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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with thoughts on the readout from the Central Economic Work Conference, including the emphasis on "progress" alongside stability, high-quality development and high-level security, PRC attempts at brand management, and where infrastructure investment might be going. From there: More water cannons, more controversy, and the same concerns as problems persist between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippines in the South China Sea. At the end: Frustrations with the hawk-dove spectrum, Henry Kissinger's complicated legacy, and questions about flights to China, academic engagement, and good Chinese TV dramas.

To email the show: email@sharpchina.fm

Central Economic Work Conference; Xi in Vietnam; Short video crackdown — Sinocism

Central Economic Work Conference; Progress vs stability; PRC-Philippines standoffs; Fentanyl — Sinocism

CEWC 2024 readout — Translated by Sinocism

Rise in Chinese steel output drives sharp rally in iron ore — Financial Times

U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea — United States State Department

Philippine festive flotilla turns back after Chinese interception — The Guardian

China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China

What It Feels Like To Be the Target of China’s Water Cannons — New York Times

China uses water cannons anew vs Filipino ships in West Philippine Sea — Rappler YouTube Channel

What Henry Kissinger wrought — Vox

Ambassador Xie Feng met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China

Chinese Dramas:

• The Knockout

• Minning Town

• In the Name of the People