Drum Tower

Two of The Economist's China correspondents, Alice Su and David Rennie, analyse the stories at the heart of this vast country and examine its influence beyond its borders. They’ll be joined by our global network of correspondents and expert guests to examine how everything from party politics to business, technology and culture are reshaping China and the world. Published every Tuesday. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts.
Trailers
Shows with Subscription Benefits
Hosts & Guests
Excellent show
6d ago
I subscribed to The Economist mainly for the Drum Tower and appreciate the important topics and engaging content. On Taiwan, however, sometimes I felt like I was listening to the BBC. I’m not sure if neutrality is still a journalistic priority today, but Alice’s stance on the Taiwan issue has been quite clear, as of the day of this comment. To be honest, I appreciated David’s reporting on this issue much more. As someone who has studied and visited both Taiwan and China, the comparison to Ukraine and Moscow felt off—between China and Taiwan, the issue seems not just political, but at its core very emotional. I’d appreciate reporting that’s more balanced and as accurate as possible, rather than the familiar narrative of “evil China” and an eternally fully independent Taiwan nation. Although it was a small part of the show, this bias may make me question the objectivity of other segments as well.
Matt in San Jose, California
Apr 2
Always informative and helpful to both experienced China geeks and those new to that obsession
Dongbei renaissance
Jan 18
The latest episode of Drum Tower, Dongbei renaissance, was wonderful, covering a human aspect of China usually unreported
Used to be more balanced
Mar 5
Having a Chinese host def makes the report a little more balanced, however, the narrative changes along its editorial guidelines each year which challenges its impartiality. Yet, For the majority English media landscape, it offers an extra extension that the main stream couldn’t cover. Personally I liked it more when it was free. It was more objective and nuanced.
About
Information
- Channel
- CreatorThe Economist
- Years Active2022 - 2025
- Episodes140
- RatingClean
- CopyrightCopyright © The Economist Newspaper Limited 2023. All rights reserved.
- Show Website
- ProviderThe Economist Newspaper Limited
More From The Economist
You Might Also Like
- PoliticsUpdated Weekly
- Tech NewsUpdated Weekly
- Business NewsUpdated Weekly
- NewsUpdated Weekly
- Daily NewsUpdated Daily
- NewsUpdated Daily
- Daily NewsUpdated Daily