Sinification is a terrific resource for understanding how domestic and international affairs are being debated by the Chinese establishment, and for getting a better sense of where China may be heading. Sinification’s team track, translate, and analyze key debates shaping thought and policy in China, adding the context needed to understand why they matter. I’m very pleased to be able to share this year’s first edition with Sinocism readers.
In 2026, Sinocism and Sinification will cooperate on monthly editions for Sinocism’s subscribers, highlighting the internal discussions and policy thinking that matter in a system that remains so stubbornly opaque. More on Sinification, including weekly subscription options, is available here. — Bill
Regarding “Trumpism is itself a product of liberal values pushed to their extreme [物极必反]”. To be clear, what he's saying here is not that Trumpism is somehow a *manifestation* of extreme liberal values, but rather that Trumpism is a *reaction* to the pushing to the extremes of liberal values. Here's the full paragraph:
Regarding “Trumpism is itself a product of liberal values pushed to their extreme [物极必反]”. To be clear, what he's saying here is not that Trumpism is somehow a *manifestation* of extreme liberal values, but rather that Trumpism is a *reaction* to the pushing to the extremes of liberal values. Here's the full paragraph:
要知道，特朗普是美国选民一票一票选上去的，他能够上台，正是因为相当多的美国民众对现状不满、对传统建制失望。特朗普现象之所以产生，从根本上讲是西方自由民主价值观发展到一定极端所引发的反作用。这里并不是全盘否定自由民主价值观，它当然有其合理之处，并曾一度为许多国家所接受。但中国有句古话叫“物极必反”，当一种价值观被推向极致、变得排他僵化时，就会产生与初衷相反的效果。
Exactly, I thought context would make that clear - i.e. no-one would mistake Trump for a liberal, but you’re correct, didn’t word that super clearly.
Enormously useful, your efforts are greatly appreciated
This is great stuff, Bill. Kudos to you and the boys for getting this together.