PODCAST | China’s Upstart strategy

China Power – CSIS | In this episode of the ChinaPower podcast, Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro discusses her new book, “Upstart,” which offers a fresh perspective on China’s ascent to great power status. Dr. Mastro examines China’s power buildup over the past 30 years through three approaches: emulation, exploitation, and entrepreneurship. She highlights how China has mimicked U.S. activities, taken advantage of U.S. blind spots, and adopted innovative strategies. Dr. Mastro argues that viewing China’s rise through the “Upstart” lens helps to better understand its strategic decisions. She also provides recommendations for U.S. policymakers, such as enhancing U.S. “entrepreneurship” in South China Sea disputes, and shares her predictions for China’s strategy in the next decade.