In this interview, Max Baucus, former U.S. senator and the U.S. Ambassador to China from 2014-2017, reflects on building trust both personally and diplomatically. He emphasizes honesty, constructive communication, and consistent effort as crucial elements in cultivating trust. He suggests that sustained collaboration is essential despite ups and downs, underlining the necessity to work towards trust even amidst geopolitical complexities.

During the IAS Conference on HIV Science held in Brisbane, our team had the opportunity to speak with Sharon Lewin. Currently serving as the Director of the Doherty Institute, she has also been newly appointed to the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. While Professor Lewin primarily represents the biomedical research sector, her collaborations span a wide range of potential areas. In our discussion, she highlighted the "importance of scientific collaboration" and underscored the tangible value of "trusted, established partnerships." James Chau conducted the interview.

The world's energy transition brings risks as countries compete for control over critical minerals like cobalt. And given China's dominance over the cobalt supply chain, the U.S. has

Joseph Vaughan, a Master's Student at Johns Hopkins University SAIS, explores the geopolitical importance of cobalt, as it relates to both the U.S., China, and beyond.

At one time, there were 16,000 American students in China. Today, there are just 350. Max Baucus brought the first college delegation to China since the pandemic and knows first-hand the importance of bringing people together. He speaks with James Chau—and says, "service" is the most noble endeavour.

Game-changing breakthroughs were top of mind in Australia where the world's leading scientists gathered, including Sharon Lewin. The AIDS response has been an area of collaboration for the U.S. and China—at a time when other global challenges are competing for funding and focus. James Chau speaks with Professor Lewin in Brisbane.

Instituting a compulsory 12 year education system in China would yield multiple benefits for students, the job market, the housing sector, and the overall economy, says international economist Professor Lawrence Lau. Learn more in his discussion with James Chau.

China’s economy grew 6.3% in the second quarter of 2023 — up from 4.5% in the first quarter — and is on track for the 6% growth forecast by international economist Professor Lawrence Lau. In this interview, he speaks to James Chau about the future ahead.