Sinocism Live Sinocism Live: The Fourth Plenum and US-China relations with Chris Johnson
Oct 24, 2025
Chris Johnson, former top China analyst at the CIA and CEO of China Strategies Group, provides deep insights into the recent Fourth Plenum and its implications for US-China relations. He discusses the ongoing purges within the PLA and their impact on military readiness and morale. Chris also examines Xi Jinping's succession planning and the strategic nuances of China's rare-earth export controls. As tensions rise, he analyzes potential outcomes from upcoming leader meetings and the delicate balance both countries seek to maintain.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chris Johnson's Background In Brief
- Chris Johnson summarized his CIA career and roles including PDB staff and CSIS chair.
- He left government to run a consultancy and lives in New York while affiliated with Asia Society.
Xi Likely Driving Military Purges
- Xi Jinping appears to control the PLA purge decisions rather than a rival military faction.
- Promotions like Zhang Shengmin's signal punishment and centralization, not factional victory.
CMC Still In Disarray
- The CMC remains understaffed and politically unsettled after recent expulsions.
- Leaving key military and political work posts vacant signals Xi's distrust and ongoing investigations.