Sharp China with Bill Bishop (Preview) The Questions Swirling Around the Fourth Plenum; PLA Purges Made Official; The Latest on the Trade War and Nexperia
Oct 22, 2025
In this discussion, intriguing questions arise around the Fourth Plenum and its implications for policy changes. The conversation dives into recent PLA purges, exploring competing theories and their significance for Taiwan's security. Insights into Xi Jinping’s control are shared, challenging notions of his decline. Finally, the situation surrounding the trade war with the U.S. and the complexities involving Nexperia are highlighted, leaving listeners eager for deeper analysis on these critical issues.
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Power Structure Of The CMC
- The Central Military Commission (party version) is the PLA's real overseer and Xi Jinping is its chairman.
- The CMC currently has several vacancies after recent expulsions, reducing its makeup and raising succession questions.
Purges Framed As Loyalty Failures
- The PLA purges were described as loyalty and duty-related breaches beyond mere corruption.
- Official language framed the cases as betrayal of party principles and collapsing faith in the party.
Propaganda Signals Xi's Control
- Propaganda around the plenum continued to signal Xi's control despite the purges.
- Observable messaging gives no clear sign that Xi is politically weakened.