ChinaTalk Sinocism's Bill Bishop on the Politics of Coronavirus
Mar 25, 2020
Bill Bishop, author of the influential Sinocism newsletter, dives deep into the complexities of US-China relations. He unpacks how China's handling of COVID-19 reflects broader political tactics and the CCP's response to blame shifting. The conversation shifts to Taiwan's proactive stance amid rising tensions and the implications of foreign journalist expulsions on media freedom. Bishop also shares insights on binge-worthy Chinese dramas that reveal societal narratives, showcasing the interplay between culture and politics.
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CCP's COVID-19 Response
- The CCP's response to COVID-19 revealed its strengths and weaknesses.
- It highlighted their initial secrecy and cover-up, followed by efficient mobilization.
Initial Mishandling
- China's initial mishandling of the virus was surprising, given their prior claims.
- Their failure to learn from SARS, regarding cover-ups, proved costly.
African Swine Fever
- The African swine fever outbreak, a man-made disaster in China, exemplifies systemic issues.
- Misincentives to hide information and policy mistakes worsened the situation.