Carl Zha
Carl has an encyclopedic knowledge of Chinese history, as well as experiencing both Chinese and western cultures.
Biographical details
Carl was described as "A Chinese influence op" by a former NYT journo Howard French. He runs a podcast about China and Silk Road: history, culture and politics. Carl is a wealth of knowledge on Chinese history, conducts interviews with a wide variety of people (activists and experts) and provides deep reflections on China and experience as both a Chinese person and an Asian living in a Western country.
History
Born in China, Carl lived for some time in the US before moving to Bali, where he has a partner and son and lots of dogs.Relevant entities and connections
Publications
Anti-China Propaganda generally
Pro-Democracy Pod: Anti-China Propaganda with Alex Rubenstein, Mila Ghorayeb, Josh Cho
I appeared on Pro-Democracy Pod: Crack open the Chinagate with Alex Rubenstein, Mila Ghorayeb, Josh Cho10 Nov 2022
Socialists of Caltech Panel on McCarthyism and Sinophobia
Carl Zha | I talked with Charles Xu and Kevin Li of Qiao Collective on the Socialists of Caltech Panel on McCarthyism and Sinophobia on the topic of current and historical racial profiling and persecution of Chinese students and scientists in US10 Nov 2022
China on the rise | Economy
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 101: History of Chinese Space Program
Carl Zha | I talk to Gerard Gonzalez, a journalism student from Barcelona about the history of Chinese Space Program all the way from beginning starting from the father of Chinese Space Program Qian Xuesen journey thru US back to China10 Nov 2022
China | History
Carl Zha Chinese Family History Interview
Carl Zha | I talked to Comrade Report about my own family history thru Japanese Occupation, Chinese Civil War, Cultural Revolution and Opening and Reform Era10 Nov 2022
Interview with Hip Hop Pioneer in China: Dana
I talk to Black Muslim Hip Hop organizer Dana `Showtyme` Burton who created Iron Mic, the first Chinese rap battle competition10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 51 - Taiwan History Part 2: Japanese Occupation
We continue our Taiwan political history series with Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu. In Part 2, we cover the era from Japanese Colonial Rule to Post WW2 hand over.10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 55: History of Okinawa with Robert Kajiwara
Carl Zha | interviewed historian and peace activist Robert Kajiwara about History of Okinawa and Ryukyu (LooChoo) Kingdom, its relations with China, Japan, and US10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 67- Lost Roman Legion In China with Amir Askari Yahyavi
Carl Zha | We invited Amir Askari Yahyavi back for the epilogue of epic Rome vs Parthia battle of Carrhae, Did Roman POW end up in China?
Skip to 45:00 for the lost Roman legion in China For previous episodes on battle of Carrhae with Amir EP2: Rome vs Parthia Battle of Carrhae -The Prelude with Amir Askari EP10-Battle of Carrhae with Amir Askari Part 1 EP11-Battle of Carrhae with Amir Askari Part 2 https://www.patreon.com/silknsteel
04 Sep 2020
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 79: Lee Tenghui Legacy on Taiwan with Xiangyu, Part 1
Carl Zha | In special episode of Silk and Steel Podcast, Carl Zha talks to Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu about political legacy of former Taiwanese leader Lee Tenghui and issue of identity and politics on TaiwanSilk and Steel Podcast Taiwan History Series: Preview Silk and Steel Podcast EP#50-History of Taiwan Part 1 Silk and Steel Podcast EP#50-History of Taiwan Part 1 Silk and Steel Podcast EP#51-Taiwan History Part 2: Japanese Occupation Silk and Steel Podcast EP#53-History of Taiwan Part 3: Early Cold War Taiwan w Xiangyu Silk and Steel Podcast EP#54-History of Taiwan Part 4: Taiwan Strait Crisis w Xiangyu Silk and Steel Podcast EP#61-Taiwan History Part 5 w Xiangyu Silk and Steel Podcast EP#68-Taiwan Political History Part 6 with Xiangyu https://www.patreon.com/silknsteel
10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 84 - Taiwan Special - Lee Tenghui Legacy with Xiangyu, Part 2
Carl Zha | In Part 2 of special episode of Silk and Steel Podcast, Carl talks to Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu about political legacy of former Taiwanese leader Lee Tenghui and issue of identity and politics on Taiwan10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast EP94: Why Taiwan is shifting away from Chinese Identity
In the final episode of Silk and Steel podcast Taiwan History Series, Carl talked with Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu about Taiwan politics from 2000s to 2020. How and why Taiwan has made a continual shift away from Chinese identity.30 Nov -0001
Silk and Steel Podcast Korean War Series Ep 0: Anti-Japanese Resistance
I talk to returning guest Taiwanese Communist rapper Xiangyu about Korean War from Chinese perspective. In the episode 0 of the series we talk about the history of Korean participation in the anti-Japanese resistance in WW2 China. The relationship between Korean Communists and Chinese Communist Party thru WW2 and Chinese Civil War.10 Nov 2022
The Invention of China Debate: Carl Zha vs Bill Hayton
Carl Zha | talks to author of new book `The Invention of China`. Carl pushes back on the idea that China is a recent construction by arguing the idea of China have always evolved over time and there is a clear continuity down thru the ages.Bill Hayton was former BBC journalist reporting from Vietnam and Southeast Asia and wrote `The South China Sea: The Struggle for Power in Asia`, on topic of invention of `Han Race`, Chinese language, territory, Chinese nationalism, and China itself. Hayton argues in his new book that China, the country we know today ` a nation with borders, citizens and national interests` is a relatively recent concept, dating from a period straddling the turn of the 20th century. Prior to that, China was not and did not consider itself `a country` but rather the `Qing Great-State`.
14 Nov 2020
China | History - Colonial era
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 110 - Golden Triangle: Opium, China and Myanmar, Part 1
Carl Zha | I talk to returning guest Davide Melia about history of Opium Trade and its legacy in China and Myanmar and impact on China Myanmar relations. This is part 1 of the series.
10 Nov 2022
China | History - Modern era post Mao
China Debate: Carl Zha vs Bloomberg Columnist Noah Smith
Carl Zha | gives Noah Smith a lesson on modern Chinese history.Debating 1. Will China become a hegemon like the US? 2. What does rising Chinese mean for Chinas neighbors? 3. What should we think about Xinjiang? 4. Sinophobia and anti-Asian racism ...and more!
10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 54: History of Taiwan Part 4: Taiwan Strait Crisis with Xiangyu
Carl Zha | We continue our discussion of Early Cold War Taiwan thru the First and Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1950s.10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 68 - Taiwan Political History Part 6 with Xiangyu
We continue our Taiwan political history series with Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast: Drugs, Movies and Transformation of Chinese Society with Dylan Levi King
I talked to Japan based writer/translator Dylan Levi King about his latest Palladium Magazine article on Ketamine, Chinese movies and Chinese social transformation in last 30 years.10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast: Korean War Series Ep 1
I talk with Communist rapper Xiangyu about the real context of Korean War in the part 1 of Korean War Series on the Silk and Steel Podcast10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast: Xinjiang, a Modern History
Carl Zha | We talked about Xinjiang and its recent history on the Silk and Steel podcast10 Nov 2022
China | History before Mao
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 50 - Taiwan History Part 1
Carl Zha | I brought back returning guest Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu to talk about political history of Taiwan. In part 1 we covered from prehistoric time, Dutch colonial period, Koxinga and Qing conquest, to eve of Japanese colonization10 Nov 2022
China | Supposed military threat
Is China a Threat to World Peace? Carl Zha vs Lyman Stone Debate
Does China presents clear and present danger to World Peace which requires containment? I debated this topic with Lyman Stone, Adjunct Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Research Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, and former International Economist at the US Department of Agriculture.10 Nov 2022
Chinese government | Handling of COVID19 virus - Laboratory virus theory
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 105: US COVID Cover-up and War on China with Mr. T
Carl Zha | I talk to returning guest `Mr. T` on new evidence of US COVID Response coverup at the highest level and future of US-China relationship under Biden and Trump Deputy NSA Matt Pottinger COVID response ass-covering piece in New Yorker.10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 56: COVID19 update from China with Peter Miller
Carl Zha | interviewed Canadian Expat in China Peter Miller who teaches in his hometown Chongqing about his experience living in China both before and after COVID19 crisis hit.10 Nov 2022
Chinese government | Supposed censorship
Global politics | The New Cold War
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 57: New US China Cold War with Razib Khan of Browncast
Carl Zha | talked to Razib Khan of Browncast about China and US in New Cold War, COVID19 and life in Bali10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast: US Afghanistan Withdrawal, China Implications
I talk to Justin Podur of The Anti-Empire Project about US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and implications for China, Pakistan etc10 Nov 2022
Media | ABC propaganda
China-pilled
1 minute humorous view of US-China.10 Nov 2022
Media | Positive China story (various)
Leave US go to China! 2nd Generation Chinese-American experience
Carl Zha | In the atmosphere of increasing Sinophobia and racism against Chinese people in US, I talked to three 2nd generation Chinese Americans who had went to China to study, work, live and found success.10 Nov 2022
Surviving COVID19 and Flood in China: Wuhan Laowai Interview
Carl Zha | talked to Brit Expat Wuhan Laowai about living in Wuhan during COVID19 lock down and Yangtze River FloodWhat What Brought You to China, How Long Did the Lockdown Persist,Flooding of the Yangtze River,Residential Neighborhood That`s Being Affected,
20 Aug 2020
Media | Push back influencers
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 113 : The History of Chinese Hip Hop: A Short Course
Silk and Steel Podcast short course on the history of Chinese Hip Hop with Xiangyu and Lin Wei. We talk about how Hip Hop, born from Black street culture of US, spread and thrived in Chinese language world.10 Nov 2022
The New Cold War | Hong Kong
Silk and Steel Podcast EP122 - Hong Kong and Xinjiang with Timppa
Carl Zha | I interviewed Timppa, an ethnic Keralian born in former Soviet Union who had worked in Hong Kong and visited Xinjiang about his experience in both places.10 Nov 2022
The New Cold War | Taiwan
China invades Taiwan Airspace?
Carl talks to Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu about the latest media frenzy over �China invading Taiwan airspace�. Laying down the facts, dispensing with BS.
Verified Twitter account of Taiwan Defense Ministry which tweeted out PLA flight path: https://twitter.com/MoNDefense
10 Nov 2022
My Appearance on Radio Sputnik Fault Line: PLA Fighter Jets Over Taiwan ADIZ
I talked to Radio Sputnik Fault Line, Jamarl Thomas about the latest PLA aircraft fly over Taiwan self declared Air Defense Identification Zone.10 Nov 2022
Think tanks | ASPI (Australian Strategic Policy Institute)
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 85 - Growing up Chinese Muslim in Australia with Temur
Carl Zha | interviewed `Temur`, who goes by Twitter handle @steelmuslim, about growing up Chinese Muslim in Australia, media portrayal of China and growing Sinophboia Down Under, nefarious Aussie think tank ASPI10 Nov 2022
US imperialism
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 130 - China India and Israel, Palestine with Justin Podur
Carl Zha | I talk to Justin Podur of the Anti-Empire Project about the histories of India and China with Israel and Palestine, in the the wake of Israel 2021 atrocities in Gaza and West Bank of Palestine.10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast: Afghanistan Withdrawal with Justin Podur
Carl Zha | Preview of my talk with Justin Podur of The Anti-Empire Project about US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and implications for China, Pakistan etc right before my laptop got blue screen of death10 Nov 2022
US-China technology competition
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 86 - US China Tech War w an Industry Insider
On the day of Trump ban on Wechat, I talked to an IT industry insider about ongoing US-China tech war, its origin, role of US intelligence agencies and US tech giants, and the future of US-China competition in the tech space10 Nov 2022
Western media perspectives on communist countries
Silk and Steel Podcast: Interview with a DPRK tour manager
Carl Zha | I interviewed Rowan Beard, tour guide and manager of Young Pioneer Tours which arrange trips to DPRK about tourism in north Korea. Also featured as guest is Taiwanese Communist Rapper Xiangyu who went on tour with Rowan and shot a rap video in Pyongyang on a selfie stick10 Nov 2022
Xinjiang | Alleged concentration camps
Full Interview about Xinjiang issues with Isobel Cockerell
Carl Zha | Full interview with Isobel Cockerell, a journalist from Coda story. She wanted to talk to me about Uyghur situation in Xinjiang and my response to the allegations that I work for Chinese Propaganda and Influence Operation. I talked about my background and my takes. Topics: Origin Story, Turkish Coup, Terrorist Attacks All across China outside of Xinjang
08 Aug 2020
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 71: Biking to Xinjiang with Jerry Grey
Carl Zha | interviews Jerry Grey, an Australian living in China.Talking about: How You Came to China, Why Are We So Afraid of China, The Vietnam War, Restriction on Foreigners Going to Xinjiang
10 Nov 2020
Silk and Steel Podcast: Xinjiang and US anti-China policy
Carl Zha | We discuss link between Xinjiang and Syrian War and US anti-China policy10 Nov 2022
Xinjiang | Alleged cultural erasure | Culture
Canada declares genocide in Xinjiang
Carl Zha | I spoke with Justin Podur to discuss the unanimous declaration by the Canadian parliament (followed by the Netherlands parliament days later) in February 2021 that a genocide is taking place in Xinjiang. What is really behind this declaration, and how can Canadian history, and Chinese history, help us think about the issue?10 Nov 2022
Xinjiang | East Turkistan Islamic Movement
Interview with Uyghur Independence Activist Arslan Hidayat
Isobel Cockerelle of Codastory challenged Carl Zha to interview Uyghur in exile. I extended my invitation for her to introduce her Uyghur contact for my show on Twitter. Uyghur Independence Activist Arslan Hidayat replied to my post and volunteered to be the guest on my show Silk and Steel Podcast. This is the full interview unedited. Carl interviews Arslan Hidayat, an ETIM sympathiser.
10 Nov 2020
Xinjiang | Extremism, terrorism and deradicalisation
Silk and Steel Podcast: Root of Xinjiang issues
Carl Zha | We discuss the root of Xinjiang issues on Silk and Steel Podcast10 Nov 2022
Xinjiang | Positive perspectives from locals
Interview with an Ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang - Dr Gordan Gao, Part 3
Carl Zha | In part 3 of the interview with Dr. Gordon Gao, an ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang, we discuss his personal experience living under the shadow of terrorism and how Xinjiang locals feel about Chinese government measures. Part 1 of the interview with Dr Gao: https://youtu.be/GRjZ3cxnEf8 Part 2 of the interview with Dr Gao: https://youtu.be/WnYpP7XuxuU Also:
10 Nov 2022
Interview with Descendant of Genghis Khan, Gordon Gao, Ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang, Part 1
Carl Zha | This is first time I interviewed a direct descendant of Genghis Khan on the Silk and Steel Podcast. Gordon Gao, an ethnic Mongol born and raised in Xinjiang tells his family history in Xinjiang thru Cultural Revolution and Sino-Soviet border conflict. We also discuss the implementation of China 1 child policy for Han Chinese vs minorities. He will tell his personal story growing up in Xinjiang as an ethnic minority in Part 210 Nov 2022
Interview with Dr Gordon Gao, an ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang, Part 2
Carl Zha | In part 2 of the interview with Dr Gordon Gao, an ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang, we discuss Chinese affirmative action for ethnic minorities, Ethnic minorities language education. In Part 3, we will discuss his personal experience living under the shadow of terrorism10 Nov 2022
Silk and Steel Podcast Ep 124 : Interview with an ethnic Mongol from Xinjiang Dr. Gordon Gao - Part 1
Carl Zha | This is 1st time I interviewed a direct descendant of Genghis Khan on the Silk and Steel Podcast. Gordon Gao, an ethnic Mongol born and raised in Xinjiang tells his family history in Xinjiang thru Cultural Revolution and Sino-Soviet border conflict. We also discuss the implementation of China 1 child policy for Han Chinese vs minorities. He will tell his personal story growing up in Xinjiang as an ethnic minority in Part 210 Nov 2022
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