    This podcast is absolutely essential listening for anyone interested in China. But even if you have never thought much about China, really any person with a curious and analytical mind seeking to better understand the world should get a lot out of it. Highlights include the episodes on Chinese cuisine, Chinese dialects, Chinese characters, ketamine use in China, and of course the numerous deep dives into current affairs, social issues and politics in China. The host, Cindy Yu finds a wide range of interesting guests to talk with. She is a skilled interviewer who is clearly deeply knowledgeable about the subject matter. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
  • listeningformore
    worthwhile listen
    cindy yu is a fantastic host — critical, engaging and knowledgeable. i appreciate the perspective and energy she brings to each conversation. i enjoy many of the topics as a chinese-born american who also lived in london for a few years. i always keep an eye out for new episode drops.
  • Caliman say hello
    Nothing wrong to promote Mandarin
    Disappointed at the narrative of this podcast, thought it could be a bit different from other China theme podcast. But it’s still one with a total western biased podcast. Mandarin is easier for communication and everyone can speak their own dialect. Chinese characters r the same. Chinese and English r two different languages. Different dialects but same characters belongs to the same language! Yu as a Chinese doing a podcast needs to understand China better. CCP is doing a much much better job in taking care of the ppl than ur UK parties. I feel sorry for you Yu who don’t know your root well.
  • MS69777
    Western view, mostly
    Billed as being informative about how Chinese see the issues of China, the show mostly reflects the west's view on China and Chinese politics, sprinkled with a little pop culture here and there for flavor. Still informative, but the views are quite one-sided.
  • 1-23:45(
    Predictably Biased
    The listener can pick up some nice information on China. Cindy Yu has a wonderfully posh British accent. But the podcast suffers - knowingly or ignorantly - from the soft bigotry that Western values are superior. Including the belief that liberal democracies care about such things as freedom, democracy or human rights more than China. Spoiler alert: they don’t.
  • HeyRip
    Cindy Yu does great interviews
    I really appreciate these podcasts. I only recently discovered Chinese Whispers and I find Ms. Yu’s interviews and guests as very informative and fact-based. I think it’s hard to find information re China that is not biased, and Chinese Whispers and the interviewees are a breath of fresh air. Ms. Yu is clearly well prepared to interview her guests… she does her homework! Thank you Ms. Yu.
  • rakish6
    the best
    In my mind it is the best dedicated podcast on China. The guests are serious experts and the hostess is an excellent examiner …
  • MattM8649
    Interesting and informative podcast on China
    I’ve been a subscriber for several months and enjoy this podcast. The guests are great and Cindy is a good interviewer. I’m a U.S. listener and am glad to get a source in the UK in addition to the other China podcasts I listen to.
  • Codybroken
    Highly informative discussions
    Minimal ego MAXIMAL analysis
  • trouser roller
    Please do t talk so fast!
    The content is great but the hostess I’ve been catching is giving me a headache, she talks so fast. Please SLOW DOWN.
  • Blaithin2022
    Super Podcast
    Really informative!
  • Jakdec22
    Fascinating, articulate and memorable
    I learn more from eavesdropping on these 30 minute discussions than in even the better 600- page books! Brava and thank you.
  • Lynn-Willow
    The best Podcast on China-related topics
    I’ve always felt very frustrated by the mainstream coverage on China, whether it be from western media or Chinese state-sponsored media. This podcast has simply been a breath of fresh air for me with its nuanced perspectives on China. Cindy and her guests do an excellent job in explaining and breaking down China related topics and putting them into appropriate context. I felt that I have learned so much about Chinese society, politics, and culture. Kudos and keep up the great work!
  • K999bru
    Great info and insights on China
    Good guide to Chinese culture and events
  • Jedermann 55
    unique insights
    I read a lot about China but these podcasts give a unique perspective that is not available elsewhere.
  • James killer slinger
    Excellent, varied, impartial
    Cindy Liu offers something special in this series, bringing an understanding of China. She and Katy Balls are the reason I follow Spectator content - I don't share the politics of the magazine but much of the digital content is excellent.
  • NCR Veteran Ranger
    Amazing
    What a podcast!
  • Dixiestick
    Chinese Whispers
    A unique and uniquely valuable source of history and news. Couldn’t do without it.
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