Subscribe to Stratechery Plus to get full episodes of Sharp China, plus Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Sharp Tech, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering.
Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with a note about this weekend’s elections in Taiwan before turning back to the upheaval in the PLA. Topics include: Bloomberg's reporting on a US intelligence assessment, realism on PRC capabilities, the history of PLA corruption, and recent reporting about China's nuclear ambitions. From there: Reactions to the foreign affairs work conference in late December, why Beijing sees opportunities around the world, and thoughts on Liu Jianchao's visit to the US and his future as a possible successor to Qin Gang. At the end: Xi reconnects with old friends in Iowa, balloon updates will continue forever, a listener provides more context on a December Fox News report, and a Christmas present offers a path forward for the National Zoo.
To email the show: email@sharpchina.fm
CCDI Plenum; PLA corruption; MSS, MI6 and 007; Xizang; Apple AirDrop — Sinocism
New Minister of Defense and more signs of a PLA purge; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Reprieve for gaming?; Jimmy Lai — Sinocism
Taiwan’s Air Raid Alarm on Satellite Causes Pre-Election Anxiety — Bloomberg
US Intelligence Shows Flawed China Missiles Led Xi to Purge Army — Bloomberg
Thread by Kevin Yam 任建峰 — X
China Quietly Rebuilds Secretive Base for Nuclear Tests — New York Times
How China’s Echo Chamber Threatens Taiwan — Foreign Affairs
China's Power: Up for Debate 2023 PM Session — CSIS YouTube Channel
China's foreign minister contender seeks peace, including on Taiwan — Nikkei Asia
To old friend in Iowa, Xi says world requires stability in China-US ties — Reuters
U.S. intelligence officials determined the Chinese spy balloon used a U.S. internet provider to communicate — NBC News
CCP-tied group is quietly fueling US-based climate initiatives: tax filings — Fox News
China calls for peaceful coexistence and promises pandas on the 45th anniversary of U.S.-China ties — Reuters
