In today's episode, we delve into the significant leadership changes within China's military, marked by the reported detention of General He Weidong, and explore the implications for China's internal stability and international relations. We also cover President Xi Jinping's diplomatic visits to Malaysia and Cambodia, highlighting key agreements and China's strategic positioning in Southeast Asia. Additionally, we examine the escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and the multifaceted strategies employed by China to exert influence over Taiwan. Join us for an in-depth analysis of these critical developments.

Sources:

https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/xi-jinping-fires-top-general-he-weidong-military-purge-china-125041500301_1.html

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-april-18-2025

https://unn.ua/en/news/for-the-first-time-in-60-years-a-leading-general-in-china-has-been-removed-from-office-due-to-a-corruption-scandal-ft

https://www.aei.org/articles/china-taiwan-weekly-update-april-18-2025/

https://www.yugmarg.com/news/38594-pla-loses-another-top-dog-as-xi-purges-the-military.aspx

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zgyw/202504/t20250419_11598443.htm

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3306890/chinas-xi-wraps-malaysia-visit-jet-chip-deals-heading-cambodia

http://se.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgxw_0/202504/t20250418_11596692.htm

https://www.aei.org/articles/china-taiwan-weekly-update-april-18-2025/

https://warontherocks.com/2025/04/taiwans-biggest-problem-in-steeling-itself-for-war-with-china-is-cultural/

http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0416/c90000-20302748.html

https://globaltaiwan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OR_PRC-Lawfare-and-Economic-Coercion-Against-Taiwan.pdf

https://thediplomat.com/2025/04/the-big-lie-being-pro-us-wont-force-china-to-invade-taiwan/

https://www.andrewerickson.com/2025/04/the-china-navy-leadership-bookshelf/

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-april-18-2025

https://economictimes.com/news/defence/pla-loses-another-top-dog-as-xi-jinping-purges-the-military/articleshow/120296797.cms

https://www.aei.org/articles/china-taiwan-weekly-update-april-18-2025/

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/chinas-military-shake-up-power-play-or-strategy-shift