The Untold Story of China's Rise: Mao, Deng & the Chinese Miracle | Silk and Steel

The Untold Story of China's Rise: Mao, Deng & the Chinese Miracle | Silk and Steel

In this episode of Bridge to China, Jason Smith sits down with political commentator and Silk & Steel Podcast host Carl Zha to explore the extraordinary story of China's transformation—from the Japanese occupation and Chinese Civil War to Mao-era nation building, Deng Xiaoping's reforms, and the modern economic miracle. Carl explains how the Communist Party established control in the countryside, why land reform was so important, how China eliminated widespread opium addiction, the role of Soviet assistance in early industrialization, and how market reforms after 1978 unleashed decades of growth. The conversation also examines poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, education, industrial policy, China's relationship with Africa, and what developing—and developed—countries might learn from China's experience. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, geopolitics, economics, or development, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most significant national transformations in human history. Topics Covered How the Communist Party expanded during the Japanese occupation The Chinese Civil War and the fall of the KMT Soviet support and the industrialization of China Land reform and peasant mobilization The eradication of opium addiction Literacy campaigns and educational reform Barefoot doctors and rising life expectancy China's first industrial revolution Deng Xiaoping and Reform & Opening Up Shenzhen and Special Economic Zones China's manufacturing boom Poverty alleviation and modernization China-Africa cooperation and the TAZARA Railway Lessons from China's development model ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau] ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official UK Column website [https://www.ukcolumn.org/] ► [Support UK Column] Please donate [https://support.ukcolumn.org/] to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism ► [UK Column YouTube] Please subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1] for more alternative news and independent news Follow #UKColumn on: ► X [https://x.com/ukcolumn] ► Telegram [https://t.me/ukcolumn] ► Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts] ► Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news]

Gays, AI, and Groupthink | Jerm Warfare

Jerm and Todd Hayen chat about gay marriage. They distinguish between state vs religious marriage—Todd says he does not care for any state institution and Jerm questions the purpose of marriage. They then pivot to AI. They debate whether it is just algorithms or if it is something more worrisome. Todd warns about soul-starved dehumanisation if we lose human connection. They also touch on COVID compliance, mass formation theory, and why some people see through the narratives while others do not. https://www.shrewviews.com [https://www.shrewviews.com] ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau] ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official UK Column website [https://www.ukcolumn.org/] ► [Support UK Column] Please donate [https://support.ukcolumn.org/] to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism ► [UK Column YouTube] Please subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1] for more alternative news and independent news Follow #UKColumn on: ► X [https://x.com/ukcolumn] ► Telegram [https://t.me/ukcolumn] ► Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts] ► Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news]

English Democrats: A Voice At The Table | UK Column Interviews

The English Democrats point out that while Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland have their own national parliaments and First Minsters, England has no parliament and No First Minister; England has no representation and no voice. Leader of the English Democrats Robin Tilbrook is very well informed on the history, legal and constitutional law, and political manoeuvring which has ultimately alienated and suppressed the political voice of the English people. As ever more people comment on "Broken Britain" and the breakdown of society, especially in England, Robin explains how England has been emasculated and why this has been done; it is a key step in an agenda to break apart the United Kingdom. He exposes the dangerous policies of regionalisation and devolution, and the rise of the 'Super City'. Tilbrook particularly warns of the rise of Andy Burnham and his undeclared agenda to destroy England. Robin's solution is to educate the public as to the powers and protections of English Common Law and the English Constitution, and to restore the identity and power of England as a powerful nation state in its own right. In doing so, the English Democrats highlight that a revitalised and empowered English state will provide essential protections to all that now live in England — not least the protection of trial by jury. Details of the English Democrats can be found here: https://www.englishdemocrats.party/ [https://www.englishdemocrats.party/] ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau] ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official UK Column website: https://www.ukcolumn.org/ [https://www.ukcolumn.org/] ► [Support UK Column] Please donate to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism: https://support.ukcolumn.org/ [https://support.ukcolumn.org/] ► [UK Column YouTube] Please subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel for more alternative news and independent news: https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1] Follow #UKColumn on: ► X: https://x.com/ukcolumn [https://x.com/ukcolumn] ► Telegram: https://t.me/ukcolumn [https://t.me/ukcolumn] ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts [https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts] ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news [https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news]

Syria Podcast Episode 11

Mike Robinson is joined once again by journalist Vanessa Beeley for a wide-ranging conversation covering the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, and Britain's role across the region. They begin with the latest US–Iran developments, including a reported agreement and Trump's renewed strikes on Iran. Attention turns to the upcoming funeral of former supreme leader Khamenei and the potential danger that Israel or the United States might exploit it, despite the presence of journalists and activists and the existing memorandum of understanding. Mike and Vanessa discuss the role of al-Jolani as an instrument of British intelligence, with Vanessa detailing MI6 activity in Syria, arguing this is fundamentally a British story: British taxpayer money fuelling devastation abroad that in turn feeds migration and unrest at home. Drawing on Northern Ireland, they warn that sectarianism remains a tool of elite control — and that what unfolds in the region will increasingly be mirrored here in Britain. ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau] ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official UK Column website: https://www.ukcolumn.org/ [https://www.ukcolumn.org/] ► [Support UK Column] Please donate to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism: https://support.ukcolumn.org/ [https://support.ukcolumn.org/] ► [UK Column YouTube] Please subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel for more alternative news and independent news: https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1] Follow #UKColumn on: ► X: https://x.com/ukcolumn [https://x.com/ukcolumn] ► Telegram: https://t.me/ukcolumn [https://t.me/ukcolumn] ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts [https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts] ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news [https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news]

Chinese History—Qin Empire Strikes Back: Liu Bang's Rise and Xiang Liang's Fall | Silk and Steel

In this episode of the Silk and Steel Chinese History Series, host Carl Zha and perpetual guest JJ continue their deep dive into the collapse of the Qin Dynasty and the chaotic rebellion period that gave birth to the Han Dynasty. 🔍 What you'll learn: • Liu Bang's background – a 48-year-old local tough who finally saw his chance • The White Snake legend – how Liu Bang claimed divine mandate (Red Emperor's son) • Liu Bang's first victories against Qin garrisons (and his first betrayal) • Yongchi's defection – why a local elite betrayed Liu Bang to the restored Wei state • Zhang Liang's story – the failed assassin who became Liu Bang's greatest strategist • The "old man on the bridge" – how Zhang Liang received the Art of War • Xiang Liang's rise – the Chu general who almost became emperor (but got too cocky) • The Battle of Dingtao – Xiang Liang's hubris and death • The 13-year-old King Huai of Chu – the puppet who became a real king • The promise that changed history: "Whoever enters Qin first becomes King of Qin" • The Battle of Julu – setting up Xiang Yu's greatest victory (next episode) ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj_69XOmMs&list=PLCobN2DevAuUX4reUDER9YL_wgcHrNiau] ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official UK Column website: https://www.ukcolumn.org/ [https://www.ukcolumn.org/] ► [Support UK Column] Please donate to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism: https://support.ukcolumn.org/ [https://support.ukcolumn.org/] ► [UK Column YouTube] Please subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel for more alternative news and independent news: https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@ukcolumnofficial?sub_confirmation=1] Follow #UKColumn on: ► X: https://x.com/ukcolumn [https://x.com/ukcolumn] ► Telegram: https://t.me/ukcolumn [https://t.me/ukcolumn] ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts [https://www.facebook.com/UKColumnExtracts] ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news [https://www.instagram.com/uk_column_news]