Episode 175 - The Abyss Stares Back - Exponent Recap

Podcast: Exponent

Published: 2019-10-15

Duration: 52 min

Summary

The episode explores the growing influence of China's authoritarianism on Western companies and their values, highlighting incidents involving the NBA and Apple as key examples.

What Happened

The episode opens with a discussion about the recent controversy involving the NBA and China, sparked by a tweet from Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets. This tweet, which supported Hong Kong's protests, led to a significant backlash from China, highlighting the complex relationship between free speech and business interests.

The hosts, James and Ben, delve into the historical context of basketball's popularity in China, particularly the impact of Yao Ming's career with the Houston Rockets. They explain how the NBA's deep market ties in China make it vulnerable to the country's demands and censorship, as evidenced by the pressure to fire Morey.

The conversation shifts to Apple's actions in China, where the company has been criticized for removing apps and content that could offend Chinese authorities. The hosts contrast Apple's current stance with its previous principled stand on encryption during the San Bernardino case in the U.S., questioning the consistency of Apple's values.

They discuss the broader implications of China's influence on Western companies, using examples like ESPN showing maps that align with Chinese territorial claims. The hosts note the self-censorship and economic pressures that lead companies to comply with Chinese demands, raising concerns about the erosion of Western values.

James and Ben highlight the systematic approach China uses to exert control over global narratives, drawing parallels with similar tactics used in Australia. They argue that this is not just a series of isolated incidents but a strategic policy by China to extend its authoritarian reach.

The episode discusses the historical Western belief that economic engagement with China would lead to political liberalization. The hosts reflect on how this belief has been proven wrong, as China has instead exported its authoritarian practices to the West.

They emphasize the need for Western companies and governments to reassess their relationships with China, suggesting that a collective response may be necessary to preserve democratic values and free expression.

The episode concludes with a call for awareness and action, urging listeners to recognize the importance of protecting Western freedoms and to be cautious of the growing influence of Chinese authoritarianism.

Key Insights

• The NBA's financial ties to China are deeply rooted in the popularity of basketball in the country, significantly influenced by Yao Ming's career with the Houston Rockets, making the league susceptible to Chinese political pressures.
• Apple's removal of apps and content in China highlights a shift from its previous stance on user privacy and free expression, as seen in its defense of encryption during the San Bernardino case.
• Western companies like ESPN have shown compliance with Chinese territorial claims in their broadcasts, reflecting the economic pressures and self-censorship imposed by China's influence.
• The belief that economic engagement with China would lead to political liberalization has been challenged, as China has instead exported its authoritarian practices to Western countries.