Sharp China: Official Secrets and a Royal Mess in the UK; Trillion Dollar Rumors in the Trade War; 300,000 Sim Cards in New York and New Jersey

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with a mounting scandal in the UK after prosecutors dropped charges against two men accused of spying for China. Topics include: Fingers pointed and claims that PM Keir Starmer and his Labour appointees were unwilling to present evidence of China as an “enemy,” ongoing reluctance to target PRC foreign agents under a new UK enforcement scheme, and reports of Beijing’s latest play to move forward with its “mega embassy.” From there: The EU Commission proposes tariff hikes to shield its steel industry from PRC overcapacity, why talk of a trillion dollar resolution to the US-China trade war is probably overblown, and a soybean bailout prompts questions about U.S. agriculture priorities generally. At the end: Reports of a “China-linked plot” to throttle communications in New York City, and the NBA’s reunion with Chinese basketball fans continues in Macao and San Antonio.Related Readings:Labour secretly sabotaged China spy trial -- The TelegraphChina’s fifth-ranking official was suspect in dropped Westminster spy case -- The GuardianUK government undermined China spying probe to protect Beijing ties, say officials -- FTChina threatened to retaliate against UK over foreign influence rules -- The GuardianWater torture... China turns off the taps for British diplomats after row over ‘mega-embassy’ in London -- Daily MailEyeing China, EU unveils sweeping measures to shield its struggling steel industry -- SCMPChina Urges Trump to Lift Security Curbs in Push for Deals -- BloombergTrump bailout for trade-hit US farmers expected this week -- ReutersThwarted plot to cripple cell service in NY was bigger than first thought: Sources -- ABCNBA basketball was huge in China. The league is hoping for a rebound. -- WaPo