Tune in here to this Friday’s edition of the Brett Winterble Show! 

Brett is joined by Gordon G. Chang the world of foreign policy analysis to discuss mounting geopolitical pressure on China amid ongoing instability in the Middle East. Chang explains how efforts by President Trump to weaken China’s global influence include targeting key allies and proxies such as Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, and Chinese operations in Panama and Latin America. The conversation turns to energy markets, with Chang noting that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up fuel costs in China, threatening an economy already struggling with debt and slowing growth.

Brett asks whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping might escalate tensions, possibly toward Taiwan, but Chang argues the People’s Liberation Army is currently weakened by internal purges and not capable of a full-scale invasion. They also examine Japan’s increasingly firm stance against Beijing and political tensions in South Korea. The interview ends abruptly due to technical difficulties before Chang can offer final indicators to watch in the unfolding geopolitical situation.

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