Sharp China with Bill Bishop

(Preview) A Maximalist Response to Japan's PM; More Bad Real Estate News; Leaked Warnings on Alibaba; Hasan Piker Touring China

Nov 19, 2025
Tensions rise as the hosts discuss Japan's Prime Minister's comments on Taiwan and the fierce Chinese backlash. They reflect on past protests over the Senkaku Islands and analyze the current political climate. Real estate woes deepen in China, with alarming predictions for economic contraction. A leaked memo suggests Alibaba's ties to the PLA, sparking concern. The episode also touches on Hasan Piker's travels in China, questioning the role of Western influencers in shaping narratives.
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INSIGHT

China's Maximalist Diplomatic Response

  • China responded extremely strongly to Japanese PM Takaishi's Taiwan comment with official condemnations and menacing rhetoric.
  • The PRC framed this as protecting sovereignty and warned of severe consequences for challengers.
ANECDOTE

2012 Senkaku Protests Memory

  • Bill Bishop recalled the 2012 Senkaku/Diaoyu protests where state-organized demonstrations filled streets and sometimes turned violent.
  • Those protests were quickly switched off by authorities after a few days once the government chose to end them.
INSIGHT

State-Directed Propaganda Over Street Protests

  • Beijing is using coordinated messaging across state media and agencies rather than allowing street protests this time.
  • The goal appears to be to apply pressure while avoiding the risks of uncontrolled mass demonstrations.
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