(Preview) Preparing for the Two Sessions; Li Shangfu and Qin Gang; The I-SOON Hacking Leaks; Heightened Scrutiny for Musk and SpaceX

Sharp China with Bill Bishop

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Bill Bishop is the author of Sinocism

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On today’s show Andrew and Bill begin with an overview of the CPPCC, the NPC and what to expect as the Two Sessions begin this weekend. Topics include: Xi’s recent absence from public view, the resignation of Qin Gang as an NPC delegate, Li Shangfu’s removal from the party CMC’s official website, Li Qiang’s first work report as premier, and why Xi Jinping’s is unlikely to echo last year’s comments on the US. From there: Reactions to the I-SOON leaks as evidence of PRC hacking continues to circulate around the world, while Congress has questions for Elon Musk about SpaceX in Taiwan and whether the company is fulfilling its obligations to the US government. At the end: News on the Village Basketball Association, Joe Tsai’s Brooklyn Nets celebrate Lunar New Year, and Pandas are coming back to San Diego and (probably) Washington D.C.

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Qin Gang; State secrets law; New Productive Forces 新质生产力; Consumption stimulus; Cyber power — Sinocism

Taiwan; WTO; Li Shangfu; US-China; E-Bikes — Sinocism

Covering China’s National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee — NPC Observer

China’s former foreign minister Qin Gang resigns from legislature after long absence from public view — SCMP

Ousted Defense Minister Li Shangfu Removed from Top Military Body — Caixin Global

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2023: Xi Jinping directly accuses US of leading Western suppression of China — SCMP

Leaked Files Show the Secret World of China’s Hackers for Hire — New York Times

i-SOON Data Leak — Malcore

House China committee demands Elon Musk open SpaceX Starshield internet to U.S. troops in Taiwan — CNBC

Tesla's Shanghai Factory: The Golden Goose that Became a Geopolitical Bargaining Chip — Motorhead

China military must be able to destroy Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites if they threaten national security: scientists — SCMP

Inaugural Village BA national championship to tip off in March — Global Times

Brooklyn Nets hold Chinese New Year celebration at Barclays Center during game — Yahoo! News

Black and white and adored all over. China pledges pair of pandas for San Diego Zoo — AP

Happy Year of the Dragon from the Brooklyn Nets! — @BrooklynNets