Sharp China Podcast

On today’s show guest host Ben Thompson (Stratechery) and Bill begin with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and discuss China's reaction and the mood on the ground in Taiwan as it approaches a Presidential Election. Later: a discussion on Warren Buffett's comments about TSMC and China's proposed rules for AI.As per our custom, this first episode of the month is outside the paywall and free for everyone.Taiwan's president warns 'democracy is under threat' in joint remarks with McCarthy — CNNEuropean leaders in Beijing; Tsai in California; Xinhua attacks US financial hegemony; Saudi-Iran Beijing meeting — SinocismChina to inspect ships in Taiwan Strait, Taiwan says won't cooperate — ReutersPLA exercises around Taiwan; Macron and the PRC; Did Tedros "slander China"?; AI Bubble — SinocismChina military ‘ready to fight’ after drills near Taiwan — Associated PressXi inspects Guangdong; Lula to China; Draft AI rules; Macron; Sandstorms; Substack Notes open to all — Sinocism2024 election a choice between 'democracy and autocracy': DPP nominee Lai — Focus TaiwanChina slaps security reviews on AI products as Alibaba unveils ChatGPT challenger — Financial TimesBuffett says geopolitics a factor in Berkshire sale of TSMC stake — Reuters 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.comOn today’s show Andrew and Bill begin withXi Jinping’s visit to Moscow and a week of news about deepening ties between China and Russia. Topics include: The recent inversion of the Russia-China relationship, concerns about what a Xi-Putin union means for the rest of the world, and more signs that a much broader project is underway as Xi seek to reshape …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today's show Andrew and Bill begin with the news that Saudi Arabia and Iran have reestablished diplomatic relations in a deal that was mediated by China, and announced in Beijing last week. Then: A report that Xi could visit Russia as early as next week, a second report that he will be making his first call to Zelenskyy since the Russian invasion beg…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the first few days of the Two Sessions and what to make of the messages sent by Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Then: Reactions to a few recent columns expressing concern at the bipartisan consensus in DC, a new plan for Chinese data, and the draft budget provides more signs that self-sufficiency is a…

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with reactions to the PRC’s 12-point plan for a peaceful settlement of the Russian war in Ukraine, including why feigning neutrality fell flat with the international community, continued warnings from U.S. officials regarding weapons assistance, and a visit to Beijing from Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. From there: the Central Party Committee and State Council release new guidelines for legal education, examining the Chinese legal system under Xi, and thoughts on the implications of a Congressional investigation into the origins of Covid-19. At the end: Updates on Bao Fan, the crackdown on corruption in the financial sector, PRC currency ambitions, the shift to conducting life via mobile apps, and a word about gray hair.We love feedback and questions for future episodes. To email the show: [email protected]. You can also submit questions and feedback in the Sinocism chat:PRC-Ukraine; Xi and propaganda into the Two Meetings; Legal education guideline; Li Keqiang farewell tour -- SinocismPRC-Russia-Ukraine; US-PRC; Financial sector personnel and corruption -- SinocismChina’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis -- MoFAPresident Xi Jinping Had a Virtual Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin -- MoFAAs China Calls for Peace, U.S. Believes Beijing Is Considering Artillery and Drone Deliveries to Moscow -- Wall St. JournalPutin ally Lukashenko meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing -- CNNChina releases key guideline on legal education, stresses firm stand to oppose Western erroneous views -- Global TimesXi’s Law-and-Order Strategy -- Foreign AffairsLab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says -- Wall St. JournalThe State of Dynamic Zero-COVID and Reactions to That ProPublica Report -- Sharp China:Australia rides out Chinese sanctions as exports boom -- Financial TimesHouse committee on China starts two-year drive to ‘decouple’ -- Washington PostStar Banker in China Who Vanished Is Said to Be Aiding Government Inquiry -- New York TimesMissing Banker Bao Fan Is Cooperating in China Probe, His Firm Says -- BloombergWith Streaks of Gray Hair, Xi Jinping of China Breaks With Tradition -- N.Y. TimesThe Knockout EP01: Gao Qiqiang is Sent to the Police for Fighting | 狂飙 | iQIYI -- YouTube 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.comOn today's show Andrew and Bill begin with reaction to the meeting between Wang Yi and Anthony Blinken in Munich last weekend, including competing readouts that signal continued tension between the U.S. and China, other statements weekend that underscore Chinese frustrations, and what to look for from both sides in the months to come. Then: Joe Biden is…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today's show Bill and Andrew begin with the continuing reactions to the balloon controversy, including rumors of a Blinken-Wang Yi meeting in Munich, last weekend’s new foreign object sightings, China’s story of a flying object outside Qingdao, and reports that U.S. officials believe that the initial balloon did, in fact, fly off course. Then: Survey…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with a few reactions to Joe Biden’s comments about China in Tuesday’s State of the Union address. From there: several days of outsized reaction around Washington, mounting calls for even stronger American responses to China’s ambitions, and stress-testing the theory that last week’s balloon mess was initiated by rog…

This special, short episode is outside the paywall. On today's show Andrew and Bill reconvene for an emergency episode to share their reactions to the news that the Pentagon is tracking a Chinese reconnaissance balloon across the U.S., the statements coming from both the Pentagon and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the news that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has canceled his trip to Beijing.Some links:US readout of Blinken’s call with Wang Yi:Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi to convey that he will not be traveling to the People’s Republic of China at this time in light of the current presence of a high-altitude PRC surveillance balloon in U.S. airspace. The Secretary relayed that he had planned to visit Beijing to follow up on the agenda agreed to by President Biden and President Xi in November in Bali. The Secretary noted the PRC’s statement of regret but conveyed that this is an irresponsible act and a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law that undermined the purpose of the trip. The Secretary explained that in light of this ongoing issue, it would not be appropriate to visit Beijing at this time. He underscored that the United States is committed to diplomatic engagement and maintaining open lines of communication, and that he would be prepared to visit Beijing as soon as conditions allow.Bloomberg with some details on the balloon surveillance program - High-Flying Balloon Seen as Part of Broader Chinese Spy Program:The high-altitude balloon now floating at 60,000 feet over the continental US is part of a broader Chinese spying program that’s seen many such devices sent over the nation, including some during the Trump administration, according to US officials…People familiar with the matter believe the balloon is maneuverable —because they’ve detected it changing course — and anticipate it will likely remain in US airspace for several more days. Nonetheless, they’ve decided not to try to shoot it down for now, arguing that the risk to the public of falling debris is too high as its payload is the size of several buses.They flatly dismiss China’s claim that it’s a weather-monitoring vehicle given its size, previous Chinese espionage activity in the same vein, and private acknowledgment from Chinese officials of its true nature. 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

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with a variety of thoughts in advance of next week's visit to Beijing from Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Topics include: Why cooperation has proven difficult for both sides, hopes that the U.S. can avoid a repeat of Yang Jiechi in Anchorage, an editorial in the People's Daily, and extended thoughts on domestic political concerns underlying the intractable Taiwan dispute. From there: Reactions to a memo from U.S. General Mike Minihan instructing members of the Air Force to prepare for armed conflict with China, while the Russian Foreign Ministry announces that Xi Jinping will be visiting Moscow (and the Chinese demur when asked for confirmation). At the end: No updates on foreign Visa holders, a question about the dwindling numbers of Westerners studying Chinese, a clarification regarding Hua Chunying, and a call to listeners for UFO assistance.We have decided to put the first episode of each outside the paywall, so this episode is free for everyone.To email the show: [email protected] officially peaked; Blinken's PRC visit; War talk; Tech controls; Hu Xinyu — SinocismXi to visit Russia this year?; More on possible Huawei measures; State capitalism; 狂飙 “The Knockout” — SinocismHow arming Ukraine is stretching the US defence industry — Financial Times2021-US, China spar in first face-to-face meeting under Biden — APHow it happened: Transcript of the US-China opening remarks in Alaska — Nikkei AsiaChina Urges Common Ground Ahead of Visit by Top US Diplomat -- BloombergAir Force general predicts war with China in 2025, tells officers to prep by firing 'a clip' at a target, and 'aim for the head' — NBC NewsXi Jinping’s visit to Russia to be main event in bilateral agenda for 2023 — TassChina Dismisses US Claims of Support for Russia as ‘Paranoia’ — BloombergWhy Are Fewer American Students Going to China? — Asia SocietyChinese foreign ministry spokesperson sparks ridicule online with Taiwan restaurant tweet — Hong Kong Free PressChina Publishes, Then Deletes Report of Potential Alien Signals — Gizmodo 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.comOn today's show Andrew and Bill begin with news of a jinx on last week's show and recommendations for new China watchers. Topics include Bill's lessons from living in China, Andrew's experience as a newcomer, and ten China watching commandments from the legendary editor of China News Analysis, László Ladány. From there: Checking in with the Belt and Roa…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with thoughts on the change in tone from government officials addressing private business, changes it might signify in the short term, and concerns it may not assuage in the long term. From there: the news of a deepened strategic alliance between the US and Japan, why Beijing is outraged, and best case and worst cas…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today's show Andrew and Bill begin by talking through the latest news on the reopening, including reciprocal travel restrictions imposed on South Korea and Japan, Paxlovid price disputes, and continued uncertainty about case counts. From there: Xie Feng as the likely replacement for Qin Gang in D.C., Zhao Lijan's demotion, the possible demise of wolf…

On today's show Andrew and Bill reunite after the holiday break and begin with the continued reopening process around China. Topics include: the tragedy of the past several weeks, calls for more transparency from the CCP, dubious testing requirements for Chinese travelers, the government reportedly pressing pause on some of its chip investments, and why it may take a few months before reopening yields any meaningful shift in economic data. Then: Xi's New Year's address and reactions to a spate of articles related to his standing in China. At the end: Formula 1 may be returning to China, Qin Gang goes from the Washington Wizards to the Central Committee, and TikTok's future is murkier than ever after some news that was not-quite-buried before the Christmas holiday.To email the show: [email protected]; Transparency; Stimulating real estate demand; US-China — SinocismCovid reopening and growing concerns about lack of transparency; Marcos meets Xi; Propaganda work — SinocismReopening; Testing PRC travelers; Wang Qishan in Brazil; More weak economic data; 辱华 — SinocismChina Condemns Its People to Relive the Nightmare of 2020 — BloombergChina threatens ‘countermeasures’ over other countries’ Covid travel restrictions — The GuardianBattered by Covid, China Hits Pause on Giant Chip Spending Aimed at Rivaling US — BloombergChina can see a ‘light of hope’ in Covid battle, says Xi Jinping in New Year’s message — SCMPXi Jinping’s credibility ‘badly wounded’ as China’s Covid death toll mounts — Financial TimesUpdate: 2023 Chinese Grand Prix return inches closer — RacingNews365New Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang: What I learned in America — Washington PostWhy China’s new foreign minister could be a problem for Biden — PoliticoQin Gang 秦刚 on Twitter — @AmbQinGangEXCLUSIVE: TikTok Spied On Forbes Journalists — ForbesBiden signs TikTok ban for government devices, setting up a chaotic 2023 for the app — NBCLeaked Audio From 80 Internal TikTok Meetings Shows That US User Data Has Been Repeatedly Accessed From China — Buzzfeed NewsChina's Bayi Rockets vs NBA champions Washington Bullets in 1979 — YouTube 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.comOn this week's show Andrew and Bill begin with the landscape in China one week after the widespread elimination of covid restrictions. Topics include: Early reports from Beijing and other major cities, best and worst case scenarios for case numbers, what Westerners can and can’t know, and how this process (and the protests) might change perceptions of t…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comTo email the show: [email protected]; Shifting the Covid messaging; Jiang Zemin; CEWC; Saudi Arabia — Sinocism Reopening; Jiang Zemin; Xi to Saudi Arabia; TikTok — Sinocism Rocky road to re-opening; Downplaying Omicron; Jiang Zemin, Xi meets Michel; Zhao Lijian — Sinocism 60 Minutes Archives: An interview with China's Jiang Zemin — YouTube

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comWe recorded this episode Tuesday afternoon DC time, and at the end we discuss what might happen when Jiang Zemin died, given the recent rumors, but before the official announcement today that he has passed. To email the show: [email protected]; PCR testing troubles; Protests and cracking down; Huawei -- Sinocism Protests; Covid; Xi's diplomacy; N…

COVID lockdowns at Foxconn and elsewhere in China, a survey of the near-daily rumors of a looming policy change, glimpses of what these policies have meant for Chinese citizens, and reactions to the latest report seeking clarity as to COVID-19’s origins. To listen the full episode go to https://sinocism.com/s/sharpchina***To email the show: [email protected]***Rumors of change in Covid policies; Lockdowns; Two Establishes 两个确立 vs. Two Upholds 两个维护 — [Sinocism]Xi's message to the PRC's youth; Busy week of foreign visitors; Covid lockdowns — [Sinocism]Workers flee China’s Covid restrictions at Foxconn’s largest iPhone factory — [Financial Times]Coronavirus: Chinese authorities race to contain new waves of ‘dire and complicated’ outbreaks — [South China Morning Post]‘We’re on That Bus, Too’: In China, a Deadly Crash Triggers Covid Trauma — [New York Times]Young Chinese Are Despairing of a Zero-COVID Future — [Foreign Policy]Chinese city accused of ‘performative lockdown lifting’ — [The Guardian]"A Chinese business consultant in a Ted-style talk justified zero-Covid policy by saying that in 10 years the West will be brought to its knees b/c long-Covid" — Twitter: @YanzhongHuangVisitors to Shanghai Disneyland were blocked from leaving the compound as Chinese authorities imposed a snap lockdown —COVID-19 Origins: Investigating a “Complex and Grave Situation” Inside a Wuhan Lab — [ProPublica] 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

COVID lockdowns at Foxconn and elsewhere in China, a survey of the near-daily rumors of a looming policy change, glimpses of what these policies have meant for Chinese citizens, and reactions to the latest report seeking clarity as to COVID-19’s origins. To email the show: [email protected]***Rumors of change in Covid policies; Lockdowns; Two Establishes 两个确立 vs. Two Upholds 两个维护 — [Sinocism]Xi's message to the PRC's youth; Busy week of foreign visitors; Covid lockdowns — [Sinocism]Workers flee China’s Covid restrictions at Foxconn’s largest iPhone factory — [Financial Times]Coronavirus: Chinese authorities race to contain new waves of ‘dire and complicated’ outbreaks — [South China Morning Post]‘We’re on That Bus, Too’: In China, a Deadly Crash Triggers Covid Trauma — [New York Times]Young Chinese Are Despairing of a Zero-COVID Future — [Foreign Policy]Chinese city accused of ‘performative lockdown lifting’ — [The Guardian]"A Chinese business consultant in a Ted-style talk justified zero-Covid policy by saying that in 10 years the West will be brought to its knees b/c long-Covid" — Twitter: @YanzhongHuangVisitors to Shanghai Disneyland were blocked from leaving the compound as Chinese authorities imposed a snap lockdown —COVID-19 Origins: Investigating a “Complex and Grave Situation” Inside a Wuhan Lab — [ProPublica] 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