TBPN FULL INTERVIEW: Bill Bishop Thinks China’s Military is Still Deeply Corrupt
26 snips
Feb 10, 2026 
Bill Bishop, a China analyst and author known for deep takes on the PLA and tech-policy, breaks down accelerating PLA purges and Xi’s aims inside the military. Short takes on DJI and drone supply-chain realities. Discussion of Taiwan arms sales, Trump’s planned China visit, and why Nvidia’s China sales remain a geopolitically messy flashpoint.
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Xi's Purges Aim To Remake The PLA
- Xi's PLA purges aim to remake the military for a 'world-class fighting force' by 2027.
- The removals both consolidate Xi's control and risk short-term capability loss in the PLA.
Buying Military Promotions Like Startups
- Officers' promotions were sometimes bought like angel investments where backers expected returns.
- Successful officers repaid investors by creating revenue streams from their positions.
Corruption Was A Tax, Not A Brake
- China removed many defense industry leaders while weapons programs still appear functional.
- Corruption acted like a tax but didn't always prevent systems like high-speed rail or weapons from working.