Sharp China Podcast

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill talk through 360 degrees of President Trump's trip to Beijing this week. Topics include: Jensen Huang hitching a ride in Alaska, general expectations for deliverables after limited leaks and hurried advance planning, Trump's reception in Beijing, and the limits of "upper hand" analysis. From there: A coterie of billionaire CEOs make the trip with Trump, a US Chamber of Commerce/Rhodium report warning about the PRC's industrial strategy, and Trump makes overtures about "opening" China. At the end: Questions on Taiwan arm sales and AI cooperation, the expected talks on Ezra Jin and Jimmy Lai, a trillion dollar investment report that went viral eight months later, Xi's calculus before a 21st Party Congress, the Iran question looming over the week's meetings, and big, fat hug speculation.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Trump China visit; China’s Next Generation Industrial Policy; Standardizing and developing AI agents; No more deflation?; Ding Xuexiang visits Huawei -- SinocismJensen Huang hitching a ride -- Emily Goodin on XA weakened Trump arrives at Xi’s court -- FTTrump on Opening China -- Truth SocialTrump is taking more than a dozen U.S. executives to China. Jensen Huang isn’t one of them -- CNBCChina expanding its industrial dominance, warns US business group -- FTChina’s Next-Generation Industrial Policy -- RhodiumDonald Trump demands Xi Jinping ‘open’ China to US business -- FTXi Is Poised to Press Trump on Arms Sales to Taiwan -- NYTU.S. and China Pursue Guardrails to Stop AI Rivalry From Spiraling Into Crisis -- WSJFamilies of two Americans jailed in China urge Trump to seek their release -- ReutersJimmy Lai is not forgotten as Trump goes to China -- WaPoUS-China Relations Cannot Return to the Past, But Can Have a Better Future—On the Occasion of the China-US Heads of State Meeting—— - Guo Jiping -- People’s Daily (Sinocism Translation)Is Trump About to Invite In the Biggest Predator in the World? -- NYTTeam Chyyyyyna -- Lara Trump on XTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the news that the Meta-Manus deal will likely be unwound in its entirety in the wake of a ruling from the NDRC on Monday. Topics include: The legal grounding cited by Beijing, reports that Manus failed to seek regulatory approval prior to its relocation and acquisition, Mark Zuckerberg as the photo negative of Tim Cook, Beijing’s signal to the AI ecosystem, and why fears of chilled innovation may be slightly overstated. Then: Takeaways from April’s Politburo assessing the economy after Q1, including a nod to the Iran war, no signs of stimulus, and why cracking down on involution is easier said than done. At the end: The MSS argues that foreign forces are driving the “lying flat” campaign, while the U.S. quietly applies pressure on a variety of fronts in advance of May’s meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill return to discuss the PRC's posture amidst the ongoing war in Iran. Topics include: Xi's call to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, an interdicted Iranian ship that may have been carrying missile precursors from China, Trump's posture toward China three weeks before his summit in Beijing, March export numbers, and …

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 the tentative ceasefire in Iran and reports that the PRC applied pressure to the Iranians to defuse the tensions. Topics include: The lack of clarity on what the PRC actually did and why, China's vote at the UN this week, why the PRC would like the war to end sooner rather than later, and relationsh…

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with thoughts on China's response to the war in Iran, including a peace plan co-authored with Pakistan, why the PRC is not necessarily interested in global leadership, how China sees a deepening U.S. rift with NATO countries, and President Trump's visit to Beijing rescheduled for May 14th. From there: Context for the KMT Chair's visit to China later this month, reactions to a Reuters report on Huawei's latest AI chips, while the Financial Times reports that both Manus co-founders have been banned from leaving China. At the end: ZXMOTO steals the show at the World Superbike Championship and Zhang Xue introduces himself to the world.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:China-Pakistan Iran peace initiative; PBoC monetary committee meeting; US-China; ZXMOTO; Taxes wanted -- SinocismKMT Chairwoman to visit China; Li Qiang on Xiong’an; March Politburo meeting; Beijing bans drones; WDO, SAMR on involution -- SinocismChina, Pakistan Issue Joint Call for Peace, Reopening Hormuz -- BloombergA brief history of China’s X-point plans for the Middle East -- China-Mena NewsletterWill China be the real winner from the Iran war? -- The EconomistA blueprint for Chinese global leadership -- Financial TimesSecret Codes and Yuan Fees Get Ships Through Iran’s Hormuz Tollbooth -- BloombergChinese analysis on the war in Iran -- China Mena NewsletterTrump plans May visit to China for talks with Xi after Iran war delay -- ReutersTrump-Xi summit: US trade chief casts doubt on pre-meeting Beijing visit -- SCMPTaiwan’s opposition leader to visit China next month, ahead of Trump -- ReutersExclusive: Huawei’s new AI chip finds favour with ByteDance, Alibaba which plan to place orders, sources say -- ReutersChina reviews $2bn Manus sale to Meta as founders barred from leaving country -- Financial TimesChinese startup ZXMOTO wins big at superbike championship -- China DailyFrom Repair Shop to World Podium: Chinese Biker Goes Viral After Historic Win -- Sixth ToneTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with last week's indictment of Wally Liaw, the co-founder of Super Micro, and its implications for US chip policy. Topics include: Incredible details from the indictment, US enforcement options, and bipartisan calls for government action on Nvidia exports to China and Southeast Asia. Then: Xi takes three Standing Committee members and three other Politburo members to inspect the progress at Xiong'an, signaling continued commitment to the "new area" 60 miles south of Beijing. At the end: Reports that the US visit to China is delayed indefinitely, the PRC's delicate diplomatic calculus as the Iran war continues, and tech news on Manus, Apple, OpenClaw, and an FCC ban on routers.Related Readings:Xi inspects Xiong’an; China Development Forum; Iran; Nvidia chip smuggling; SOE rules; Sleeping fish -- SinocismWang Yi speaks with Iranian counterpart; Japan-China; Router ban; Hong Kong bookstore owner arrested; Poyang Lake dam -- SinocismThree Charged with Conspiring to Unlawfully Divert Cutting Edge U.S. Artificial Intelligence Technology to China -- DOJUS must suspend Nvidia AI chip exports to China, senators say -- Financial TimesChina acquired recently banned Nvidia chips in Super Micro, Dell servers, tenders show -- ReutersA Mystery C.E.O. and Billions in Sales: Is China Buying Banned Nvidia Chips? -- NYTThe Big Hack: How China Used a Tiny Chip to Infiltrate U.S. Companies -- BloombergFeng Shui: between spirituality and state legitimation -- Sinocities从风水角度看雄安新区背后玄机，关乎千年国运！- 新浪财经重磅！雄安新区“风水格局”首次曝光，中轴线竟然对着……Trump-Xi summit on hold until Iran conflict ends, people briefed say -- PoliticoChinese Founder of Router-Maker TP-Link Seeks a Trump Gold Card -- BloombergFCC Bans Wireless Router Imports, Citing Security Concerns -- BloombergChina Ramps Up Scrutiny of a Meta A.I. Deal -- NYTUS-China; PRC-Vietnam; H200s; China cuts the “Apple tax”; Chinese Modernization and 15th Five-Year Plan -- Sinocism

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 the news that President Trump has postponed his visit to Beijing amid the war in Iran, including why a delay made sense for both sides, a “Board of Trade” proposal amid signs of stability in Paris, and the uncertainty that pervades on both sides as the war in Iran continues. From there: Reactions to…

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 the frenzy surrounding OpenClaw in China, including Beijing's response, security concerns, liability questions, an object lesson in the Chinese market, and why Tencent looks like a potential winner as regulatory issues are sorted in the months to come. From there: Reports that Beijing is unhappy wit…

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the war in Iran and its implications for the PRC. Topics include: Upsides and downsides for China, why US strategy was likely related to Iran and not the PRC, questions about the Strait of Hormuz, the Iran partnership and PRC global leadership, implications for Taiwan, why a Beijing visit from Donald Trump remains likely, and yet another US war in the Middle East… From there: What to watch for at the Two Sessions this week, an exodus at Alibaba, waiting for a new DeepSeek model, and distillation alarm at American AI labs. At the end: Another spy scandal engulfs Labour in the UK, and fun facts about Spider-Man: No Way Home and its failure to clear $2 billion worldwide.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Reactions to the US-Israel attack on Iran; Prepping for the Two Sessions; Science and technology insurance -- SinocismReactions to Iran war; US-China; Two Sessions; DeepSeek and Qwen -- Sinocism China Calls on All Sides to Protect Ships Transiting Hormuz -- BloombergWhat’s behind China’s careful response to its ally Iran after US-Israel strikes? -- SCMPTaiwan Arms Sale Approved by Congress Is Delayed as Trump Plans Visit to Beijing -- NYTInside the plan to kill Ali Khamenei -- FTWhat to Watch at China’s Two Sessions in 2026 -- Center for China AnalysisAlibaba AI Whiz Who Warned of US-China Tech Gap Steps Down -- BloombergDeepSeek to release long-awaited AI model in new challenge to US rivals -- FTDetecting and preventing distillation attacks -- AnthropicExclusive: China’s DeepSeek trained AI model on Nvidia’s best chip despite US ban, official saysHusband of Labour MP among three arrested on suspicion of spying for China -- The GuardianTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the reports that the PRC is threatening to scuttle Trump’s visit to Beijing over a second arms package from the U.S. to Taiwan, including thoughts on next moves from the U.S., how this arms shipment happened, and the PLA’s dangerous aerial maneuvers around Taiwan. From there: Reactions to the news that Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong prison, a State Council white paper on “One Country Two Systems,” and Sanae Takaichi’s party secures a supermajority in Japan three months after the PRC’s pressure campaign over her Taiwan comments. At the end: The propaganda value of AI models, and a word about hockey and the Winter Olympics.Click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. Or listen to it in the appGet more from Bill Bishop in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the appRelated Readings:Jimmy Lai sentenced; Xi on Sci-tech self-reliance; Japan elections; US-China; Nanjing Museum case; AI propaganda -- SinocismXi’s Beijing inspection; Li on rare earths; Hong Kong white paper; Taiwan Affairs Work Conference; PBoC report -- SinocismChina warns US arms sales to Taiwan could threaten Trump visit in April -- FTChina steps up dangerous air encounters near Taiwan -- FTChina critic and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in a Hong Kong security case -- APExclusive | China rallies neighbours against Japan in rare meeting. Will it work? -- SCMPUK, UN and EU deplore ‘monumental injustice’ of Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence -- The GuardianJapan’s Leader Wins in a Landslide, Clearing Way for Hard-Line Agenda -- NYTHow Japan’s Leader Rescued Her Party from the Abyss -- NYTTokens of AI Bias -- China Media ProjectChinese artificial intelligence distorts perceptions -- Estonian Foreign Intelligence ServiceActivist father of U.S. Olympian Alysa Liu targeted by Chinese spy ring -- APWho is Alysa Liu, Team USA’s alt-girl figure skater who just won an Olympic gold medal? -- Yahoo! Sports

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with follow-up thoughts on the purges at the top of the PLA, including reactions to a New York Times piece on Xi’s “paranoia,” answers that have yet to materialize, He Weidong suicide rumors, and various theories on what any of this might signal. From there: Keir Starmer’s trip to Beijing, caution before drawing too many conclusions from the recent steps from Canada and the U.K., and a flurry of stories about Xi's ambitions for the RMB as a global reserve currency. At the end: Parsing the readouts from a surprise Trump-Xi call Wednesday, why Taiwan arms sales may have been at issue, the U.S. gets serious about critical minerals, Panama deals a blow to China, and Nvidia’s H200 adventures head to the State Department.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Uruguay President in China; Document No. 1; Development of future industries; Building a financial power; Fighting deflation; Zhang Youxia; 2026 GDP -- SinocismXi meets Starmer; Services consumption work plan; Soccer corruption; Nvidia and China -- SinocismRuptures in China’s Leadership Could Be Due to Paranoia and Power Plays -- NYTChina’s Xi, Now Alone Atop His Military, Is the Sole Voice in Tackling Taiwan -- WSJThe Unsettling Implications of Xi’s Military Purge -- Foreign AffairsXi the Destroyer -- Foreign AffairsThe Scorpion and the Frogs -- Sharp TextLIVE with Bill Bishop: The world order is shifting — and China is moving fast to shape it. -- SinocismBeen spendin’ most their lives livin’ in the free trade paradise -- China ArticlesFollow the Path of Financial Development with Chinese Characteristics and Build a Strong Financial Nation -- QuishiXi speaks with Putin and then Trump; Us convenes critical minerals meeting; H200 sales in limbo; Document No.1 explained - Sinocism Trump, Xi Hold Call as China Warns on Taiwan Arms Sales -- BloombergTaiwan launches firepower hub with US as Beijing steps up military pressure -- SCMPTrump to Launch $12 Billion Critical Mineral Stockpile to Blunt Reliance on China -- BloombergChina Loses a Foothold in Panama -- WSJChina Warns Panama of ‘Heavy Price’ on Court Ruling on Ports -- BloombergNvidia AI chip sales to China stalled by US security review -- FTTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill react to the news that the rumors were true, and CMC members Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for corruption. Topics include: The timing of the announcement from the Defense Ministry, why this weekend’s news inspired such a volume of reactions around the world, a history of Xi’s crackdowns on the PLA, questions about rumors of a coup against Xi, reports that Zhang Youxia was working with the U.S., the PLA corruption heyday and its implications for what might come next, and various ways to think about the implications for Taiwan. At the end: The first batch of H-200s is approved for purchase, and the TikTok sale is approved as users lash out with censorship claims.Related Readings:PLA purges intensify: Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli under investigation -- SinocismZhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli case; National Conference on Science and Technology; Slow bull market; UK PM to China; US NDS -- SinocismXi Jinping’s purge of top general sends China’s military into uncharted waters -- FTGutian Congress -- WikipediaChina’s Top General Accused of Giving Nuclear Secrets to U.S. -- WSJXi Seeks ‘Total Control’ of Military With Purge, Perdue Says -- BloombergThe demise of Zhang Youxia hits different -- Drew ThompsonThe Zhang Youxia case - Sinocism Live with Bill Bishop and Drew ThompsonChina Approves Purchases of Nvidia’s H200 Chip, Easing Tension With U.S. -- WSJChina, US sign off on TikTok US spinoff -- Semafor

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 reactions to a new “strategic partnership” between China and Canada, including thoughts on fissures in the West that are a win for China, Prime Minister Carney’s “new world order” comments, U.S. rhetoric that created the conditions for a thaw and why this direction could be a decision Canadians come …

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 the instability in Iran, including thoughts on Trump's Truth Social post threatening 25% tariffs on Iran trade partners, why that threat is unlikely to materialize as additional US tariffs on Chinese goods, and the PRC's concerns about oil access, investments, and regional stability as the situation continues to evolve in Tehran. From there: Chinese refiners eye Canadian crude oil, Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Beijing and seeks Canadian export markets beyond the US, and a China Daily editorial celebrates the opportunity and urges the Canadians to the root causes of previous setbacks in bilateral relations. At the end: The "Are You Dead?" app dominates Apple's App Store in China, new regulations and new reporting on the H200 saga, the US updates its Chinese drone policy, and the CCDI highlights another possible area of US-China convergence.Related Readings:CCDI; H200s; US-China; Zhong Caiwen; Short newsletter today -- SinocismCCDI Plenum opens; Rare earths exports to Japan get rarer; EU-China EV progress; Canadian PM’s visit to China -- SinocismTrump Risks Imploding China Trade Truce With Iran Tariff Vow -- BloombergTrump’s Venezuela Oil Grab Pushes Chinese Refiners to Canada -- BloombergCarney visit chance for Canada to repair ties: China Daily editorial -- China DailyCaught Between Superpowers, Canada Seeks a New Path in Beijing -- NYTChina’s ‘Are You Dead?’ app checks in on growing cohort of people living alone -- FTChina’s Viral Are You Dead? App to Go Global Under New Name -- Yicai GlobalUS Clears Path for Nvidia to Sell H200s to China Via New Rule -- BloombergBeijing Restricts Nvidia’s H200 Purchase, Banning the Chips From Entering China -- The InformationExclusive: China’s customs agents told Nvidia’s H200 chips are not permitted, sources say -- ReutersUS government abandons plan to blacklist Chinese-made drones -- SCMP

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill return from the holidays and begin with the PRC’s reaction to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Topics include: PRC outrage and embarrassment, the propaganda value of the U.S. disregard for international law, oil questions, why most of the Taiwan takes were misplaced, looming tension at the Panama Canal, and Iran as a wildcard. From there: A Ministry of Commerce directive on rare earths for Japan, and questions about how this standoff might end. At the end: A report that PRC companies have been asked pause purchases of the H200 chips, thoughts on the Manus-Meta deal and a review in Beijing, and a recorded recruiting call offers a window into how CCP propaganda works in the modern era.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:China’s Venezuela Calculations; Real Estate Market Expectations; December Politburo and Democratic Life Meetings; Museum Scandal; 2026 Propaganda Tasks -- SinocismTightening export controls on dual-use items to Japan and threatening rare earths export licenses; Stock market on a roll; Influencers to help improve “international communication” -- SinocismWhat Trump’s Ousting of Venezuela’s Maduro Means for China -- BloombergUS capture of Maduro tests limits of China’s diplomatic push -- ReutersTrump demands Venezuela kick out China and Russia, partner only with US on oil: Exclusive -- ABC‘China is not Cuba’s sugar daddy’: ties between communist nations weaken -- FTThe U.S. Venezuela Operation Will Harden China’s Security Calculation -- Carnegie EndowmentTrump’s Enormous C-Length Win over China -- Collapse Intelligence AgencyChinese refiners expected to replace Venezuelan oil with Iranian crude, traders say -- ReutersChina’s Threat to Block Rare Earths Has Put Japan on High Alert -- NYTInside China’s Six-Decade Campaign to Dominate Rare Earths -- NYTExclusive: Nvidia sounds out TSMC on new H200 chip order as China demand jumps, sources say -- ReutersChina Tells Tech Companies to Halt Nvidia H200 Chip Orders -- The InformationChina reviews Meta’s $2bn purchase of AI start-up Manus -- FTThe Smear Campaign Against Guan Heng: A Transnational Repression Operation From the CCP’s External Propaganda Machine -- Humans Rights in ChinaBreaking news: Another “#China shock” -- Chinese Embassy to the USTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with takeaways from the Central Economic Work Conference, including the latest push to stimulate domestic demand, why consumption is intertwined with security, speculation surrounding Politburo member Ma Xingrui, and a reminder that many of the economic challenges facing China remain intertwined with poli…

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 the news that the US is greenlighting the sale of Nvidia’s H200 chips to the PRC market. Topics include: Dubious claims in Trump’s Truth Social post announcing the news, searching for arguments in support of this policy change, the 25% of China revenue Nvidia will pay to the U.S. government, and wait…

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the call between Trump and Xi last week, a subsequent call between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and the PRC’s ongoing tensions with Japan. Topics include: Conflicting reports surrounding both calls last week, PRC rhetoric that continues to escalate, contested history surrounding Okinawa, and PRC behavior that may be clarifying for the rest of the world. From there: Various points of emphasis at the Politburo study session on strengthening internet governance, DeepSeek’s new AI model, and a recent Crowdstrike investigation that appears to highlight the risks of building on Chinese models. At the end: More bad news in the real estate sector as Vanke’s struggles make international news, waiting for the Central Economic Work Conference later this month, an FT op-ed makes Europe’s trade problems clear while solutions remain elusive, and a note from a NASA employee adds context to a previous discussion on space rescues.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Hong Kong fire; Politburo study session on strengthening Internet governance; Japan-China; Cloud loophole for advanced AI chips; Xu Qinxian -- SinocismWho initiated the Trump-Xi call?; PRC-Japan; Loosening loan standards; CrowdStrike questions DeepSeek coding security -- SinocismTrump, After Call With China’s Xi, Told Tokyo to Lower the Volume on Taiwan -- WSJJapan Denies Report That Trump Asked PM Not to Provoke China -- BloombergChina, Evoking World War II, Urges Europe to Take Its Side Against Japan -- N.Y.T.The PRC’s Diplomatic Offensive Against Japan Over Taiwan -- Global TaiwanChina’s AI is built for control — and it’s going global -- Red PacketCrowdStrike Research: Security Flaws in DeepSeek-Generated Code Linked to Political Triggers -- CrowdstrikeChina Tells Stats Providers to Halt Home Sales Data Publication -- BloombergChina Vanke Jolts Bondholders Again With Plan for One-Year Delay -- BloombergBeijing orders China’s banks to lend to debt-burdened state-owned entities -- China Banking NewsChina is making trade impossible -- FTChina’s growing trade surplus: why exports are surging as imports stall -- European Central BankThree Futures -- Watching China in EuropeWeeks from homecoming, Boeing Starliner astronauts want to set the record straight -- CNNTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with a week of escalating rhetoric in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sane Takaichi’s comments about a Taiwan contingency. Topics include: Memories of Senkakku Islands tensions in 2012, why protests in the streets are unlikely this time, possibilities to escalate and de-escalate from here, and possible PRC motivations for reacting so forcefully. From there: A new round of disappointing real estate data while Lou Jiwei predicts prolonged contraction, “phantom loans” at banks, and a rescue mission for the Shenzhou 21 crew at Tiangong space station. At the end: A leaked White House memo alleges Alibaba is cooperating with the PLA, Hasan Piker’s viral travels spawn thoughts on Western influencers touring China, and a BBC journalist is reportedly under investigation for espionage in Brussels.Click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. Or listen to it in the app:Related Readings:PRC-Japan crisis; October government spending drops; Real estate prices continue to decline; Shenzhou 20 crew returns -- SinocismWeak October credit data; CSRC head to resign?; No letup in PRC attacks over Japanese PM’s Taiwan comments; New Model of Global Leadership; Nexperia -- SinocismSaber-rattling about militarily intervening in the Taiwan Strait situation will only lead Japan down a road of no return -- PLA DailyHow Japan’s new prime minister has brought China’s ‘wolf warriors’ back out -- CNNJapan senior diplomat visits Beijing to ease spat over Taiwan -- Nikkei AsiaChina Secondhand Home Prices Fall in All Major Cities for Second Month -- CaixinChina Sees Worst Credit Growth in a Year as Demand Dries Up -- BloombergChina Banks Issue Phantom Loans to Hit Targets in Slow Economy -- BloombergExclusive: GM wants parts makers to pull supply chains from China -- ReutersWhite House memo claims Alibaba is helping Chinese military target US -- FTTesla Wants Its American Cars to Be Built Without Any Chinese Parts -- WSJUS influencer Hasan Piker’s China tour draws fire after viral Tiananmen police encounter -- SCMPamerica against china against america -- Jasmine SunSinocism Live: Dispatches from China with Afra Wang and Jasmine SunBBC journalist probed by secret services over China spying allegations -- Daily MailTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the implementation of this month’s deal between the US and China, including a variety of early indications that both sides intend to follow through with commitments made in South Korea, the PRC’s clarification on its December 2024 export controls, and a report on the PRC implementing a VEU system for…

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall.Show Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill break down the latest deal between the US and China, beginning with details from the White House over the weekend, why the PRC is likely happy with a tactical retreat and the new status quo, and why stability is likely at least through April. From there: Why the PRC was motivated to deal despite its goals of eliminating tariffs and export controls, clarity about American pain points, questions about Congress and what comes next, and the costs of China’s strategy for the past month. At the end: Reporting on a doomed push from Nvidia to sell Blackwell chips to China, new subsidies for China’s AI leaders, a potential Nexperia resolution, and questions the forthcoming fentanyl cooperation between the US and China.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Outcomes of Trump-Xi meeting; No deal yet for Nvidia chips; Gaokao -- SinocismXi at APEC; US-China deal; Rare earths; Nvidia thwarted by Trump officials; UK university censors over Xinjiang -- SinocismFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strikes Deal on Economic and Trade Relations with China -- The White HouseRare-Earth Magnet Startups Seal $1.4 Billion Deal With Trump Administration -- WSJBringing Rare Earths Back -- CommonplaceTrump Says China Knows ‘Consequences’ of an Attack on Taiwan -- BloombergPresident Donald Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping - Photos - The White HouseSinocism Live: Rush Doshi on the Trump-Xi meeting and US-China Relations -- SinocismTrump Officials Torpedoed Nvidia’s Push to Export AI Chips to China -- WSJWatch CNBC’s full interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent -- CNBCChina offers tech giants cheap power to boost domestic AI chips -- FTAuto giants rally as China says it will consider exemptions for Nexperia chip exports -- CNBCTrump Says Xi Will Help Fight Fentanyl. Will China Follow Through? -- WSJTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the looming Trump-Xi meeting in Seoul, South Korea, and the “consensuses” agreed upon in Kuala Lampur this past weekend. Topics include: Treasury Scott Bessent’s comments indicate that the recent rare earth export controls could be delayed by a year, questions about what the U.S. might have conceded to secure that delay, talk of removing fentanyl tariffs, how Beijing sees the US in 2025, and a Trump visit to Beijing that may portend relative stability in the short term. At the end: Parsing the five-year plan and two stories about the Chinese economy, the scale of Europe’s Nexperia problem becomes clearer, and thoughts on the challenge facing Europe and the United States as they attempt to build secure supply chains in the years to come.Related Readings:Latest US-China “framework”; EU’s rare earths stress; 80th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Restoration; Financial Street Forum; PLA; B30A chips -- SinocismFourth Plenum communiqué; New CMC vice chair; US-China meetings; Nexperia mess; PRC AI in Global South -- SinocismUS, China Tee Up Sweeping Trade Deal for Trump, Xi to Finish -- BloombergTrump Suggests He May Drop Probe on First-Term China Trade Deal -- BloombergTrump, Xi to Discuss Lowering China Tariffs for Fentanyl Crackdown -- WSJMost-Wanted Fentanyl Producer Is Extradited to the U.S. After Brazen Escape -- Wall Street JournalChina, U.S. reach basic consensuses on arrangements to address respective trade concerns -- XinhuaTrump is poised to end Washington’s Decade of the China Hawks -- SemaforChina Deepens Push for Tech Self-Reliance Ahead of US TalksNetherlands-China chip war terrifies European car industry -- PoliticoWhy China keeps winning the trade war -- FT

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 questions surrounding the Fourth Plenum as it continues in Beijing this week. Topics include: The Party’s messaging on past successes, a timeline for policy announcements in the days and weeks to come, steps the Party may take to address consumption with its next Five-Year Plan, and the full spectrum of possibilities surrounding Xi and his succession plans. From there: Reactions to the news of PLA purges that became official last week, including why some explanatory theories make more sense than others and why the upheaval is not necessarily a positive signal for Taiwan. At the end: More notes on the trade war with the U.S., the plot thickens with Nexperia and the Netherlands, a new website for Andrew’s writing, and an update on Yang Hansen in Portland.Click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. Or listen to it in the app:Related Readings:Fourth Plenum; PLA cases; US-China; Q3 GDP; US-Australia; Qin Gang -- SinocismPLA Daily Editorial: Unswervingly Carry the Anti-Corruption Struggle in the Military Through to the End 解放军报》社论：坚定不移把军队反腐败斗争进行到底-- PLA DailyForever Xi Jinping? Perhaps Not -- SinocismIn China, a Forbidden Question Looms: Who Leads After Xi? -- N.Y. TimesChina Ousts Top Military Officials as Xi Widens Graft Purge -- BloombergBessent, Chinese vice premier to meet to try to defuse US tariff hike -- ReutersChina targets five U.S. subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, sending shares down 8% -- CNBCDutch seized Nexperia over fears Chinese owners planned to move chip production to China -- SCMPNexperia China tells employees to ignore orders from Dutch head office -- SCMPApple to Build Tabletop Robot and Home Hub in Vietnam -- BloombergApple taps China’s BYD to build HomePod with screen, tabletop robot in Vietnam -- SCMPDid Xi Jinping Just Have a Bad Moment? -- Sharp TextTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill react to the PRC’s announcement of expanded export controls on rare earths and related manufacturing equipment. Topics include: Why countries around the world were immediately concerned, clarifications offered from the PRC that may not allay those concerns, and why viewing these rules as a response to the recen…

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

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s Andrew and Bill begin with President Trump’s executive order authorizing a proposal for a TikTok divestiture from ByteDance. Topics include: Why the proposed deal would be a win for ByteDance, China and the Trump administration, security concerns that haven’t necessarily been addressed, and signals that opposition to the deal across D.C. is likely to be muted. Then: A report that the PRC will seek a shift on U.S. Taiwan policy in the course of trade talks, Secretary Bessent floats potential counter-measures for the U.S., and soybean farmers continue to twist in the wind. At the end: Thoughts on the PRC’s new K Visa program to attract foreign tech talent, dates for the fourth plenum, a very interesting rumor about Xi and a revival of the Central Advisory Commission, reactions to a Jensen Huang podcast appearance last week, and BIS closes a big export control loophole.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Liu Haixing replaces Liu Jianchao; New leaders for Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jiangsu; Maritime law revisions target US actions; October Holiday -- SinocismSeptember Politburo meeting; Fourth Plenum dates; US expands Entity listings; US TikTok deal -- SinocismTrump’s TikTok deal still worries GOP China hawks — but here’s why they’ll go along -- NY PostChairman Moolenaar Releases Statement on TikTok Deal -- The Select Committee on the CCPXi Is Chasing Huge Concession From Trump: Opposing Taiwan Independence -- WSJBessent says aircraft engines, chemicals could be leverage in US-China talks -- ReutersRussia is helping prepare China to attack Taiwan, documents suggest -- WaPoChina’s new K visa beckons foreign tech talent as US hikes H-1B fee -- ReutersChina Goes on Offense -- Foreign AffairsNVIDIA: OpenAI, Future of Compute, and the American Dream | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley and Brad Gerstner -- YouTube‘More Hawkish Than When I Arrived’: A View From Inside China -- WSJUS tightens export controls on Chinese companies -- FTCentral Advisory Commission - WikipediaTo 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.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with last Friday’s call between Trump and Xi. Topics include: Plans for a meeting in South Korea and a Trump visit to Beijing early next year, whether summits on the horizon will lead to a period of stabilization, and why both sides may see the status quo as advantageous. From there: Parsing the latest reports concerning the TikTok sale, including unresolved questions surrounding the algorithm, sourced reporting that seems to change by the day, reactions in Washington that will shed light on next steps, and the CAC taking aim at short form video in the PRC. At the end: A note on the PRC and the Poland-Belarus border closure (which was re-opened after recording), and a look at the controversy swirling around Arc'teryx after an ill-advised fireworks display spawns outrage, investigations and boycotts.Related Readings:TikTok deal details still unclear; Xinjiang 70th anniversary; Fujian aircraft carrier flight tests; Arc’teryx makes a mess in Tibet -- SinocismExclusive: China buys Argentine soybeans after tax drop, leaving US farmers sidelined -- ReutersChina prepares for long US soybean stand-off with huge Brazilian imports -- SCMPChairman Moolenaar Urges President Trump to Leverage Aviation Sector in Allied Response to China’s Rare Earth Export Restrictions -- Select Committee on the CCPChinese expert calls US lawmaker’s call for restricting Chinese airline landing rights over rare earths access ‘utterly absurd’ -- Global TimesInside Trump’s deal to save TikTok -- AxiosTikTok’s algorithm to be licensed to US joint venture led by Oracle and Silver Lake -- APChina’s ByteDance will get 1 of 7 board seats for TikTok’s US operations, official says -- ReutersU.S. Government Is Expected to Get Multibillion-Dollar Fee in TikTok Deal -- WSJChina Discusses Polish Border Closure With Belarus in Trade Hit -- BloombergPoland’s Tusk to reopen Belarus border -- Politico (Published after recording)Massive fireworks show for ad stunt in Tibet triggers blowback over environment fears -- SCMP

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 the news of a “framework,” a consensus, and a possible deal to divest TikTok US from its parent company, ByteDance. Topics include: The many details yet to be resolved publicly, the unknown fate of the algorithm and its legal implications, messaging from both the US and PRC delegations in Madrid, th…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin by looking back at last week’s Victory Day parade. Topics include: The domestic messaging from the PRC, cold war imagery from a regime that denounces cold war thinking, questions about the EU perspective, the implications of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, North Korea's relationship to the PRC, a hot mic moment between Xi and Putin, and President Trump's Truth Social post responding to the parade. From there: A flurry of US-China stories, including Nvidia in the New York Times, a Politico report on Pentagon priorities, and PRC hackers allegedly impersonating Rep. John Moolenaar. At the end: The State Council continues a push for increased sports consumption and investment, thoughts on LeBron James in the People's Daily and the NBA's return to China, and South Park tackles the Labubu craze.Click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.Related Readings:Joseph Torigian on Xi Zhongxun, Xi Jinping, Party History, and the 9.3 Parade -- Sinocism LiveXi at virtual BRICS; US cognitive warfare; Yi Huiman; LeBron James in People's Daily; Asteroid defense -- SinocismXi Jinping says world faces ‘peace or war’, as Putin and Kim join him for military parade -- The GuardianThe China-Russia- North Korea alliance that needs no name -- Lowy InstituteParading China’s Nuclear Arsenal Out of the Shadows -- Next Gen Nuclear NetworkRussia and China Sign Major Deal for New Gas Pipeline -- BloombergShale Gas Arithmetic -- DoombergHow the Power of Siberia 2 Deal Could Reshape Global Energy -- CSISChina paves way for renminbi fundraising by Russian energy giants -- FTWhat Russia’s First Gas Pipeline to China Reveals About a Planned Second One -- Carnegie EndowmentHot mic picks up Putin and Xi discussing organ transplants and immortality -- ReutersReuters withdraws Xi, Putin longevity video after China state TV pulls legal permission to use it -- ReutersBeijing’s New Playbook for Trade Talks: Keep Talking but Give No Ground -- WSJNvidia Comes Out Swinging as Congress Weighs Limits on China Chip Sales -- NYTPentagon plan prioritizes homeland over China threat -- PoliticoPentagon's National Defense Strategy draws from Vance speeches -- NikkeiThe Final Evolution of the GOP China Hawk Frauds -- History Does YouChinese Hackers Pretended to Be a Top U.S. Lawmaker During Trade Talks -- WSJKim-Xi meeting; Xi meets other leaders; "Slow bull market" possible?; Sports consumption; Historical revisionism -- SinocismLeBron James pens essay in Chinese state newspaper in sign NBA's China revival almost complete -- Reuters篮球是连接彼此的桥梁（体谈）-- People's DailySouth Park Labubu Satanic Ritual Scene -- YouTubeTo 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 outside the paywall.Show Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with takeaways from the SCO Summit, including Xi's announcement of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), outreach to the global south, and the PRC's warming relationship with India as Modi's first trip to China in seven years spawns anxiety in the US, and a variety of structural tensions remain. From there: Context for Beijing's recent efforts to correct the views of World War II, including efforts to recognize China's role in defeating Japan, contested accounts of the Communist Party's contributions, and contested understandings of the Potsdam Declaration. At the end: Mexico moots tariffs of their own, the US rescinds a waiver for SK Hynix and Samsung factories in China, and a few takeaways from Nvidia's earnings call last week.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:SCO Summit in Tianjin; Xi proposes the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) 全球治理倡议; Xi in the media; Central Social Work Department -- SinocismXi Uses Summit, Parade and History to Flaunt China’s Global Pull -- NYTIndia Was the Economic Alternative to China. Trump Ended That. -- NYTScoop: White House believes Europe secretly undoing Ukraine war's end -- AxiosUpholding the correct view of WWII history -- People's DailyMilitary parades and memory wars: China and Russia commemorate history to reimagine international order -- BrookingsWhere were you in the World Anti-Fascist War? -- The StrategistForgotten Ally: China’s World War II, 1937-1945 -- Rana MitterMexico to Raise Tariffs on Imports From China After US Push -- BloombergSamsung, SK Hynix Lose US Waiver on Chip Gear for China Use -- BloombergNvidia earnings beat Wall Street’s sky-high expectations, but the stock fell because ‘there were no H20 sales to China-based customers’ -- FortuneWhy Nvidia Wants to Sell Chips to China, Answering Intel Objections, KPop Demon Hunters Conquers the World -- Sharp TechLive: Special coverage of China's grand gathering celebrating 80th anniversary of victory - YouTubeTo 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.comShow Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with Li Chenggang in Washington for another round of meetings with American negotiators. Topics include: Outreach to soybean farmers and rumors of Boeing purchases, why the PRC may sense an opportunity for dealmaking, President Trump's plans to welcome 600,000 PRC students, 200% tariffs and the stakes surrounding rare earths, and more details on the EU-US trade deal. From there: Investors are all-in on Cambricon's upside, the FT reports on big chipmaking plans in China, while additional reports of a ban on Chinese H20 purchases spawn more questions about Beijing’s motivations and the state of domestic chips. At the end: Reactions to an extensive New York Times investigation of PRC interference in New York politics, and Labubu news for Tashi.Related Readings:SCO Summit; PRC trade negotiator invites himself to DC; Trump wants more PRC students; AI+ Initiative; Nvidia -- SinocismTop Chinese Trade Negotiator Set to Head to U.S. as Talks Resume -- WSJAmbassador Xie Feng attended the U.S.-China Soybean Industry Partner Breakfast Reception and delivered remarks -- PRC Embassy to the U.S.China’s Soy Crushers May Be Facing a Winter Without US Beans -- BloombergTrump to allow 600,000 Chinese students entry to US for college as trade talks with China press on -- New York PostSend Harvard’s Chinese Students Home -- WSJChina has to give US magnets or face 200% tariff -- ReutersJoint Statement on a United States-European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade -- The White HouseMeet Cambricon: how 2 ‘genius brothers’ created China’s potential rival to Nvidia -- SCMPChina Nvidia rival Cambricon adds to $40 billion rally with 4,000% revenue jump -- CNBCChanging times: Cambricon tops Moutai as China’s costliest stock as chips trump baijiu -- SCMPChina turns against Nvidia’s AI chip after ‘insulting’ Howard Lutnick remarks -- FTNvidia Orders Halt to H20 Production After China Directive Against Purchases -- The InformationOpinions of the State Council on Deepening the Implementation of the “Artificial Intelligence+” Initiative -- Translation by SinocismHow China Influences Elections in America’s Biggest City -- N.Y.T.Inside Our Investigation of China’s Influence Campaigns -- N.Y.T.Red Envelopes With Cash Are Changing Hands at Adams Campaign Rallies -- N.Y.T.How a Criminal With Close Ties to China Became a New York Power Broker -- N.Y.T.Red Packets in the USA! -- Imagethief - by Will Moss

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with a raft of news on Nvidia that came during the podcast’s vacation, including reports the company was summoned to meeting with the Cyberspace Administration of China, sources saying the same regulators have warned PRC companies against purchasing the H-20 chips, and news that the US is now granting licenses to sell H-20 chips to PRC companies in exchange for 15% of China chip revenue. Topics include: Jensen Huang’s successful lobbying, criticism of the 15% tax, questions about the motivation in Beijing, and thoughts on the near future in Washington. From there: Checking in with the real estate market and stock market as Beijing pledges more support for real estate and the SSE Index hits a 10-year high. At the end: Liu Jianchao is reportedly under investigation, Bao Fan has reportedly been released, India and China move to improve relations in the face of US tariffs, and an email about the Labubu phenomenon and PRC soft power exports.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery Plus, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Rectifying the PV industry; Youth unemployment; Wang Yi in India; September 3 -- SinocismBeidaihe break over; New Xi books; Support for real estate; Liu Jianchao; PRC-India -- SinocismChina Demands Companies to Halt Nvidia Chip Orders Over Security Concerns -- The InformationNvidia's China prospects undimmed by Beijing's H20 worries -- NikkeiDeepSeek’s next AI model delayed by attempt to use Chinese chips -- FTExclusive: Nvidia working on new AI chip for China that outperforms the H20, sources say -- ReutersExclusive: US embeds trackers in AI chip shipments to catch diversions to China, sources say -- ReutersApril Politburo Study Session on AI is bad news for Nvidia -- SinocismChina’s Stock Rally Has the Makings of a Durable Bull Run -- BloombergChina Detains Senior Diplomat Who Aided U.S. Relations -- WSJHigh-profile Chinese dealmaker Bao Fan released from detention after two years, source says -- ReutersModi Hails ‘Friend’ Putin and Boosts China Ties in Tilt From US -- BloombergAt Wang meeting, China asked India not to deal with Taiwan. What Jaishankar said -- Hindustan TimesHow These Little Elves Turned Into a Global Sensation -- NYTThe curious case of Labubu's Chinese identity -- Following the YuanTashi’s dream of a Labubu chew toy. Thanks ChatGPT: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.comShow Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with July’s Politburo meeting, including a date for the Fourth Plenum, more condemnations of “disorderly competition,” and signals that Party leadership remains confident despite the tumultuous year. From there: the U.S.-China meetings in Stockholm, the latest moves from Trump to moderate on chips and possibly Taiwan, and debating a spate of reports suggesting that Trump is working toward a deal and a meeting with Xi and adopting a softer approach to China.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.Related Readings:July Politburo meeting; 4th Plenum set for October; US-China; AI safety -- SinocismNo drama in Stockholm; Rare Earths and Trump's China shift; Beijing floods; Ok to say overcapacity, New Shaolin Temple Abbot -- SinocismChina Politburo Holds off on Further Stimulus -- WSJChina struggles to break its addiction to manufacturing -- FTTrump softens stance on China amid trade talks and summit push -- WaPoTrump Is Shifting to Dealmaking Mode on China -- WSJ Donald Trump freezes export controls to secure trade deal with China -- FT Donald Trump blocks Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te from New York stopover -- FTUS cancelled military talks with Taiwan -- FTEU, US to form metals alliance to counterbalance Chinese overcapacity -- ReutersIs This the Start of a U.S.-China Friendship? -- Foreign PolicyTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with comments from Xi Jinping and renewed emphasis on building more rational marketplaces across key sectors in tech and beyond. Topics include: The implication that not every province has to participate in new growth areas, cadres parsing conflicting guidance from Beijing, and efforts to stimulate a healthy investment ecosystem for startups as U.S. venture investment recedes. From there: Thoughts on two high-profile exit-bans on American citizens traveling in China, why the two cases are different, more chatter that the Trump administration is softening on China, counterpoints to that argument, and a bit more news on "The Big Tariff," Yang Hansen.You can listen to the podcast in the app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.Related Readings:PLA to try again to eliminate "toxic influences"; Tibet dam project; Involution; Trump’s softening approach to China; More Americans exit banned -- SinocismPLA Daily on political cadres; EU-China summit expectations; US-China talks next week; Lab-grown diamonds -- SinocismLife Atop China’s Car Market Starting to Look Shaky for BYD -- BloombergCover Story: A New Gold Rush Begins in China’s Hard Tech Sector -- CaixinChina VC Funds Tap Global Investors for $2 Billion in Comeback -- BloombergU.S.-Based Wells Fargo Banker Blocked From Leaving China -- WSJU.S. citizen who works for Commerce Dept. ensnared in Chinese exit ban -- Washington PostChinese Officers Questioned U.S. Government Employee About His Army Service -- NYTChina says Wells Fargo banker under exit ban is involved in criminal case -- ReutersPost by Desmond Shum -- XAs Trump Courts a More Assertive Beijing, China Hawks Are Losing Out -- NYTNavigating the President’s Policy Whiplash on China -- WSJNo joke: Chinese rookie Yang Hansen is the NBA’s biggest summer star -- WaPoTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with reports that Nvidia will soon be allowed to again sell its H20 chips in China. Topics include: A win-win deal for Nvidia and the PRC, whether this is the beginning of more rollbacks of existing chip controls as the PRC exerts leverage with rare earth export controls, and Jensen Huang emerging as a bridge between US and PRC leaders. From there: Reports that Trump may be softening his approach to US-China issues, Xi Jinping's busy schedule of public appearances, and checking in on the real estate sector as stimulus hopes are deferred in the wake of this week's readout from the Central Urban Work Conference. At the end: A question on BRICS and the SCO, signs to look for if there is a leadership change in Beijing, and notes from Las Vegas after Yang Hansen becomes one of the biggest stories of NBA Summer League.

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with a look at tensions between the PRC and the EU ahead of the EU-China summit later this month. Topics include: Reports concerning Wang Yi's comments to EU counterparts conveying Beijing's perspective on the Ukraine war, the PRC Foreign Ministry implores the EU to "rebalance its mindset" rather than rebalancing trade, and the rare earths leverage that looms as Europe mulls its next moves. From there: Stepped up party efforts to combat overcapacity and "disorderly competition," the decades-long challenge of stimulating consumption, and extended thoughts on the spate of rumors surrounding Xi's grip on power and what can and can't be gleaned from observed behavior the past few months. At the end: A bit of TikTok news, and a welcome to the NBA for Yang Hansen.You can listen to the podcast in the Substack app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery Plus, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:More on June Politburo meeting; Stabilizing employment; Trump's threat to bomb Beijing; EU's mindset needs "rebalancing"; TikTok -- SinocismXi's Shanxi tour; VDL's tough on China speech; Rare earths; Kindergarten mass lead poisoning; "London Framework" -- SinocismExclusive | China tells EU it does not want to see Russia lose its war in Ukraine: sources -- SCMPChina Rebukes EU Chief After Demand for Greater Trade Access -- BloombergFrance Urges Tariff Barriers to Stop China From Killing Industry -- BloombergGermany summons China’s ambassador after a plane is lasered over Red Sea -- APChina’s top leadership takes aim at ‘disorderly low-price competition’ -- SCMPCalls grow for China's household sector to be bigger economic driver -- ReutersDeeply Understand and Comprehensively Rectify "Involutionary" Competition -- Qiushi - TranslationChina’s producer prices fall 3.6% in June, biggest drop in nearly two years as deflation deepens -- CNBCIs Chinese President Xi Jinping on his way out? -- NY Post‘Containing Xi’, or refining party rule? -- Observing ChinaIs Xi's Grip Holding? -- China Media ProjectVisualizing Power in China's Press - China Media ProjectExclusive: TikTok prepares US app with its own algorithm and user data -- ReutersNBA Draft surprise: China center Yang Hansen picked at No. 16, dealt to Blazers -- The AthleticTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with PRC perspectives on the past two weeks of attacks on Iran. Topics include: dispelling notions that U.S. involvement was welcomed by the PRC, why regional stability in the Middle East is stressed in every PRC statement, and how Iran and other PRC partners may view China's inaction over the last few we…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill take stock of the US-China trade framework in the wake of last week’s negotiations in London. Topics include: US escalations that brought the PRC side back to the table, PRC rare earth leverage that forced a compromise but no additional export control concessions, and variables to watch as trade tensions continue. From there: A survey of the various implications for the PRC as Israel attacks Iran and Wang Yi condemns the violations of Iran’s sovereignty. At the end: The FT reports on struggles in the PRC auto industry, the politics of factory closures, another compelling data point undermining Xi rumors, and a Wall Street Journal story about new chip workarounds for PRC firms.

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 call between President Trump and Xi, two days of meetings between the U.S. and China in London, and an apparent effort from both sides to de-escalate. Topics include: retracing steps of the past few weeks, clarity for the U.S. and others on the PRC’s leverage over rare earths, the possibility of the U.S. easing tech export controls, and the lack of trust on both sides in the wake of the past few months. From there: the U.S. has concerns about a Chinese embassy in the UK, the New York Times surfaces a purported FSB document outlining various counterespionage anxieties related to the PRC, and Xi’s daughter joins a dinner with Lukashenko. At the end: People’s Daily publishes an interview with Ren Zhengfei, Xi continues his attempts to curb excess among party members, and Victory Wembanyama visits the Shaolin Monastery.

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with a series of escalatory policies from the U.S. and talk of a call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump later this week. Topics include: The rare earth frustration on the American side, the PRC’s use of leverage, the potential downsides for the PRC as the rest of the world grapples with shortages, and the maddening failures of the West to prepare for exactly this scenario. At the end: An update on TikTok, the death of Xu Qiliang and continued mystery at the top of the PLA, a week of rumors swirling around Xi, and two notes on the EV sector.You can listen to the podcast in the Substack app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player. To subscribe to Sinocism, click here.To subscribe to Stratechery Plus, click here.And if you enjoy this podcast please share it far and wide:Related Readings:Xi meets Lukashenko; Xi-Trump call soon?; Rare earths; Bill O'Reilly and China — SinocismXi rumors; US-China tensions; Rare earths; Xu Qiliang — SinocismUS-China Messaging in Singapore; New Quality Productive Forces; Putin and a Natural Gas Impasse; 35 Years After Tiananmen Square — Sharp China (2024) US curbs chip design software, chemicals, other shipments to China -- ReutersU.S. Pauses Exports of Airplane and Semiconductor Technology to China — N.Y. Times‘The president is obsessed’: Trump fixates on Xi call amid faltering trade talks — PoliticoChina’s New Trade Negotiator Is Ready to Play Hardball — WSJWatching China in Europe—June 2025 — Noah BarkinChina increases scrutiny over rare earth magnets with new tracking system — ReutersU.S. Dependence on China for Rare Earth Magnets Is Causing Shortages — NYTTrump poised to extend TikTok ban deadline – for third time – as US, China meet for trade talks: source— NY PostFormer senior Chinese military official Xu Qiliang passes away — XinhuaConfronting China — Bill O'ReillyNew price wars among China carmakers mask hidden dangers, Beijing warns -- SCMPChina car dealers urge automakers to stop dumping inventory on them -- ReutersTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with reports that next year's five-year plan will double down on the Made in China 2025 strategy. Topics include: The legacy and successes of Made in China 2025, ferocious domestic competition in industries like electric vehicles, and an aspect of self-reliance that continues to elude modern leadership. From there: A report that the EU is ready to work with the US on China policies of its own, why the EU and PRC have struggled to form an alliance, and why the detente between the US and China is looking increasingly fragile. At the end: The MSS warns of espionage, Czechia accuses the MSS of hacking its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an emailer has questions about Xi and his political rivals.Related Readings:National Digital Identity System -- SinocismUS-China Geneva"détente" may be breaking; US to start revoking PRC student visas; China-PIC meeting; EV sector bloodbath coming? -- SinocismXi Mulls New Made-in-China Plan Despite US Call to Rebalance -- BloombergThe lessons from China’s dominance in manufacturing -- FTWas Made in China 2025 Successful? -- Rhodium GroupChinese EV Stocks Tumble After BYD Slashes Prices as Much as 34% -- BloombergWhy Trump Lashed Out at Europe Over Trade -- WSJThe problems with China’s efforts to patch things up with Europe: ‘there are limits’ -- SCMPUS Warns Pirelli Risks Restrictions Due to Chinese Investor -- BloombergU.S. Pauses Exports of Airplane and Semiconductor Technology to China -- NYTPost from Jan Lipavsky -- XBelgium bugged Anderlecht football stadium to spy on Huawei MEP lobbying -- Politico EUThe Conscience of the Party -- Harvard University Press

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 the Commerce Department's guidance on Ascend Chips, caustic responses to that policy on the PRC side, citations to the "Geneva Consensus," and the news the U.S. will be partnering with Saudi Arabia and the UAE on AI investments in a move that may limit PRC influence in the region. From there: Reactions to a New York Times op-ed about divergent policy trajectories for the US and China, comments from Ding Xuexiang on accelerating technological self-reliance, and questions about the US retaining and recruiting global talent. At the end: Rogue communication devices are reportedly found in Chinese solar power inverters, and a word about diamonds.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comSharp China: A 90-Day Pause, Big Tariff Reductions and What De-Escalation Might Mean for the U.S. and ChinaShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill gather on short notice with reactions to Monday's news of a deal between the U.S. and China to significantly reduce tariffs for ninety days, while establishing a formal dialogue mechanism to discuss trade and economic issues. Topics include: Why a pause made sense for both sides, Trump's reference to the PRC and its "non-monetary barriers," the wins and opportunities that the PRC may see after the past several days, and the risks to the U.S. side as the rest of the world processes the past six weeks of policy choices.

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall.Show Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with the news that the US and PRC are sending representatives to Switzerland to discuss trade talks this weekend. Topics include: Why expectations should be set low, the week of signs that the PRC was willing to engage, questions about cooperating on fentanyl, and the latest measures to loosen monetary policy in Beijing. From there: An email about Chinese data spawns a conversation about increasing data opacity, and challenges for Westerners and the party alike. At the end: Thoughts on the PRC’s relationship to Russia as Xi Jinping heads to Moscow, the consequences (or lack thereof) for the PRC’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and reactions to a pair of CIA videos recruiting disaffected party members.You can listen to the podcast in the Substack app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.Subscribe to Sinocism here.Subscribe to the Stratechery bundle here.Related Readings:US-China trade talks; Xi arrives in Russia; Xi's history lesson; Rate cuts and moderately more supportive policies -- SinocismMinistry of Commerce Spokesperson Answers Reporters’ Questions on China–U.S. High-Level Economic and Trade Talk -- SinocismUS-China Trade Talks to Start This Week as Tariffs Start to Bite -- BloombergUS Treasury's Bessent says China 'negotiations' to start Saturday without Navarro -- ReutersAs China Looks for Way Out of U.S. Trade Deadlock, Fentanyl Could Be Key -- N.Y. TimesHow Bad Is China’s Economy? The Data Needed to Answer Is Vanishing -- WSJXi Jinping’s Moscow visit highlights China’s strategic vulnerabilities -- BrookingsFull text of Xi's signed article in Russian media -- State CouncilExclusive — Rubio Details How Trump Going on Offense Against China’s Belt and Road Initiative: ‘Big Story of 21st Century U.S.-China Relations’ -- BreibartCIA looks to recruit new Chinese spies with social media videos -- Financial TimesTo 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.comSharp China: ‘Protracted War’ and ‘Struggle’; The Looming Risks for the PRC; A Politburo Study Session on AI; Apple’s Attempt to PivotShow Notes:On today’s show Andrew and Bill take stock of the trade war one month after “Liberation Day.” Topics include: Domestic messaging on “struggle” and external promises to never kneel down, the risks facing the PRC as US tariffs threaten to compound overcapacity controversies and invite heightened scrutiny around the world, Week 3 of speculation on whether the US and China are negotiating on trade, and why talk of a resolution and return to the March status quo seems increasingly unrealistic. At the end: The April Politburo meeting reflects both caution and confidence, a study session on AI spells bad news for Nvidia, thoughts on Apple’s story in China as the company tries to relocate US iPhone assembly to India, and Netflix gets the last laugh 15 years after being rebuffed by PRC censors.Related Readings:Xi inspects Shanghai, talks AI and Global South; "不跪/Never kneel down"; AI; Jack Ma and Huang Youlong -- SinocismApril Politburo Study Session on AI is bad news for Nvidia -- SinocismToday, it is necessary to revisit On Protracted War. -- Beijing DailyNever Kneel Down -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs on XChina exempts some goods from US tariffs -- ReutersUS tariffs could endanger 16 million export jobs in China: Goldman Sachs -- SCMPEmerging markets set to become battlegrounds in trade war -- FTTrump says Xi called him, lays out trade and other deal plans in Time interview -- ReutersExclusive: Trump officials eye changes to Biden's AI chip export rule, sources say -- ReutersApple aims to source all US iPhones from India in pivot away from China -- FTApple’s India Manufacturing Push Faces Spoilers, Including China -- The InformationApple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company -- Patrick McGeeNetflix Co-CEO Says They’re Not in China Because ‘Not a Single Episode’ Cleared the Censorship Board -- IndieWire

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 Tuesday’s signals that the Trump administration may seek to deescalate its trade war, why Beijing may see it as confirmation that their patient approach is working, and questions about what’s next as the Trump messaging on trade changes by the day. From there: The PRC warns countries about cooperating with the US, and why the apparent US flip-flopping likely hurts their cause with third-party countries. At the end: A dispatch from Yiwu, more on PRC messages to third-party countries, and a listener’s note on Trump’s caustic approach to Canada.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill return to discuss the state of the trade war two weeks after “Liberation Day” and the imposition of a 145% tariff rate on PRC goods. Topics include: Reports of a Trump Admin strategy to isolate the PRC, daily talk of a deal with China from President Trump, himself, signals from the PRC side that they may be willing to negotiate, and the PRC cancels orders of Boeing planes. From there: A raft of news on Nvidia as the U.S. restricts the export of H20 chips to China, Jensen Huang visits Beijing for an appearance with He Lifeng, and questions for the future of Nvidia and U.S. chip policies more generally. At the end: China restricts the export of rare earths to the U.S., rare earths as a keystone to understanding broader U.S. supply chain challenges, "Red and Expert" anxiety 60 years later, and TikTok faces new uncertainty in the wake of the tariffs.

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall.Show Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill return to discuss the intensification of the US-China trade war, including tariffs of 104% beginning on Wednesday, the PRC's options to respond, how companies like Apple could be squeezed, and why this represents the lowest point for US-China relations in a very long time. Then: Exploring EU opportunities and challenges after Premier Li Qiang's call with EU President Ursula von der Leyen, the debunked report about South Korea and Japan cooperating with the PRC, and unpacking the risks and possibilities inherent to the course the US side has chosen over the past week. At the end: Reactions to the latest TikTok extension from President Trump, a report that Liu He's son is under investigation, and a new name for the gardening podcast that may be essential in the months to come.You can listen to the podcast in the Substack app:Or click here for instructions to add the podcast to your preferred player.Subscribe to Sinocism here.Subscribe to Stratechery here.Related Readings:As the additional 50% US tariffs go into effect will the bottom fall out of the US-China relationship? -- SinocismTrump threatens 50% more tariffs on PRC; Trouble for Liu He's son; TikTok -- SinocismApril 7 People's Daily on responses to US tariffs 集中精力办好自己的事 增强有效应对美关税冲击的信心 -- SinocismApple’s China Problem, Apple in the Short Term, Tech’s Complement Risk -- StratecheryChina has the tools to weather Trump storm, Premier Li tells EU’s von der Leyen -- SCMPChina investigates ‘princeling’ amid crackdown on finance industry -- FTTrump punts on TikTok deal — app gets another 75 days -- PoliticoTo 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.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with the China Development Forum, including China's messaging to foreign investors, revisiting the Mintz raids as five detained employees are finally released, no updates on a Xi-Trump meeting, and news in the EV space. From there: The US plans to revive shipbuilding capacity, the likely disruption if the US adopts the USTR recommendations to counter Chinese dominance, Michael Froman writes that China has remade the international system, and a few more thoughts on the CK Hutchison deal. At the end: Rumors swirl around He Weidong and others in the PLA, what the noise might signal, and news of a deep-sea cable cutter is accompanied by a reminder that China constructs and protects deep sea cable like no other.

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 Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Te designating the PRC a “foreign hostile force,” the initial response from the PRC and potential responses to come, rumors surrounding CMC vice chairman He Weidong, and an email wondering about the defense of Taiwan as a core American interest. From there: Sources say Xi Jinping is “angered” by CK Hutchison's deal to sell its ports in Panama, and TikTok talks accelerate as Beijing remains silent on the issue and Oracle heads to Washington to pitch lawmakers on Project Texas 2.0. At the end: Trump says that Xi will visit the U.S. in the “not too distant future,” a question about Beijing's reaction to cuts from DOGE and Trump 2.0, a question on fentanyl, and a read on the memoir of a former Facebook exec.