(Preview) Qin Gang Disappears; Kissinger Makes a Surprise Trip to Beijing; Chip Lobbying and Email Hacking in DC; More Worrisome Economic Data

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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism

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To email the show: email@sharpchina.fm

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National conference on ecological and environmental protection; Kerry and Henry Kissinger in Beijing; Qin Gang; Tang poems — Sinocism

Weak GDP data; National security "covert front 隐蔽战线"; US export controls; Covid excess deaths — Sinocism

Xi Jinping’s foreign minister has vanished from public view. His prolonged absence is driving intense speculation — CNN

Where Is China’s Foreign Minister? Beijing Won’t Clear Up the Mystery — New York Times

China Blocked Jack Ma’s Ant IPO After Investigation Revealed Likely Beneficiaries — Wall Street Journal

Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang made first throw at an NBA game. — YouTube

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang sends New Year greetings at NBA game — YouTube

Kissinger Meets China Defense Chief in Pursuing Closer Ties — Bloomberg

China’s envoy to US Xie Feng congratulates Henry Kissinger on 100th birthday — SCMP

Chip companies, top US officials discuss China policy — Reuters

Chinese Hackers Targeted Commerce Secretary and Other U.S. Officials — New York Times

China reports second-quarter GDP miss, another record high in youth unemployment — CNBC

Looming U.S. Investment Restrictions on China Threaten Diplomatic Outreach — New York Times

Canadian Politicians Who Criticize China Become Its Targets — New York Times

The “Just Sisters” Defense: China’s Sex-Scandal Surge — The New Yorker