Sharp China with Bill Bishop

By Andrew Sharp and Sinocism’s Bill BishopNews

Sharp China with Bill Bishop episodes

February 28, 2024 (Preview) Preparing for the Two Sessions; Li Shangfu and Qin Gang; The I-SOON Hacking Leaks; Heightened Scrutiny for Musk and SpaceX
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with an overview of the CPPCC, the NPC and what to expect as the Two Sessions begin this weekend. Topics include: Xi’s recent absence from public view, the resignation of Qin Gang as an NPC delegate, Li Shangfu’s removal from the party CMC’s official website, Li Qiang’s first work report as premier, and why Xi Jinping’s is unlikely to echo last year’s comments on the US. From there: Reactions to the I-SOON leaks as evidence of PRC hacking continues to circulate around the world, while Congress has questions for Elon Musk about SpaceX in Taiwan and whether the company is fulfilling its obligations to the US government. At the end: News on the Village Basketball Association, Joe Tsai’s Brooklyn Nets celebrate Lunar New Year, and Pandas are coming back to San Diego and (probably) Washington D.C.
To email the show: [email protected]
Qin Gang; State secrets law; New Productive Forces 新质生产力; Consumption stimulus; Cyber power — Sinocism
Taiwan; WTO; Li Shangfu; US-China; E-Bikes — Sinocism
Covering China’s National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee — NPC Observer
China’s former foreign minister Qin Gang resigns from legislature after long absence from public view — SCMP
Ousted Defense Minister Li Shangfu Removed from Top Military Body — Caixin Global
China’s ‘two sessions’ 2023: Xi Jinping directly accuses US of leading Western suppression of China — SCMP
Leaked Files Show the Secret World of China’s Hackers for Hire — New York Times
i-SOON Data Leak — Malcore
House China committee demands Elon Musk open SpaceX Starshield internet to U.S. troops in Taiwan — CNBC
Tesla's Shanghai Factory: The Golden Goose that Became a Geopolitical Bargaining Chip — Motorhead
China military must be able to destroy Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites if they threaten national security: scientists — SCMP
Inaugural Village BA national championship to tip off in March — Global Times
Brooklyn Nets hold Chinese New Year celebration at Barclays Center during game — Yahoo! News
Black and white and adored all over. China pledges pair of pandas for San Diego Zoo — AP
Happy Year of the Dragon from the Brooklyn Nets! — @BrooklynNets
12 min
February 21, 2024 (Preview) US-China in Vienna and Munich; Hacking and Espionage Allegations; PRC Lobbying in DC; Rep. Gallagher to Depart Congress
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with recent meetings between US officials and PRC counterparts in Munich and Vienna, including complaints from both Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong that the U.S. has harassed PRC students trying to enter the U.S., as well as a note about China's designation as a "major drug source country." From there: The MSS takes to WeChat to criticize the CIA, while the FBI Director warns the Munich Security Forum that Chinese malware capabilities have reached an unprecedented scale. From there: A Financial Times op-ed argues that America has done a poor job countering PRC information warfare, and Congressional staffers debate a blacklist policy for lobbying firms doing business with select PRC entities. At the end: Congressman Mike Gallagher announces he won't seek reelection, while Lionel Messi explains himself (again).
To email the show: [email protected]
Holiday data OK; Emancipating minds; Kinmen; Party History; Wang Yi in Europe — Sinocism
China protests treatment of its students at Dulles and other U.S. entry points — NBC News
Memorandum on Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2024 — The White House
Spycraft and Statecraft — Foreign Affairs
National security authority accuses CIA of ‘bringing suit against its victims’ in bilingual article, showing anti-spy moves justified, legitimate — Global Times
FBI Director Says China Cyberattacks on U.S. Infrastructure Now at Unprecedented Scale — Wall Street Journal
The US needs a better strategic narrative or it will cede influence to China — Financial Times
Lawmakers weigh blacklist for firms lobbying for Chinese military-linked companies — Politico
TikTok hires Biden-connected firm as it finds itself under D.C.’s microscope — Politico
GOP Rising Star and China Watchdog Mike Gallagher to Quit Congress — Wall Street Journal
After fallout in China, Messi insists politics had nothing to do with missing game in Hong Kong — AP News
Lionel Messi's official statement about missing the game in Hong Kong — YouTube
John Cena apologises to China for calling Taiwan a country (english subtitles) — YouTube
China, U.S. agree to implement consensus of San Francisco summit — English.gov.CN
10 min
February 09, 2024 (Preview) Continued Market Adventures; Shifting Trade Patterns with China; Looming Green Energy Questions; Messi and a Hong Kong Mess
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with another week of volatility in and around the PRC markets, including a crash on Monday, stabilization as the week unfolded, reports of a meeting between Xi and regulators, and changes at the CSRC. Then: For the first time in 17 years Mexico has supplanted China as the biggest U.S. trade partner, which raises questions about the future of the bilateral trade relationship and volume of PRC goods that have been diverted through countries like Mexico and Vietnam. At the end: The future of green energy manufacturing in the EU and China, a look at the sad and absurd week of controversy surrounding Lionel Messi, and a Happy Lunar New Year to all Sharp China listeners.
To email the show: [email protected]
CSRC head replaced; Government wants more EV exports; Wei Fenghe absence; Messi’s groin good enough for Japan — Sinocism
Stocks; Xi Thought; Nukes — Sinocism
Xi Can’t Use 2015 Playbook to Calm China Markets, Investors Say — Bloomberg
Xi to Discuss China Stocks With Regulators as Rescue Bets Build — Bloomberg
China’s Economy Is in Serious Trouble — New York Times
Hitting China's Wall — New York Times
China’s well-to-do are under assault from every side — The Economist
How a U.S. Embassy post about giraffes became an outlet for despair about China’s tumbling stock markets — NBC News
China dethroned as top source of US imports after 17 years, replaced by Mexico: census data — SCMP
A China-U.S. Decoupling? You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet — Wall Street Journal
EU mum as solar industry time bomb ticks — Politico
With solar industry in crisis, Europe in a bind over Chinese imports — Reuters
Messi is playing in a match that concerns integrity: Global Times editorial — Global Times
China says Messi's absence in Hong Kong match beyond 'realm of sports' as fury builds — Reuters
Josh Ye — @ByJoshYe
The 2024 CMG Spring Festival Gala — CCTV YouTube Channel
13 min
February 02, 2024 Hong Kong Article 23; No Plenum and Another Market Setback; Trump and Taiwan; TikTok in Congress
Subscribe to Stratechery Plus to get full episodes of Sharp China, plus Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Sharp Tech, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering.
Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with reactions to the revival of Article 23 and thoughts on the landscape in Hong Kong as its laws continue to converge with the mainland. Then: A step back for the stock markets after last week’s stabilization efforts, another politburo meeting comes and goes without any announcement of a plenum, and a question about buying real estate in China. At the end: A listener has a question about President Trump and Taiwan, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is grilled by Senator Tom Cotton, Secretary Raimondo has concerns about EV data collection, and it’s the one-year anniversary of the spy balloon.
To email the show: [email protected]
Article 23 for Hong Kong; Real estate; Economic policy; Bill Burns on China — Sinocism
Stock Market; China Evergrande liquidation; US-China; Another missile cadre goes down — Sinocism
Hong Kong unveils new security law in further repeal of liberties — Nikkei Asia
Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to sedition and collusion charges — AP
Hong Kong announces plans to ‘trawl the world for talents’ — CNBC
China Stocks Sink to Five-Year Low as Traders Unwind Rescue Bets — Bloomberg
China Politburo Avoids Setting Date for Key Economic Meeting — Bloomberg
China Says Trump Could Abandon Taiwan If He Wins US Election — Bloomberg
Trump says Taiwan 'took our business away' — MSNBC YouTube Channel
Tom Cotton Unflinchingly Grills TikTok's CEO At Senate Hearing On Child Online Safety — Forbes YouTube Channel
Cotton defends pressing TikTok CEO on ties to Chinese Communist Party — The Hill
TikTok Struggles to Protect U.S. Data From Its China Parent — Wall Street Journal
Jake Sullivan on the Future of US-China Relations — CFR
Raimondo Says Chinese EVs Are a National Security Risk For US, EU — Asia Financial
Spy Balloon Memories — Politico EU
1 hr 4 min
January 26, 2024 (Preview) Tesla’s Future in China; Chinese EVs Around the World; Moves to Stabilize the Markets; More Questions on the Red Sea
Subscribe to Stratechery Plus to get full episodes of Sharp China, plus Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Sharp Tech, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering.
Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with an expanding list of sensitive sites around China at which Tesla vehicles have been deemed a security risk. With the PRC electric vehicle industry expanding every year, what does the future look like for Elon Musk and Tesla in China? And as PRC auto manufacturing outpaces domestic demand, how might the rest of the world react as Chinese cars flood foreign markets? Then: A few new messages and policies emerge as Beijing’s response to weak investor sentiment begins to crystallize and the markets appear to stabilize. At the end: More questions about the PRC response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, a meeting this weekend between Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi, and the latest adventures on WeChat from the Ministry of State Security.
To email the show: [email protected]
Wang-Sullivan meeting; Stocks go up; Clean energy and GDP; ASML — Sinocism
RRR cut; Talking up the stock market; Liu Jianchao; Teslas and security; Red Sea — Sinocism
Tesla cars face more entry bans in China as 'security concerns' accelerate — Nikkei Asia
Elon Musk: China automakers would 'demolish' rivals without trade barriers — Nikkei Asia
Musk Pulls Off Dance Moves at Tesla's Shanghai Plant — Bloomberg Television YouTube
Lithium price plunges on slowing Chinese demand for electric vehicles — Financial Times
Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights on the rise of the China vehicle industry — Sinocism Podcast
China Says EU’s ‘Unfair’ EV Subsidies Probe Risks Damaging Ties — Bloomberg
Security recall: The risk of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe — ECFR
Jake Sullivan and China’s top diplomat to hold back-channel talks — Financial Times
US urges China to help curb Red Sea attacks by Iran-backed Houthis — Financial Times
‘Opportunistic’ Chinese lines send ships to serve Red Sea ports — Financial Times
Exclusive: China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say — Reuters (published after recording)
MSS cracks a successful honey trap — MSS (Sinocism Translation)
18 min
January 19, 2024 (Preview) The Taiwan Election; Markets and GDP Go Opposite Directions; China and the Houthis; Cannabis and Soccer Corruption
Subscribe to Stratechery Plus to get full episodes of Sharp China, plus Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Sharp Tech, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering.
Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
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 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 the Taiwanese, Nauru and the United Nations, and sparring between the Foreign Ministry and the Philippines. From there: Li Qiang delivers good news to Davos, investors in China and Hong Kong remain wary, and one year after China announced to the world it was open for business, several factors have left confidence among the foreign investment community at an all-time low. At the end: The world waits for to China to take action in the Red Sea, a question about cannabis crackdowns in Hong Kong, and a documentary heralds a new crackdown on soccer corruption.
To email the show: [email protected]
Taiwan election; Wang Yi on the Red Sea; Li does Davos; Baidu buying opportunity? — Sinocism
Xi on financial development; Premier Li's Davos speech; MSS on Taiwan; Spring Festival travel — Sinocism
Election result can't change fact that Taiwan is part of China, says Chinese FM — CCTV
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Andrew Sorkin of CNBC — U.S. Department of Statee
Hong Kong a cautionary tale as China looms over Taiwan's election — NBC News
Taiwan loses diplomatic recognition of Nauru in wake of election — Financial Times
The Distortion of UN Resolution 2758 and Limits on Taiwan’s Access to the United Nations — German Marshall Fund
China warns Philippines not to ‘play with fire’ over president’s Taiwan remarks — Reuters
Philippines defence minister calls out China official for “gutter-level talk” — Reuters
A big Chinese delegation unnerves U.S. diplomats in Davos — Politico
China Stock Rout Deepens as Data Stoke Recovery Concerns — Bloomberg
Did China’s Economy Really Grow 5.2% in 2023? Not All Agree — Bloomberg
Beijing tells some investors not to sell as Chinese stock rout resumes — Financial Times
Charts This Week #1 & Publishing Update — Real China Chahrts
US escalates Red Sea tensions, while China voices fairness — Global Times
Why maritime ships are signaling their Chinese identity in the Red Sea — Semafor
How Chinese Marijuana Operations Cropped Up in Small-Town America — Wall Street Journal
Why Does China Remain Terrible at Soccer? Xi Jinping Has One Answer — Wall Street Journal
15 min
January 12, 2024 Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
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.
To email the show: [email protected]
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 — New York Times
How China’s Echo Chamber Threatens Taiwan — Foreign Affairs
China's Power: Up for Debate 2023 PM Session — CSIS YouTube Channel
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
1 hr 7 min
December 21, 2023 (Preview) Big Picture Questions for 2024; Taiwan and the Philippines and Tentative Stability; Our Favorite Memories from 2023
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
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 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.
To email the show: [email protected]
China’s Weibo Asks Bloggers to Avoid Badmouthing the Economy — Bloomberg
China’s Real Estate Meltdown Is Battering Middle Class Wealth — Bloomberg
China curtails ‘dangerous’ fighter jet manoeuvres after Xi-Biden summit — Financial Times
CCP-tied group is quietly fueling US-based climate initiatives: tax filings — Fox News
ODNI and DHS/DOJ Release Reports on Foreign Interference in 2022 Elections — Lawfare
Blinken postpones trip to Beijing after Chinese spy balloon spotted over US — CNN
Why 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson over 1-seed Purdue is the biggest upset in NCAA Tournament history — CBS Sports
James Harden Calls Daryl Morey A Liar — SPORTSNET YouTube
‘Barbie’ Map Controversy: Warner Bros. Explains the Drawing That Got the Film Banned in Vietnam (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
Everything on Janet Yellen's "God of Money" restaurant menu in Beijing — QZ
China hits back after Biden calls Xi a 'dictator' — Reuters
Chinese Hackers Targeted Commerce Secretary and Other U.S. Officials — New York Times
Chinese memes make U.S. envoy unwitting brand ambassador for new Huawei phone — Washington Post
Chinese TV presenter linked to missing foreign minister had surrogate child in US — Financial Times
California Gov. Gavin Newsom plows into child while playing basketball in China — KTLA 5 YouTube
D.C.’s pandas leave for China, ending an era for animal lovers — Washington Post
What China Saw in Kissinger — Sinocism
12 min
December 13, 2023(Preview) The Central Economic Work Conference; More Friction with the Philippines; Hawks and Doves and Kissinger
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Subscribe to Stratechery Plus to get full episodes of Sharp China, plus Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Sharp Tech, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering.
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 protected]
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
11 min
December 08, 2023 Politico’s Rendering of a Xi ‘Purge’; Finance with Chinese Characteristics; Moody’s Works from Home; Secretary Raimondo Warns Chip Companies
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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism
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 email the show: [email protected]
Finance with Chinese characteristics; Politico on recent elite rumors; Wang-Blinken chat; Nuclear power; Vaping; Moody's — Sinocism
Unswervingly Follow the Path of Financial Development with Chinese Characteristics — Translation by Sinocism
China’s Xi goes full Stalin with purge — Politico EU
China military official warns of ‘erroneous ideological trends’ spreading in PLA — South China Morning Post
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 — New York Times
Moody’s advised staff to work from home ahead of China outlook cut — Financial Times
Moody’s Faces Growing Backlash Over Its Negative Outlook on China — Wall Street Journal
RNDF 2023 Fireside Chat – The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce — Reagan Foundation YouTube
China Secretly Transforms Huawei Into Most Powerful Chip War Weapon — Bloomberg
House Speaker Johnson Drops China Investment Curbs From Defense Bill — Bloomberg
1 hr 8 min