Sharp China with Bill Bishop
(Preview) Blinken in Beijing; Modest Progress and Unresolved Core Tensions; Too Many Tarmac Takes; More Cuba and Less Balloon
Wed Jun 21 2023Description
The episode discusses the decline of Twitter as an information tool and the efforts to stabilize the US-China relationship. It highlights the low expectations for recent talks, concerns about the acrimonious state of relations, and the push for engagement from the Biden administration.
Insights
Twitter's Decline
Twitter has become almost unusable as an information tool.
Efforts to Stabilize US-China Relationship
The recent visit between the US and China had low expectations but was as good as could have been hoped for. Agreements were made to continue talks and increase people-to-people exchanges and flights.
Concerns about US-China Relations
The US-China relationship is at its lowest point in history, raising concerns about the acrimonious state of relations and the possibility of a war breaking out.
Engagement Strategy of Biden Administration
The Biden administration is pushing for engagement with China on smaller issues to insulate against worst-case scenarios. Both the US and China claim to be acting from a position of strength.
Concessions by the US
The US made concessions, including not releasing a report that China didn't want to come out.
Chapters
Twitter's Decline as an Information Tool
00:05 - 07:32
- Twitter has become almost unusable as an information tool.
US-China Relations and Efforts for Stabilization
07:04 - 11:41
- The Washington Wizards traded away Bradley Beal for a low return.
- President Biden praised Secretary of State Blinken's efforts in China.
- The hope is to stabilize the US-China relationship after the G7 warnings.
- The Bali meeting aimed to establish channels of communication between the US and China.
- Blinken's visit to Beijing was postponed due to political issues.
- Both sides had low expectations for the recent talks in China.
- Talking alone is not enough, lessons have been learned from past engagement efforts.
- Expectations for the recent visit between the US and China were low, but it was as good as could have been hoped for.
- Agreements were made to continue talks and increase people-to-people exchanges and flights.
- The US-China relationship is at its lowest point in history, which is concerning to many countries.
- There are concerns about the acrimonious state of US-China relations and a war breaking out.
- The push for engagement from the Biden administration can be seen as appeasing China on smaller issues to insulate against worst-case scenarios.
- Both the US and China claim to be acting from a position of strength.
- Concessions were made by the US, including not releasing a report that China didn't want to come out.