From cybersecurity to AI to Taiwan, what's at stake in Trump's summit with Xi (Terry Gross, Fresh Air podcast)lll

As President Trump and China's President Xi prepare to meet, Rush Doshi of the Council on Foreign Relations explains the current state of U.S.-China relations and what to expect from this summit.

Interview: 

https://www.npr.org/2026/09/23/nx-s1-5978691/from-cybersecurity-to-ai-what-at-stake-in-trumps-meeting-with-and-president-xiwhy-the-us-and-china-are-at-a-precarious-moment-in-their-relationship

The race for tech supremacy: The U.S. vs. China (Terry Gross, Fresh Air podcast)

China produces at least 70% of the world’s drones, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar cells. And with the U.S. stockpile of munitions diminished from the Iran war, would the U.S. have what it needs to defend Taiwan if China invaded? 

Terry Gross talks with New Yorker staff writer Evan Osnos about his latest story, “The Future Made in China.” 

“The irony here is that we are in some ways beholden right now to the Chinese factory in order to produce the munitions that we need to defend American interests from China. That’s the exquisite problem that we've found ourselves in,” Osnos says.

Interview: 

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/12/nx-s1-5929415/the-race-for-tech-supremacy-the-u-s-vs-china

Xi warns Trump of ‘clashes and even conflicts’ with US over Taiwan

China is keen to put Taiwan at the top of an agenda that risks being overshadowed by the war in Iran and disagreements over trade. Beijing wants the US to reduce its levels of support for the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory. Xi has made “unification” with Taiwan a core priority for his legacy and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that aim...

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/14/trump-xi-jinping-meet-beijing-ahead-of-summit-trade-iran-war-ai-talks

Taiwan emerges as flash point in Trump-Xi talks - POLITICO

A Chinese summary of the meeting stressed the self-ruling island was the "most important issue" in bilateral relations between Washington and Beijing...

 https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/14/taiwan-flash-point-trump-xi-united-states-china-talks-00920370

China warns Trump that differences over Taiwan could lead to a clash : NPR

Xi warned the U.S. "must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question."  

"If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability," Xi told Trump. "Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy." 

"'Taiwan independence' and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water," Xi said, adding that "safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S."…

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/14/nx-s1-5822168/trump-xi-summit 

China warns US about Taiwan ahead of Trump’s visit to Beijing

“The United States must honour its commitments and make the right choices, opening new perspectives for bilateral cooperation and do its part to promote world peace,” Wang said...

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/01/china-taiwan-warns-us-donald-trump-visit

 

Be ‘prudent’ about supplying arms to Taiwan, Xi tells Trump in call

"President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations," the readout said. "China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The US must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence."…

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/05/xi-jinping-donald-trump-phone-call-china-us-taiwan-relationship

 

China launches live-fire drills around Taiwan simulating blockade of major ports

Taipei condemns exercise that Chinese army calls 'a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external interference forces'…

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/29/china-live-fire-military-drills-around-taiwan

 

China accuses Pete Hegseth of sowing division in Asia in speech ‘filled with provocations’ | China | The Guardian

"No country in the world deserves to be called a hegemonic power other than the US itself, who is also the primary factor undermining the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific," it said...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/china-accuses-pete-hegseth-of-sowing-division-in-asia-in-speech-filled-with-provocations 

 

Pete Hegseth calls on Asia to boost military spending in face of ‘imminent’ threat from China | Pete Hegseth | The Guardian

Duckworth, who is co-leading a bi-partisan delegation which also visited Taiwan, said the Trump administration "acts very quickly, but very incompetently"...

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/31/pete-hegseth-calls-on-asia-to-boost-military-spending-in-face-of-imminent-threat-from-china-us-defence-secretary 

 

Chip stocks fall further after Trump’s remarks on Taiwan defence

Semiconductor and related tech shares hit hard by former US president's calls for Taipei to pay for US protection…

https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/18/chip-stocks-trump-taiwan-defence-semiconductor

Is Taiwan Indefensible? (John Donvan; Open to Debate podcast)

China recently conducted two days of military exercises around Taiwan as a “punishment” for “separatist acts” by Taiwan’s new president. Beijing sees Taiwan as territory that needs to be “reunified” with the mainland, while the U.S. is Taiwan’s strongest backer. Some argue that China’s military presence is too large to stop and the island nation is indefensible. Those who disagree argue that American credibility is on the line and they should stand by their political posturing. Now we debate: Is Taiwan Indefensible?

With this background, we debate the question: Is Taiwan Indefensible?

Arguing Yes: Lyle L. Goldstein, Research Professor in the China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College; Charlie Glaser, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University

Arguing No: Elbridge Colby, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense; Elizabeth Larus, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at University of Mary Washington
Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-r57qf-1ef3fdff

US Senate passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

The Senate, in a bipartisan super-majority, overwhelmingly voted to advance the measure, which Joe Biden is expected to sign…

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/23/senate-aid-bill-ukraine-israel-taiwan

Message of Unity

Today, President Biden signed historic legislation providing foreign aid to our allies. His message of unity is simple - whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, America stands with our allies, opposes tyrants, and leads during critical global events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbrFq7-NFbo

How Republicans erupt into open warfare over Ukraine aid

"I really believe the intel and the briefings that we've gotten," Johnson said. "I believe that Xi and Vladimir Putin and Iran really are an axis of evil. I think they are in coordination on this. I think that Vladimir Putin would continue to march through Europe. "I am going to allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will," he said, adding: "I'm willing to take a personal risk for that, because we have to do the right thing. And history will judge us."

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/20/republicans-ukraine-aid-package-congress

Pentagon report warns of China’s plans for Taiwan, nuclear buildup - The Washington Post

As part of its buildup, China's military conducted more ballistic missile tests last year than the rest of the world combined, U.S. says…

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/11/29/pentagon-china-military-report-taiwan/

Journalist says Taiwan is a sophisticated democracy that's under threat (Dave Davies; Fresh Air podcast)

New Yorker writer Dexter Filkins says China has made it increasingly clear that it doesn't recognize Taiwanese sovereignty — leading to increased tensions between China and the U.S.

Interview: 

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/17/1137361339/journalist-says-taiwan-is-a-sophisticated-democracy-thats-under-threat

China gives Tesla tax break 3 days after Musk's Taiwan advice | Taiwan News | 2022-10-13 16:28:00

Model S and Model X receive Chinese tax breaks after foreign ministry praises his Taiwan plan…

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4685519

US announces $1.1bn arms sale to Taiwan, angering China

Boost to Taiwanese air defences forms biggest part of deal amid heightened tensions after Beijing's enhanced military drills around island…

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/03/us-announces-11bn-arms-sale-to-taiwan-angering-china

China 101 (Pod Save the World podcast)

Tommy and Ben are joined by Asia policy expert Danny Russel for a special episode that is entirely focused on China. They discuss Chinese President Xi Jinping’s background and worldview, Wolf Warrior diplomacy, China’s human rights record and suppression of the Uyghurs, and the fear that war between the US and China is inevitable and could start over Taiwan.

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-chqiz-11e4ab6c