Unlike in many countries where corruption derails projects, in China it often functions as an extra cost or "tax." Major infrastructure projects, like the high-speed rail system, are successfully completed even when overseen by corrupt officials, who ensure functionality to keep their illicit revenue streams flowing.
Beijing’s core strategy for Taiwan is to convince its populace that "resistance is futile" and no outside help is coming. U.S. arms sales and rhetorical support from allies are particularly disruptive because they directly counter this psychological narrative of isolation, undermining China's goal of a coerced unification.
In China's military, groups would collectively fund a promising officer's promotion, essentially "investing" in them. This gave the funders an option on a future revenue stream from corrupt activities and control over budgets once the officer was in power, with the CIA even allegedly participating to gain influence.
China's AI strategy is less focused on achieving AGI and more on the immediate, practical diffusion of AI technology throughout its economy. The government's "AI+" plan emphasizes embedding AI into existing applications like WeChat and high-impact sectors like healthcare, aiming for broad, pragmatic adoption now.
The ongoing purges in China's military are likely more than just power consolidation. Bill Bishop suggests Xi Jinping may be intentionally removing entire generations of senior officers who rose by buying their promotions. This radical "decapitation" aims to clear the way for a younger, more meritocratic officer class.
The process for selling advanced chips to China is more complex than a single approval. While Nvidia received licenses from the Department of Commerce to sell H200 chips, the State Department's arms control bureau has yet to sign off. This internal bureaucratic friction is currently preventing the sales from happening.
The U.S. ban on DJI drones is proving ineffective. Bill Bishop argues it's premature because DJI's products are superior in both performance and cost. Without competitive American alternatives, key users like law enforcement still need DJI products, leading to loopholes and a weakening of the regulation's intent.