Sharp China with Bill Bishop

Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates

Jan 12, 2024

Bill Bishop, author of Sinocism, discusses topics such as US intelligence assessment on China, PLA corruption, China's nuclear ambitions, foreign affairs work conference, Liu Jianchao's visit to the US, and Xi's connection with old friends in Iowa.

01:06:28

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Episode guests

Bill Bishop

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Quick takeaways

The upcoming Taiwan presidential election could impact China-Taiwan and US-China relations, with Beijing closely watching the results.

The continued crackdown on corruption in the PLA may affect China's military preparedness and modernization efforts.

There are concerns about China's nuclear ambitions and its rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, with implications for global security.

Deep dives

Taiwan presidential election and its potential impact on China-Taiwan relations

The upcoming Taiwan presidential election is seen as a significant event that could affect the China-Taiwan relationship and the US-China relationship. The election is hotly contested between the DPP candidate, Lai, and the KMT candidate, Tsai. The outcome of the election is expected to have implications for the future of cross-strait relations and could potentially lead to tensions between China and the US. The election results are closely watched by Beijing, and its response will likely depend on the outcome of down-ballot elections.

Introduction

3min

Taiwanese Election and Potential Outcome

21min

China's Rebuilding of Secretive Nuclear Base

5min

China's Global Strategy and the Global South

24min

Chinese Spy Balloon and US Internet Service Provider

4min

Inaccurate portrayal of Energy Foundation as CCP front organization

7min

Challenges of Policing Threats and Maintaining Peaceful Coexistence

2min

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

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Sharp China with Bill Bishop

Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Taiwan presidential election and its potential impact on China-Taiwan relations

Corruption investigation in the PLA and its impact on military preparedness

Chinese nuclear ambitions and concerns over arms buildup

China's Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal Raises Concerns

China's Diplomatic Strategy and Push for Global Influence

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
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Discover
highlights

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Sharp China with Bill Bishop

Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Taiwan presidential election and its potential impact on China-Taiwan relations

Corruption investigation in the PLA and its impact on military preparedness

Chinese nuclear ambitions and concerns over arms buildup

China's Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal Raises Concerns

China's Diplomatic Strategy and Push for Global Influence

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Save anymoment

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Get the Snipd
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