Russia Rising

On this special bonus episode of China Rising, we’ll investigate how the biggest story in Canada-China relations finally came to a head. On Sept. 24th, a nearly three-year geopolitical stand-off over the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver ended after the Huawei executive struck a deal with U.S. authorities. Just hours after she was released, the Canadian Prime Minister announced the ‘Two Michaels’ – Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – were also freed and on their way home to Canada. That frantic climax sent shockwaves around the world. We’ll explore what it means for the future of Canada-China relations and witness the emotional homecoming for the ‘Two Michaels’ and their families. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 10 of China Rising, we’ll discuss the dramatic rise in anti-Asian racism in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuelled by misinformation about the virus and political rhetoric on both sides of the border, Canada saw a spike in reported hate crimes. Last year, anti-Asian hate crimes in Vancouver soared by more than 700%. We’ll hear from Canadians who’ve been targeted, including prominent figures in Canada’s political, arts and journalism communities, to shine a spotlight on the Canada’s hidden hate. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 9 of China Rising, we’ll update the story that has cast a shadow over Canada-China relations for nearly three years. September 5th, 2021 marks 1,000 days since Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained in China. Their arrests are widely seen as retaliation for the arrest of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of the United States. As Meng’s extradition hearing finally draws to a close and the ‘Two Michaels’ prepare to learn their fate, we’ll hear from the families and friends who are fighting desperately to bring them home. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 8 of China Rising, we'll explore the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, which are fueling fears of a possible Chinese military invasion and an armed conflict that risks spilling far beyond the island's borders. Taiwan is widely considered by security analysts to be a flashpoint for a confrontation between China and the United States. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province, which it has long wanted to bring under its rule. But public opinion polls show the vast majority of people in Taiwan consider themselves to be Taiwanese – not Chinese; They’re proud of their liberal democracy and do not want to become part of China. We’ll hear from Canadians living in Taiwan who are witnessing Beijing’s growing military aggression towards the island first-hand. And we’ll examine claims from some U.S. military leaders who predict China will launch a military invasion within the next six years. If that happens, how will Canada, the United States and their allies respond? Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 7 of China Rising, we'll take a trip to Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protesters are fighting back against a government crackdown. Since Beijing introduced a new national security law for Hong Kong in July 2020, more than 100 pro-democracy activists, lawmakers and journalists have been arrested. Hong Kong is home to 300,000 Canadians -- the largest Canuck community in any city outside of Canada. We'll meet the Canadian expats on the frontlines of the fight for Hong Kong. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 6 of China Rising, we'll hear from Canadians who say they and their families have faced threats, harassment, intimidation and surveillance in Canada for speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party. And we’ll investigate claims that the Chinese government is responsible for the alleged abuse, launching a state-sponsored campaign to crack down on dissent both at home and abroad. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode five of China Rising, we'll investigate the mysterious murder of a 41-year-old Chinese woman, Bo Fan, who was found brutally beaten to death in Surrey, B.C on June 17, 2020, not far from where her company had just hosted an event. The murder is raising questions about Fan's employer, a secretive self-improvement organisation from China called Create Abundance International, also known as Golden Touch. We'll also explore how British Columbia has become a hotbed for organised crime and money launderers with connections to China. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January 2020, a mysterious new virus broke out in Wuhan, China. The Western world watched in horror as China cut-off the city of 11 million people, which scrambled to contain the spread. Within weeks, COVID-19 was everywhere. But before long, Beijing was declaring victory over the pandemic. We'll investigate how Beijing capitalised on the crisis, becoming a top exporter of Personal Protective Equipment and COVID-19 vaccines. The Chinese government is also challenging the narrative around COVID-19's origin and is accused of pushing disinformation to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines. We'll cut through the noise and hear directly from those of the frontlines of China's pandemic response. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the third episode of China Rising, we’ll explore the Chinese government’s so-called ‘Wolf Warrior Diplomacy’. That term, inspired by the 2017 Chinese action movie ‘Wolf Warrior 2’,’ has recently been used to describe the shift to a much more aggressive and combative style of Chinese diplomacy, cracking-down on descent at home and abroad. How should Western allies respond to an increasingly bold and brazen Beijing? As part of our examination, we’ll investigate the head ‘Wolf Warrior’: Chinese President Xi Jinping. He's one of the world's most powerful men and yet we know remarkably little about him. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huseyin Celil is a married father of four and Chinese-Canadian who has been imprisoned in China for 15 years. Celil was arrested while on vacation with his family in Uzbekistan 2006. His lawyer says his only crime was speaking out for the rights of China’s Uyghur Muslims. Canada’s Parliament recently called China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority a “genocide” and the Canadian government is fighting to free two other Canadian prisoners in China, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. But there’s been scarcely any mention of Huseyin Celil’s case. We’ll speak to his wife, Kamila, who believes the coming months could provide a rare opportunity to finally secure his release. Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first episode of China Rising, we'll examine  the Chinese government's practice of detaining political prisoners, by hearing directly from Canadians who've become caught in the crossfire. Christian aid workers Julia and Kevin Garratt lived in China for 30 years before their arrest in 2014, when they were suddenly cast as pawns in a geopolitical chess match. The Garratts’ traumatic experience is eerily similar to the case of the 'Two Michaels,' Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, detained in China since December 2018. Using their stories and others as a guide, we'll investigate how Western countries, including Canada, should respond to China's so-called 'Hostage Diplomacy.' Contact: Twitter: @JeffSempleGN Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government is accused of aggressively targeting Western democracies… with disinformation and ‘hostage diplomacy.’ From Global News, I’m Jeff Semple and on my new Podcast CHINA RISING, we’ll separate fact from fiction, and hear from accused spies, whistle-blowers, and others caught in the political crossfire;  As the pandemic rages across the world…and incidents of anti-Asian racism are on rise.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wait, There’s More is a daily Global News podcast released every afternoon just in time for your commute home. On this episode, protests have erupted in Hong Kong as tens of thousands of people speak out against legislation that would allow the territory’s citizens to be extradited to Mainland China. Demonstrators tried to storm government buildings and police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Host Tamara Khandaker explores Hong Kong’s precarious relationship with China since the end of British governance in 1997 and what the implications of such a major change will mean for the safety of its citizens with the help of Crystal Yeung, a Canadian human rights lawyer living in Hong Kong; Grace Yeung, a Hong Kong resident, who has taken to the streets to protest; and BBC journalist Vincent Ni.

In this special episode, Niki Reitmayer, host of "This Is Why", and producer of "When Life Gives You Parkinson's" speaks with Jeff Semple about the making of Russia Rising, and gets a few updates on the stories covered this season. 

“Crime Beat” is a new investigative podcast series hosted by Crime Reporter Nancy Hixt. She's been covering cases for over the past 20 years and knows her hometown by the crime scenes she's been to. Journey deep inside some of Canada’s most high-profile criminal cases. Each bi-weekly episode will take you inside the story to give you details you didn't hear on the news.   Here’s a sneak peek from episode 2 of the series…. and while you’re listening, search and subscribe to “Crime Beat” for free at Curiouscast.ca or wherever you’re enjoying this podcast