Sharp China with Bill Bishop All Eyes on Iran; Two Sessions Questions; Alibaba, DeepSeek and Distillation; Another UK Spying Scandal
Mar 5, 2026
Discussion of the Iran strikes and how they change China’s strategic position, shipping security, and Taiwan calculations. A preview of China’s Two Sessions priorities like GDP targets and defense spending. Coverage of AI drama at Alibaba, delays around DeepSeek, and worries about model distillation. A UK spying scandal and a quirky Spider-Man China censorship anecdote.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Propose Multilateral Escorts To Anchor US China Talks
- Use maritime security as diplomatic leverage in US-China talks by proposing joint or multilateral escorts for Hormuz shipping.
- Bishop suggests Trump could ask the PLA Navy to join anti-piracy style escorts, a bargaining chip for the March meeting with Xi.
Controlling Hormuz Is Not A Simple Lever Over China
- Global market realities limit weaponized leverage from controlling Gulf shipping; China remains diversified with Saudi and Russian suppliers.
- Bishop reminds that Saudi Arabia is a bigger oil supplier to China than Iran and Russia remains an option for Beijing.
Iran Conflict Doesn’t Simplify Taiwan Timing For Beijing
- The Iran war could affect Taiwan calculus both ways: US distraction might appear as an opening, but demonstrated US willingness to use force and potential PLA unreadiness complicate timing.
- Bishop notes PLA capability limits and that readiness targets aim toward 2027 rather than immediate action.