Subjects Discussed: * The current state of Chinese politics, particularly the change of leadership * The anti-corruption campaign and lowering interest rates * The problem of corruption in China: the floating pigs scandal * Central control and its effects * The state of the economy in China * The shaky housing market * The flight of the wealthy * The government's move away from capitalism * New regulations on foreign teachers * China as a military threat * Anti-Japanese sentiment in China * China's military competence * Military spending * Corruption and training in the military * Soft power * Assessment of China, overall.

Question: Should it be legal in a free society to buy votes? It doesn't seem that the practice would violate anyone's rights, so shouldn't it be legal for a person who wants to hold office to pay willing voters to cast their vote for him?

Question: Is it immoral to bribe a government official? There are many approvals and licenses that are required to be taken by individual and/or companies for doing anything. But they are not granted unless you bribe the concerned government official. (They are not ashamed of asking you directly.) In that case, is it immoral on your part to bribe them as you have no way out?