Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates

Sharp China with Bill Bishop

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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism

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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: [e-mail]

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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