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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
Sharp China with Bill Bishop 