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Show notes:
On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with a note about this weekend’s elections in Taiwan before turning back to the upheaval in the PLA. Topics include: Bloomberg's reporting on a US intelligence assessment, realism on PRC capabilities, the history of PLA corruption, and recent reporting about China's nuclear ambitions. From there: Reactions to the foreign affairs work conference in late December, why Beijing sees opportunities around the world, and thoughts on Liu Jianchao's visit to the US and his future as a possible successor to Qin Gang. At the end: Xi reconnects with old friends in Iowa, balloon updates will continue forever, a listener provides more context on a December Fox News report, and a Christmas present offers a path forward for the National Zoo.
Related readings:
CCDI Plenum; PLA corruption; MSS, MI6 and 007; Xizang; Apple AirDrop -- Sinocism
Taiwan’s Air Raid Alarm on Satellite Causes Pre-Election Anxiety -- Bloomberg
US Intelligence Shows Flawed China Missiles Led Xi to Purge Army -- Bloomberg
China Quietly Rebuilds Secretive Base for Nuclear Tests -- N.Y. Times
How China’s Echo Chamber Threatens Taiwan -- Foreign Affairs
China's Power: Up for Debate 2023 PM Session -- YouTube
China's foreign minister contender seeks peace, including on Taiwan -- Nikkei Asia
To old friend in Iowa, Xi says world requires stability in China-US ties -- Reuters
CCP-tied group is quietly fueling US-based climate initiatives: tax filings -- Fox News
Dall-E’s rendering of a DF-4 missile fueled with water:
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Sharp China: Missiles Filled with Water, Not Fuel; Foreign Affairs Work Conference; Liu Jianchao in New York and DC; US-China Updates