Plain English with Derek Thompson

If China Invades Taiwan, Is It World War III?

Nov 18, 2022

In this engaging discussion, Bill Bishop, author of the influential Sinocism newsletter and host of the Sharp China podcast, dives deep into China's shift toward authoritarianism under Xi Jinping. He explores the dire state of the Chinese economy, the implications of Xi's leadership style, and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan. Bill articulates concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan and its consequences for global stability, likening it to a modern-day flashpoint reminiscent of historical conflicts.

50:47

Episode guests

Bill Bishop

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Chilling Effect of Xi Jinping on the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

01:20

Intro

4min

Navigating China's New Era Under Xi Jinping

4min

China's Zero-COVID Policy: Successes and Struggles

7min

Navigating China's Tech Landscape

16min

Geopolitical Tensions: Taiwan's Struggle for Autonomy

3min

Tensions Rising: Taiwan's Geopolitical Dilemma

12min

Today’s episode is about China’s turn toward authoritarianism—and why it might be one of the most important stories in the world. If you don’t know a lot about China—if you’ve been interested or astonished from afar by its Zero-COVID policy or its alarming saber-rattling toward Taiwan—then you and I are in the same boat. I am not at all an expert on China. But I am fascinated and alarmed by the country’s politics and by the character of its leader, Xi Jinping. Today’s guest is an expert in all things China: Bill Bishop, who writes the incredibly popular Sinocism newsletter. And he has a new podcast out called 'Sharp China.' In this episode, we discuss my biggest fears and questions: What is happening to the Chinese economy right now? Is Xi Jinping a tyrant? And if he chooses to invade Taiwan, is that World War III?

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Bill Bishop

Producer: Devon Manze

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