Sharp China Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

Show Notes:

On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with last weekend’s election in Taiwan, where William Lai and the DPP retained their hold on the presidency but lost a majority in the legislature. Topics include: The reactions from China and around the world, continued questions about a timeline for “reunification”, Hong Kong as a cautionary tale for th…

This episode of Sharp China is free for everyone.

Show notes:

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.

Related readings:

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 -- N.Y. Times 

How China’s Echo Chamber Threatens Taiwan -- Foreign Affairs 

China's Power: Up for Debate 2023 PM Session -- YouTube 

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 

Dall-E’s rendering of a DF-4 missile fueled with water:

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sinocism.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

On today’s show Andrew and Bill talk through questions and key areas to watch during the year to come in China. First: A look at the economy a year after the end of dynamic zero covid, including a Bloomberg report on the real estate market and household wealth, MSS warnings about discourse traps, and a corruption crackdown that's likely to continue. Then: Foreign policy questions include ongoing tensions with the Philippines and Taiwan, an ODNI report on election interference in the US, and a tactical stabilization with the Americans that may be tested as early as January. At the end: Andrew runs through various memories from the past year, including 72 hours of unmanned airship sightings, a Barbie controversy, the God of Money menu, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, Gina Raimondo’s trip to Beijing, Gavin Newsom, and an emailer’s submission for a new Sharp China logo.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

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.

Related readings:

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 -- Translation by Sinocism

Rise in Chinese steel output drives sharp rally in iron ore -- FT

U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea -- State Department 

Philippine festive flotilla turns back after Chinese interception -- The Guardian 

China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis -- MoFA 

What It Feels Like To Be the Target of China’s Water Cannons - NYT

China uses water cannons anew vs Filipino ships in West Philippine Sea -- YouTube:

What Henry Kissinger wrought -- Vox 

What the Henry Kissinger Obituaries Got Wrong - POLITICO - James Mann

Ambassador Xie Feng met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger -- MoFA

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This episode of Sharp China is free for everyone.

Show notes:

On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin by parsing the claims contained in a controversial piece from Politico, including thoughts on the spectrum of rumors surrounding this year’s disappearing cabinet members, the smaller-than-ever circle of true insiders in Xi’s China, and certain details of present-day CPC politics and that are beyond dispute. From there: Several stories in and around the finance sector, where there have been more warnings against relaying bad news, there is still no third plenum announcement, the Central Financial Work Commission has provided new guidance, and Moody’s is taking precautions for its local employees. At the end: Checking in with Secretary Gina Raimondo, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, the House of Representatives, and Huawei's role in the PRC chip constellation.  

To subscribe to Sinocism and gain access to all podcast episodes as well as every issue of Sinocism from Bill Bishop, click here.

To subscribe to Stratechery Plus and receive daily writing from Ben Thompson and daily podcasts from Andrew Sharp, click here.

Related readings:

Finance with Chinese characteristics; Politico on recent elite rumors; Wang-Blinken chat; Nuclear power; Vaping; Moody's 

Unswervingly Follow the Path of Financial Development with Chinese Characteristics -- Translation by Sinocism.com

China’s Xi goes full Stalin with purge -- Politico EU 

China military official warns of ‘erroneous ideological trends’ spreading in PLA -- SCMP 

Media groups raise concerns following report of ‘missing’ Hong Kong journalist in China -- CNN 

Matter of minutes: Why Cheng Lei did not see her family for three years -- Sydney Morning Herald 

China Investment Bank Bans Displays of Wealth -- Bloomberg 

China’s Xi Seen Delaying Key Economic Plenum, Defying Norms -- Bloomberg 

Xi Jinping Is Asserting Tighter Control of Finance in China -- N.Y. Times 

Moody’s advised staff to work from home ahead of China outlook cut -- FT 

Moody’s Faces Growing Backlash Over Its Negative Outlook on China -- WSJ 

RNDF 2023 Fireside Chat – The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce -- YouTube 

China Secretly Transforms Huawei Into Most Powerful Chip War Weapon -- Blooomberg News 

House Speaker Johnson Drops China Investment Curbs From Defense Bill -- Bloomberg 

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sinocism.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with a new generation of foreign influencers said to be assisting in Xi's campaign to “tell China's story well” and an update on Wolf Warrior diplomacy as 2023 draws to a close. Then: Q&A with the Sinocism chat, including a request for tangible signs of fentanyl progress, regional governments vying for debt relief, Li Qiang at the Central Financial Commission, and a look at why and how PRC citizens are moving investments outside China. At the end: One listener's theory on why Xi may retain power for years to come, the outbreaks straining hospitals around China, and a renowned Chef's egg fried rice ignites a controversy

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Related readings:

Politburo meeting; No date for Third Plenum; More Party in foreign affairs work; Support for private enterprises; Myanmar-PRC border; 蛋炒饭 -- Sinocism

Xi in Shanghai; Politburo studies foreign legal work; Xi and Putin's gas; ICBC corruption -- Sinocism 

Singing from the CCP’s songsheet -- Australian Strategic Policy Institute 

Friendly foreign influencers win growing following in China -- Financial Times 

Sidney Rittenberg, Idealistic American Aide to Mao Who Evolved to Counsel Capitalists, Dies at 98 -- N.Y. Times 

Zhao Lijian: China reassigns combative ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomat -- BBC 

China Premier Li Qiang Named Head of Powerful Financial Body -- Bloomberg 

Gold Bars and Tokyo Apartments: How Money Is Flowing Out of China. -- N.Y. Times 

Everything You Need to Know About China’s Child Pneumonia Outbreak -- Bloomberg 

China's Next Epidemic Is Already Here - Foreign Policy

Famous Chef Accused of Mocking Mao, Again -- China Digital Times 

Chef Wang teaches you: Homestyle egg fried rice. Several key steps, let's learn together! -- Chef Wang 

Mao Zedong’s son died over a bowl of egg-fried rice and the CCP continues to cover it up -- State of Play in China 

Chef Wang’s Youtube channel, now English subtitles available in the settings

Chef Wang has one of the best outdoor kitchens in the world:

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

Show notes:

On today's show Andrew and Bill look back at a week of news from San Francisco. Topics include: A "tactical stabilization" in the US-China relationship, world leaders comparing cars, concessions from the US and a PRC commitment on fentanyl, whether China would prefer Biden or Trump in 2024, and what else was achieved on both sides of the Bide…

Show notes:

After one year of Sharp Tech and Sharp China, a summit with Ben Thompson, Bill Bishop and Andrew Sharp to discuss podcasting, the chip ban, the US-China relationship and beyond. To read the full transcript, click here.

We recorded this podcast the afternoon of the Xi-Biden meeting on November 15. Andrew and I will record a separate podcast early next week in which we will discuss that meeting.

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sinocism.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.com

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with Xi Jinping’s trip to San Francisco and a likely meeting with President Biden next week. Topics include: A planned dinner with business leaders, why the PRC hasn’t yet confirmed the trip, modest goals for both sides, more ambitious concessions China and the US may seek. From there: Janet Yellen’s column in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal offers one calculation for foreign capital flight, and why changes at the as yet unscheduled Third Plenum may not allay investor anxiety. At the end: The detention of Zhang Hongli, a.k.a. Lee Zhang, in what appears to be another corruption investigation, warming relations between the PRC and Australia, and the pandas in Washington D.C. prepare for a long flight. 

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Related readings:

PRC-Australia back on the "right path"; He Lifeng to DC; Investor detentions and foreign funds outflows; Vanke; Hydropower -- Sinocism 

More state capital for key areas; Prepping for Xi in San Francisco; More real estate support likely; PLA; Huawei AI chips; BRI -- Sinocism 

US Defense Chief Lloyd Austin Asks to Meet With China’s Still-Unnamed Counterpart -- Bloomberg

There’s a way for the U.S. to compete with China — and to work with China -- Washington Post 

Foreign Firms Pull Billions in Earnings Out of China -- WSJ 

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China -- Substack: 

China Opens Corruption Probe Into Ex-ICBC Banker Zhang Hongli -- Bloomberg 

Inside a Brazen Scheme to Woo China: Gifts, Golf and a $4,254 Wine -- N.Y. Times 

Private schools rethink China future after flunking growth test -- Reuters 

Australian and Chinese leaders talk pandas and wine as ties improve despite disagreements -- AP

Here’s How the Pandas Are Getting From the National Zoo to China -- Washingtonian 

The hidden power of China’s pandas — and why the U.S. is losing them all -- Washington Post 

Surprise panda goodbye -- Axios

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This episode of Sharp China is free for everyone.

Show notes:

On today’s show Bill and Andrew begin with the passing of Li Keqiang, the grief that swept China over the weekend, and the various party protocols that were set in motion to control the mourning process this week. From there: Another Politburo meeting comes and goes with no news about a third plenum to devise new economic policy, the modest progress and persistent structural challenges animating the US-China relationship in 2023, and the MSS turns its eyes to meteorology. At the end: Extended thoughts on Gavin Newsom’s trip to China, a look at the strategic advantages China brings to the global market for a select group of commodities, the Foreign Ministry complains about Rahm Emanuel’s approach to diplomacy, and Yao Ming makes an appearance for the NBA’s opening week. 

To subscribe to Sinocism and gain access to all podcast episodes as well as every issue of Sinocism from Bill Bishop, click here.

To subscribe to Stratechery Plus and receive daily writing from Ben Thompson and daily podcasts from Andrew Sharp, click here.

Related readings:

Li Keqiang; Financial Work Conference; Xi on women; US-China; Xiangshan Forum -- Sinocism 

Xi meets California Governor Newsom; Biden warns on Second Thomas Shoal; Aricle 23 coming to Hong Kong; Xi Thought on Culture -- Sinocism 

Central Financial Work Conference; Biden and Xi to meet; Li Keqiang -- Sinocism 

‘Other leaders are corrupt’: Li Keqiang mourning poses challenge for Beijing -- FT 

Post by Wenhao on X -- @ThisIsWenhao

U.S. President Joe Biden Meets with Wang Yi - MoFA

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with People’s Republic of China Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi -- The White House 

If China is forced to resolve the Taiwan question through the use of force, it will be a legitimate and just war: Lieutenant General -- Global Times

Beijing’s top spy agency cracks down on illegal foreign weather stations amid push to stop data leaving China -- South China Morning Post 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom plows into child while playing basketball in China -- KTLA:

China’s Xi Welcomes Gavin Newsom in Beijing With Eye on U.S. Visit -- WSJ 

Geopollutical Warfare --

Post by Rahm Emanuel on X -- @USAmbJapan 

Post by Rahm Emanuel on X -- @USAmbJapan 

Exclusive: US military bulk buys Japanese seafood to counter China ban -- Reuters 

NBA 'first class' in China despite past conflicts, Yao Ming says -- ESPN

To add the Sharp China feed to your preferred podcast player:

Click on the "listen on" button and you will see a dropdown with several options. Make sure you are logged into your account when you do it so you get the correct private RSS feed for subscribers. If you have not logged in for a while you can enter your email and then we will send you a login link.

The “email link” in the pulldown shown above will send you an email that also makes it easy to set it up in your preferred podcast app on your phone.

If you use the Substack app it has a built- in podcast player.

Thanks for listening.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sinocism.com/subscribe