This week's podcast was a bit of an unplanned episode. Alex and Jianggan catch up and discuss the many nuances and blurred lines of a countries economic power/growth and how soft power relates. Updates not included; Dave make's his annual migration to US for a longer period of time so we are missing him and Joon has joined the Antler program in search of a new idea. Timestamps: 0:00 Exploring Asia's Economic & Cultural Power | E:40 01:53 Chinese Tech Stocks Recovering + Property Restrictions Lifted 05:29 Will Growth Come From Planning & Infrastructure Development? 08:22 Does Culture Liberalize With More Interational Connections And Trade 09:08 Gov't + Strong Entrepreneurship Needed (Tesla China Example) 11:47 Does Future China Policy Continue Like EV Policy 18:44 Do Algorithms Flaten Culture? 22:53 Shaxian Government Sponsored Food Expansion 24:01 Where Is Singaporean Culture Now 24:56 National Identities 27:49 Nation State Policy Based On Empire Asset Inheirtance 35:30 Baidu PR Head Gets Canceled Using Shorts 38:08 Personal Update For Alex