Sharp China Podcast

Hosted by Bill Bishop

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160

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Understanding China and how China impacts the world. Hosted by Andrew Sharp and Bill Bishop. sinocism.com

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60 recent

July 30, 202614 min

A Memory-Maker Makes History; New Robot Rules; The Open Weights Debate Rages; End of July News and Notes

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 CXMT's IPO success this week, including responses from legislators in Washington and the stakes of Apple's continued lobbying fight to relax restrictions on US companies working with PRC memory firms. Then: The FCC announces rules restricting the import of new, foreign-made robots and power inverters in a move to curb security risks and fuel onshoring. From there: Surveying the ongoing debate over the future of open weights models, including disadvantages facing US-led open source AI efforts, MOFCOM's statement on distillation and Silicon Valley's support for Chinese open weights AI, and the risks of building atop PRC AI infrastructure. At the end: Expectations for the July Politburo meeting, news out of Iran that may threaten constructive strategic stability in advance of Xi's visit to D.C., a bad few weeks for Mercedes, and more clashes between the PRC and the Philippines.Related Readings:CXMT IPO; Taxing offshore assets; Fang Xinghai; US-China; AI; Lula supports China-Mercosur deal -- SinocismXi meets Slovak president; “Excess capacity” or “Overcapacity”?; CXMT IPO; Overseas Chinese affairs conference; Li Qiang in Tangshan; Chips and AI -- SinocismChip Maker Soars 466% on Debut to Become No. 1 in China Stock Market -- WSJUS lawmakers seek national security probe of Chinese chip giant CXMT after blockbuster IPO: ‘Ticking time bomb’ -- NY PostTrump Caught Between Apple and Micron in Fight Over Chinese Chips -- WSJChina’s CXMT Is Set to Challenge DRAM Incumbents -- Semi AnalysisTrump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, to protect US AI buildout -- ReutersCover Story: China’s AI-Driven Robotics Boom Faces IPO Reality Check -- CaixinPost by Peter Harrell -- XSpokesperson Responds to US Claims It Plans to Investigate and Sanction Chinese AI Companies -- Xinhua (Sinocism translation)Mark Zuckerberg says US should not ban Chinese AI -- FTChinese AI Startup Moonshot Seeks More Nvidia Blackwell Chips for Next Model -- The InformationTaiwan Says It Worked With US to Bust High-End Chip Smuggling -- BloombergThe Hidden Cost of China’s Free A.I. -- NYTIran to get Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems in weeks, sources say -- ReutersChina in touch with Yemen’s Houthis to allow ships to sail through Red Sea, sources say -- ReutersMercedes risks US sales ban under Senate China bill -- FTChina coast guard uses water cannons on 2 Philippine vessels as top diplomats meet in Manila -- APPhilippines accuses Chinese coast guard of injuring Filipino sailor in disputed shoal -- APSecretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press -- State Department

July 21, 202614 min

Sharp China: Kimi Madness; Xi's AI Vision and US Questions; Trump's Election Data Claims; The Connected Vehicle Security Act

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill focus on the arrival of Moonshot's Kimi K3 model and the "DeepSeek 2.0 concerns" among investors and policymakers. Topics include: The incoherent U.S. approach to the open source AI ecosystem, levers the U.S. side could pull to thwart Chinese progress, and why the Trump Administration might be reluctant to take those steps. Then: Xi's keynote address at the World AI Conference, China's coherent messaging to the world, questions about infrastructure in the Global South, and the needle the U.S. could thread with open source policy. At the end: Trump's claims of "an unprecedented election security nightmare" at the hands of the PRC, the Connected Vehicle Security Act heads to mark-up this week, Neville Roy Singham is under investigation, and Rep. John Moolenaar urges the NBA to look closer at Brooklyn Nets owner—and Alibaba Chairman—Joe Tsai.

July 16, 202615 min

Sharp China: K-Shaped Economic Data And Its Implications; Ma Xingrui News; Closing Window for Open Source AI?; The SCS and International Law

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comOn today’s show, Andrew and Bill begin by parsing the economic data released by the PRC this week, including slower-than-expected growth, the Party’s response to the status quo, export-powered growth that is widening trade imbalances, and the questions all of this will raise for foreign policymakers. From there: The Party's findings on Ma Xingrui, questions that remain unanswered, and cadre risk aversion for the next 18 months. Then: PRC messaging around openness in AI, an ongoing U.S. debate over open-source AI models, three chip bills that may end up in the NDAA, and the continued adventures in China policy on Capitol Hill. At the end: Reflections on the 10th anniversary of The Hague ruling on the PRC’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, as well as the state of play today.

July 9, 20261 hr 7 min

Sharp China: A Missile Test and New PLA Generals; The CITIC Plane Crash; America's Taiwan Interests; Guo Wengui Jailed and Ezra Jin Released

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with Monday's SLBM test from the PLA Navy, including questions surrounding its timing and location, regional angst, and a reminder that the PLA continues to enhance its nuclear triad capabilities. Then: Two new PLA generals are promoted while rectification continues and five CMC seats remain vacant, and reactions to last week's shocking CITIC plane crash and a major security breach in Beijing. From there: An emailer asks about America's interests in maintaining the Taiwan status quo, Beijing considers limiting access to advanced AI models, the knives are out for Jeffrey Kessler at BIS, and the White House preps for Xi's visit in September. At the end Questions about the release of pastor Ezra Jin, context for the U.S. sentencing of disgraced tycoon Guo Wengui, and the Washington Wizards get a letter from Rep. John Moolenaar.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:Floods and Xi’s instructions; PRC to limit access to top AI models?; PBoC policy support for Hong Kong; Tax burden on private firms -- SinocismTwo new PLA generals; Submarine-launched missile test; Ezra Jin released; “Routine” patrols of waters east of Taiwan -- SinocismChina’s SLBM Test Underscores the Importance of a Ballistic Missile Launch Notification Agreement -- CSISChina conducts rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test, angering Pacific neighbors -- CNNChina test fires missile into Pacific, alarming regional powers -- ReutersA small plane hit Beijing’s tallest tower. Much remains unclear. -- ReutersBeijing is looking at curbing overseas access to China’s top AI models, sources say -- Reuters‘A massive screw-up’: China hardliners take aim at Commerce Department official -- PoliticoTrump speeds up helipad project ahead of Xi visit, adding $875K, records show -- WaPoChina Raises Pressure on Taiwan With Expanded Coast Guard Patrols -- NYTChina releases Christian pastor after appeal from Donald Trump -- FTChinese tycoon sentenced to 30 years in US jail -- BBCSelect Committee: Owner of Capitals, Wizards Should Cut Ties with Chinese Military Company Alibaba -- China Select CommitteeErling Haaland + a 195-year-old Chinese herbal tea? Yes, really.-- 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

June 24, 202614 min

Sharp China: Party Building and Xi's Dominance; Memory Chips and ASML Accusations; Germany's Puzzling Push for Plaza Accords

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 Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building and further signs that one year after from a summer of rumors and one year out from the 21st Party Congress, Xi’s power remains entrenched as ever. Then: MOFCOM and the Ministry of Finance announced restrictions on several dozen US firms, the global memory chip shortage is an opportunity for CXMT and YMTC, what to make of the U.S. government's scrutiny of ASML, and Elon Musk's alarmism at the West’s China vulnerabilities. At the end: Takeaways from the EU Council meeting on China, Germany's push for PRC currency revaluation, structural forces that yield EU inertia, and emails on Chinese soccer, space warfare, and the JIm Cramer of weather.Related Readings:Li Qiang inspects Dalian; Response to US expansion of China military companies list; Contaminated diapers; No “Plaza Accord” to help the EU; Invest in China -- SinocismIntroduction to the Main Entries in Volumes One and Two of the Selected Works of Xi Jinping on Party Building -- Sinocism TranslationXi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building and the Four Major Changes in CCP Governance -- China Thought ExpressChina Tightens Rare-Earth Grip on U.S. Firms, Threatening Trade Clash -- NYTWhy the Memory Crunch Is Almost Impossible to Solve -- WSJLoosening Export Controls on China’s Memory Chip Makers -- Jimmy GoodrichMemory Chips and China, Microsoft and Chinese Models -- StratecheryUS senators increase pressure on Apple over possible Chinese chipmaker deal -- FT (2022)US Tells ASML It’s Concerned China May Have Top Chip Tool -- BloombergNetherlands to join US-led Pax Silica AI initiative despite ASML dispute -- ReutersGermany backs EU’s tough China line with call for ‘Plaza Accord’ talks on yuan -- SCMPThe world does not need a new ‘Plaza Accord’: Global Times editorial -- Global TimesEurope’s Final Warning -- Sharp TextGermany is wavering on China (again) -- Watching China in EuropeWhy China is so bad at football -- The Economist

June 11, 202614 min

Sharp China: Xi Goes to North Korea; Inspecting Xinjiang; A $295 Billion AI Buildout; The Pentagon Alleges PLA Links for Alibaba and Others

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 Xi's visit to North Korea this week, including the conspicuous silence on North Korea's nuclearization, Kim Jong Un's assistance to Russia's war in Ukraine, Beijing as Kim's top priority, U.S.-Japan dialogue on regional nuclear threats, and an email about the PRC as a communist countr…

June 4, 20261 hr 10 min

Sharp China: Seizing the Commanding Heights; Decoding Shangri-La Dialogue; Europe Moots Trade Policy; The PRC Expels a New York Times Journalist

This episode of Sharp China is outside the paywall. Show Notes: On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with Xi Jinping's call to seize the commanding heights of science, technology, and industry across six industries of the future, as well as the State Council's move to release a 34-article law that will implicate domestic firms, foreign businesses and potentially foreign governments, as well as PRC financial institutions and individual investors. From there: Reactions to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's remarks at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, why an absence of Taiwan mentions in his main speech is not necessarily seen in Beijing as a shift in policy, and questions regarding U.S. partnerships elsewhere in the region. At the end: The looming trade tensions between Europe and China, the expulsion of New York Times journalist Vivian Wang, the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacres, and Steph Curry's new endorsement deal with Li-Ning.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:New regulations on outbound investment; Qiushi on future industries; Chip export control dysfunction; Shangri-La Dialogue; EU-China -- SinocismAgricultural and rural modernization; Socialist political economy; UK-PRC; PRC media in Africa -- SinocismChina Tightens Rules on Outbound Investment in Fight for Global Tech Edge -- WSJState Council Regulations on Outbound Investment -- Sinocism TranslationChina Expands Outbound Investment Rules to Cover Individuals -- BloombergPete Hegseth says US-China ties are ‘better than in years’ -- FTHegseth’s Message to Asian Partners: Do More to Get More -- NYTJapan’s defence minister Koizumi rejects China accusations of ‘new militarism’ -- FTBrussels fires starting gun on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation -- SCMPWatching China in Europe - June 2026 -- Noah BarkinAfter China Orders a Times Reporter to Leave the Country, the U.S. Reciprocates -- NYTTiananmen Tonight Trailer -- Tiananmen TonightVandals break into Tiananmen crackdown museum in US, founder says -- Hong Kong Free PressTo 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

May 28, 202615 min

Sharp China: Social Mobility and Hukou Reform; US Halts Taiwan Arms Sales?; Ongoing Pressure on Japan; An American Xinhua Journalist Arrested

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 Beijing moved to further ease hukou restrictions, including why this is a welcome change for millions of Chinese citizens, as well as a look at questions and challenges as the reforms are implemented. Then: A report that Chinese AI talent has been restricted from leaving China, while Beijing continues its efforts to control capital outflow and offshore investments. From there: Indications that the US has indeed paused its second tranche of arms sales to Taiwan, and more details on a US-China board of investment. Then: PRC-Japan updates, including reports of Takaichi recriminations from Xi in his meeting with Trump, heavy rare earth shipments restricted for the past four months, the cards Japan has yet to play, and Mao's strategic stalemate as a stage of protracted war, not an endgame. At the end: An American journalist for Xinhua and other state outlets is arrested and accused of acting as an unregistered agent of the CCP.Related Readings:Wang Yi at the UN; American Xinhua “journalist” arrested; Keeping AI talent at home; Recalculating carbon intensity; Another WMP blowup -- SinocismXi meets Pakistan PM and Serbian President; Coal mine explosion; Delinking basic public services from hukou; Crackdown on overseas trading; AI -- SinocismChina removes hukou hurdle for migrant workers in social insurance shake-up -- SCMPChina Expands Travel Curbs to Top AI Talent at Private Firms -- BloombergDeepSeek, a National Treasure in China, is Now Being Closely Guarded -- The Information (2025)China Traders Hit Exit After Offshore Trading Curbs -- BloombergIran war, China thaw complicate U.S. support for Taiwan -- WaPoUS warns Japan of severe delays in Tomahawk deliveries due to Iran war -- FTPentagon official’s Beijing visit in doubt over $14bn US arms package for Taiwan -- FTXi Jinping railed against Japan’s ‘remilitarisation’ at Donald Trump summit -- FTChina squeezes Japan over rare earths in repeat of 2010 showdown -- ReutersAffidavit in Support of Criminal Complaint -- DOJ“I would make the world’s worst spy ever” -- Too Simple, Sometimes Naive

May 21, 202612 min

Sharp China: Constructing US-China Stability; Trump's Taiwan Comments and More Summit Takeaways; Putin in China

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sinocism.comShow Notes:On today's show Andrew and Bill parse the messaging from both sides of last week's US-China summit in Beijing. Topics include: What the PRC means by "a constructive relationship of strategic stability," why the US side adopted the framing as well, a relative absence of tangible deliverables, and why "a calculated stalling tactic from both sides designed to manage risk" may be a more accurate rendering of the status quo. From there: Trump's various comments on Taiwan spark concern and questions, plus notes on Rubio, Ratner, an indictment of Chinese shipping magnates, and an Iran ceasefire Xi calls "imperative." At the end: Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing, questions for the EU, and more bad news for Nvidia in China.Related Readings:US-China summit outcomes; Constructive relationship of strategic stability; Taiwan; Putin to Beijing; Li and Ding on AI -- SinocismPutin arrives in Beijing; US indicts PRC container firms and executives; Developing Party members; Tracking foreigners -- SinocismTwo Readouts, One Deal -- Sinocism ChartCIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Raul Castro’s grandson in Havana, US and Cuban officials say -- APRubio, Once a China Hawk, Strikes Softer Tone to Align With Trump -- NYTU.S. probing whether Chinese companies cut production of shipping containers before COVID pandemic -- CBS NewsXi Warns Against Resuming Iran Attacks After Meeting Putin in Beijing -- BloombergChaos erupts behind the scenes of Trump’s China trip — including trampled White House aide -- New York PostJoint Statement of the PRC and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Coordination and Deepening Good-Neighborly and Friendly CooperationJoint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Advocating Global Multipolarity and a New Type of International RelationsXi Jinping told Donald Trump that Putin might ‘regret’ invasion of Ukraine -- FTChina banned Nvidia’s gaming chip during Jensen Huang’s visit -- FT

May 13, 20261 hr 2 min

Sharp China: 10 Questions and Modest Expectations With Trump in China to Meet Xi Jinping

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

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