Episode Details

1900 CHINA POSTCARD
Evaluating US China Diplomacy Strategy
Steve Yates evaluates the recent summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping, noting grand pomp but little substantive policy movement on Taiwan. A critical fourteen billion dollar arms sales package to Taiwan remains in stasis, which Yates warns increases regional security risks if delayed further. Commenting on Ambassador David Perdue's remark about selling arms to China, Yates interprets it as sarcastic banter rather than actual policy. Furthermore, Yates highlights statements from the US Pacific commander emphasizing America's military capability to inflict severe devastation in a conflict. Ultimately, Yates advocates delivering Taiwan's defense package promptly. (2)