Podcasts about Xi Jinping

Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-348 Xi Jinping has doubled down on communism since taking power in 2013, and while that's a dead end road, it doesn't look like he's turning back. Joining us in this episode is Dr. Bradley Thayer, a fellow at the American Freedom Alliance and the author of the new book AMERICA'S 100 YEARS' WAR: How to Win Against Communism. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648212808?

CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-25-2026COVER OF FANTASTIC MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1961Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)Mary Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, analyzes Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, asserting that its success relies on penalizing large Chinesefinancial institutions. However, Beijing holds significant economic and military leverage over the US, including export controls on critical minerals. Regarding North America, Kissel describes the escalating trade war with Canada as a "loser's game" driven by domestic politics. She stresses that the 50% tariffs on essential materials like Canadianaluminum and auto parts disrupt deeply integrated supply chains. Consequently, this trade conflict severely harms ordinary consumers and threatens Republican control of key Senate seats in critical border states of Maine and Michigan. (3)Colonel Jeff McCausland, US Army (Retired) and Visiting Professor at Dickinson College, warns that the US foreign policy process has collapsed under President Trump, who relies on personal loyalty over expert advice. This is illustrated by Trump's sudden decision to reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises without notifying allies. McCausland argues this undercuts South Korea while offering concessions to a nuclear-armed dictator, Kim Jong-un, who actively supplies weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war. Furthermore, he criticizes the "economic D-Day" against Iran as highly insincere given key delays in sanctioning China, and strongly condemns the trade war against Canada, a loyal ally with a rich military history. (4)Gregory Copley, editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs, argues that the US sanctions regime against Iran is strategic signaling that makes Washington look weak, as it ignores China's trade dominance and threatens relations with India. He also views the Canadian trade dispute as a strategic failure that weakens the NORAD treaty and forces Canada to act independently in the Arctic. This unpredictability has alienated European allies, who are now bypassing the US to negotiate directly on Ukraine. Additionally, Copley analyzes post-Petro Colombia, detailing how the energetic new president faces massive domestic security issues, narco-trafficking networks, and the grounding of critical disaster relief aircraft under sanctions. (5)Thaddeus McCotter, former US Representative from Michigan and columnist for American Greatness, details the severe political and economic fallout of Trump's trade war with Canada, noting that insulting rhetoric like the "51st state" remark has politically boosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He explains that border states like Michigan and Maine share deep commercial integration, meaning 50% tariffs will directly harm their local economies. This unvetted policy blindsided senior Republican legislators, including Susan Collins, who openly opposed the tariffs and avoided a campaign rally with Vice President Vance. Ultimately, McCotter warns that these tariffs jeopardize critical Senate seats in highly contested swing states, giving rival Democrats a very major campaign advantage. (6)Judy Dempsey, Senior Scholar in Berlin for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with co-host Thaddeus McCotter: Dempsey describes European Baltic and Nordic leaders flocking to Kyiv, yet warns that "moral outrage" lacks a cohesive strategic plan to negotiate an end to the war. She highlights the rising prominence of the pro-Russian, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in state elections. Interestingly, an ideological rift has emerged as radical AfD factions in East Germany sour on MAGA due to Trump's policies on Iran. McCotter delivers a severe critique of the MAGA-AfD relationship, arguing MAGA should never have "played footsies" with neo-Nazis, and asserting the AfD is fundamentally aligned with Vladimir Putin rather than the United States—their temporary embrace of MAGA merely a superficial attraction. Although West Germans have abandoned historical sentiments toward Russiadue to the Ukraine invasion, East Germany remains deeply split, harboring lingering sentimental pro-Russian views and separate post-unification cultural dynamics. (7)Note: segment 7 came with a separate co-host block for McCotter, so I've folded his critique into the single paragraph after Dempsey's material — flag me if you'd rather run his commentary as its own standalone file.

Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)

Meer dan de helft van de Nederlandse, particuliere beleggers denkt dat de AI-gekte eigenlijk een zeepbel is. Dat blijkt uit onderzoek van de Rabobank. Een flink aantal, maar liefst 57 procent. Alleen ontdekte de bank iets geks: een deel van diezelfde groep blijft wél lekker AI-aandelen kopen. We hebben het deze aflevering over dat bizarre gedrag. Waarom zou je je geld ergens in stoppen als het een zeepbel is? En in welke aandelen stoppen ze hun geld in? We zoeken het voor je uit. Hebben we het ook over Nvidia. De Nvidia-vrees om precies te zijn. Al zeven handelsdagen op rij is de beurskoers gedaald. Dat is de langste achtereenvolgende daling sinds 2022. Ook hebben we het over Operation Economic Outcast. Onder die naam willen de Amerikanen Iran slopen, economisch isoleren. Dus geen bommen, maar een boycot. Over Trump gesproken: hij blijkt fan van SpaceX te zijn, want hij heeft aandelen van het bedrijf van Elon Musk gekocht. Verder in dit beurstheater: Californië zegt dat Paramount lekt naar de media Klap voor Duitse economie: ontslagen Volkswagen vooral in Duitsland Eind volgend jaar al datacenters in de ruimte (zegt Elon Musk) Te gast: Mike Mulders van ING Investment Office BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Je hoort hem ook in de BNR-podcast Moerdijk: dorp van de rekening. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- Brigadier General Blaine Holt guest hosts and frames Iran, global markets, election integrity, China and the food supply as connected fronts in a broader fight over national sovereignty. - Holt says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is tightening economic pressure on Iran, targeting countries and financial networks that continue helping Tehran while the U.S. avoids a large-scale ground war. - Markets come under the microscope as Holt warns about the Japan carry trade, private credit, AI data-center debt and financial leverage that he believes could trigger a major shakeout without another 2008-style bailout. - Election integrity takes center stage as Holt pushes voter ID and the SAVE Act while arguing that disputed election systems weaken public confidence in self-government. - Xi Jinping's planned Washington visit raises new questions about China's economic weakness and U.S. influence, while Holt closes by warning about foreign beef, food labeling and consolidation in America's meat supply. Today's podcast is sponsored by : PARAMOUNT PLUS - Don't Miss “⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lioness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠” - all episodes NOW STREAMING on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount Plus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can now WATCH and chat with The Gerry Callahan Show LIVE on Newsmax's social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, Rumble)  Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Newsmax.com/Listen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://NewsmaxPlus.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://nws.mx/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:              • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://nws.mx/FB⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠              • X/Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://nws.mx/twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠             • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://nws.mx/IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠             • YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠              • Rumble: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠              • TRUTH Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠             • GETTR: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gettr.com/user/newsmax⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠             • Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠              • Telegram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://t.me/newsmax⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠               • BlueSky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠             • Parler: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://app.parler.com/newsmax⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for Aug. 24. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. will go after countries and companies that do business with Iran. White House economic policy reporter Brian Schwartz says it's unclear what will happen with Iran's top trading partner: China. Plus, President Trump escalates the trade conflict with Canada, threatening 50% tariffs on autos. And Heard on the Street columnist David Wainer discusses the challenges Moderna faces in fulfilling investor hopes for a sweeping new era for cancer treatment. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. The AI Therapist: A WSJ Podcast Series  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gaius and Germanicus: Germanicus attributes these failures to a psychological myth of omnipotence that has "suckled" every post-Cold War president: George H.W. Bush dipping a toe into Somalia, Bill Clinton's cruise missile war on Serbia, Barack Obama's targeted killings, Donald Trump mesmerized by unlimited power despite "mature" advisers, and Joe Biden's "feckless adventure" in Ukraine, sputtering that the US was the "greatest nation with the biggest military of all time." The failed campaign to defeat Russia should have been the alarm bell; instead the establishment stayed blind, and the current president—driven by instant gratification and poll rises, as in the first-term Miami meeting with Xi Jinping where he launched cruise missiles at a Syrian airport while serving chocolate cake—has proven American power "evanescent," "brittle," and "superficial." The hosts then catalog the petty feuds with "subkings" that Rome would have discouraged: the aggressive feud with Canada and Mark Carney despite a century of shared history; threats to invade Greenland, prompting the Danes to enlarge their army; disparaging loyal South Korea while courting Kim Jong-un, a "fratricidal cretin" whose flattery Germanicus calls "creepy"; threatening to throw steadfast Oman "into the ocean"; and destroying the bridge built by Giorgia Meloni, the EU's effective "Trump whisperer." Rather than championing an end to Europe's migration crisis, the president has backed the Sultan of Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla, inciting one of the continent's worst flashpoints—conduct Germanicus reads not as dementia but as narcissism grown into "incipient and growing megalomania," in sharp contrast with the implicit rules of the "divine Augustus," whose disregarding heirs Caligula and Nero did not last long. (2)

-Newsmax Hotline guest Gordon G. Chang joins Rob for an extended tour of the China threat, warning about rising tensions over Taiwan, Chinese banks facilitating Iranian transactions, alleged Chinese Communist Party connections to Neville Roy Singham, anti-data-center activism, China's economic pressure on American manufacturing and Chinese-linked programs in U.S. schools. Chang says Xi Jinping may see an opportunity while U.S. military assets are focused on the Middle East — although he believes China's military still isn't ready for an invasion of Taiwan. Basically, Gordon arrives for one segment and gives Rob enough China material for another three hours. Today's podcast is sponsored by : GHOSTBED - I used to think a mattress was just furniture, until I got my GhostBed! GhostBed is offering my audience their lowest prices of the season, plus an extra 10% off. Go to http://GhostBed.com/CARSON and use promo code CARSON RELIEF FACTOR - You don't need to live with aches & pains! Reduce muscle & joint inflammation and live a pain-free life by visiting http://ReliefFactor.com  To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday… Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (http://patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) You can now WATCH and chat with The Rob Carson Show LIVE on Newsmax's social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, Rumble) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Podcasts Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:  -Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB  -X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter -Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG -YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV -Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV -TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX -GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax -Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX  -Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax  -BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com -Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch every episode ad-free & uncensored on Patreon: https://patreon.com/dannyjones Professor Jiang (Xueqin Jiang) is a teacher in China who has a popular YouTube channel @PredictiveHistory that covers philosophy, politics, education, and geopolitical forecasting. SPONSORS https://hims.com/danny - Get simple online access to personalized & affordable care for hair loss, ED, weight loss, and more. https://quo.com/danny - Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months. https://irestore.com/djp - Use code DJP to unlock your best hair, skin, & body plus HUGE savings. https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/zralgyl0 - Download Cash App today. https://whiterabbitenergy.com/?ref=DJP - Use code DJP for 20% off. EPISODE LINKS Professor Jiang's channel:  @PredictiveHistory Substack: https://substack.com/@predictivehistory *NEW* DJP MERCH https://dannyjonespodcast.com FOLLOW DANNY JONES https://www.instagram.com/dannyjones https://twitter.com/jonesdanny OUTLINE 00:00 - Danny confronts Jiang on being CCP spy 05:06 - Why Chinese people are so good at math 10:15 - The video that made Professor Jiang viral 13:44 - WeChat, the Chinese super-app 17:31 - Misconceptions about life in China 19:35 - China's one-child policy 25:40 - Raising kids in U.S. vs. China 29:49 - American food is poisonous 32:00 - Apple's Chinese factories are like prisons 35:38 - Chinese launders money for Mexican cartels 42:09 - How Xi Jinping and the CCP came to power 49:10 - Importance of the "Creative Class" in a global economy 56:02 - The most sensitive topic in China right now 57:37 - Xi Jinping is losing control of China 01:05:27 - The China-Taiwan dilemma 01:14:34 - Japan's Quad alliance 01:17:02 - China is in a lot of danger 01:18:38 - The Chabad-Lubavitch movement 01:19:27 - The Clean Break Memo 01:24:21 - The Jackson-Vanik amendment 01:28:43 - Henry "Scoop" Jackson & Rebbe Schneerson 01:35:36 - Most powerful Zionist in American history 01:43:37 - Rebbe Schneerson meets Netanyahu 01:50:46 - How Mark Zuckerberg REALLY made his money 01:56:23 - Mark Zuckerberg's connection to Rebbe Schneerson 02:05:59 - Kushner family's connection to Netanyahu & Trump 02:13:20 - Rebbe Schneerson & mysteries of the Bible 02:21:25 - Kabbalists believe the Holocaust was God's punishment 02:27:31 - Building the Third Temple in Jerusalem 02:35:31 - Natalie Harp believes Trump is Jesus 02:38:00 - Gog & Magog 02:42:59 - Laura Loomer's meeting with Ukraine's Chabad rabbi 02:46:15 - Why Trump invaded Iran 02:52:59 - The Iran & Ukraine wars are about to merge 02:59:35 - The Japanese yen carry trade 03:05:22 - American general's confession about foreign invasion 03:10:41 - How Trump gets a 3rd term 03:18:01 - Butler assassination attempt was a "ritual" 03:24:10 - Rothschilds' connection to religious elites 03:35:43 - Strangest details about Jeffrey Epstein 03:45:35 - The redacted Epstein files around 9/11 03:51:50 - History is about to repeat on free speech 03:55:25 - Jiang's 10-year prediction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Monday, August 24th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Urge Chinese ambassador to allow Chinese pastor to come to U.S. ChinaAid, an international group supporting persecuted Christians inside China, has launched a petition and advocacy campaign to bring Pastor John Cao back to his home in the U.S, reports International Christian Concern. Pastor John has been imprisoned in China for seven years for his missionary work on the China-Myanmar border, helping establish 16 schools that serve thousands of local children and families. While he was “released” in 2024, he is still blocked from returning to the United States, where his wife and sons -- all of whom are American citizens -- live. To make matters worse, Pastor John now has advanced prostate cancer, and his situation is even more critical. ChinaAid's campaign and petition, which I've signed, call for Pastor John's immediate release, particularly urging President Donald Trump to personally raise his situation in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24th. Write a polite and urgent 4-sentence note to the Chinese Ambassador to America, Xie Feng, urging him to persuade Chinese President Jinping to release Pastor John Cao so he can reunite with his wife and children here in America. Send it to the Chinese Embassy, 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008. You can find that address in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. Wolves in White Coats: How doctors profited from “gender medicine” Appearing on Epoch TV, Admiral Brian Christine, who serves as the Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary, discussed a disturbing new report entitled “Wolves in White Coats: How Doctors and Hospitals Pushed and Profited from the Fraud of so-called ‘Gender Medicine.'” He laid significant blame on the Biden administration and his predecessor, a man born Richard Levine in 1957, who pretended to be a woman named “Rachel.” CHRISTINE: “The gender ideology pushed on the American people, and these unfortunate children, by the Biden administration, the last administration, and by my predecessor ‘Rachel' Levine, he really pushed gender ideology on the country and even suggested removing age limitations on performing mutilating surgeries or castrating chemicals.” Admiral Christine defined what a sex-rejecting procedure was. CHRISTINE: “Sex rejecting procedures: What we mean is either castrating chemicals, cross-sex hormones, or even surgeries to change the external appearance of the body. These mutilating surgeries that don't do anything to change gender, but radically change the appearance of the body, and can certainly have complications along the way.” He revealed the alarming number of surgeries that were tragically performed on confused minors. CHRISTINE: “From 2019 up to 2023, $120 million spent on sex-rejecting procedures in this country. Over 5,500 surgeries, sex-rejecting surgeries on minors.” Not surprisingly, fraud abounded. CHRISTINE: “There was $11 million billed for ‘precocious' puberty in kids who were 13 to 17 years old. That's not precocious puberty. That's just puberty!” The financial incentive for the ethically-challenged doctors is obvious. CHRISTINE: “If you take a child who has gender dysphoria and you get them to agree to sex-rejecting procedures, you've created a patient for life. So, there can be a tremendous financial incentive for these practitioners and these clinics to have these patients who come back again and again and again.” Psalm 82:4 says, “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” ‘Influencer' tries to justify her 26-week abortion A social media fitness and lifestyle influencer in Australia with 480,000 followers, named Danielle Mitchell, has publicly documented the details of her abortion at 26 weeks after discovering her baby had severe defects and might have died before birth, reports LifeSiteNews.com. MITCHELL: “We had our fetal medicine growth scan today. And they also had our results for the amnio[centesis], the chromosomal abnormalities, and some new findings on her brain, being that she won't survive.” She went viral for sharing a video on X in which she explains that she had scheduled an abortion. Oddly enough, she entitled it, “Our sweet baby girl goes to sleep with the angels today at 26 weeks.” Through tears, she said this. MITCHELL: “I feel like I'm at peace with my decision. I didn't know how late-term terminations work. “You lay on a bed, awake, and they have doctors and midwives in the room. Under ultrasound, [they put] a needle into the baby's heart, and inject it to stop it from beating. And then you slowly feel all the movements stop from the baby.  No more kicks. Get sent home for another 24 hours, back up to the hospital, and they induce you, and give birth to a sleeping baby.” Mitchell became extremely emotional, saying that she needed to “let out” the grief before she explained to her young daughter that her baby would not be here anymore. MITCHELL: “Baby sister is gonna go live in the clouds today with Nanny Sandy. Okay?” DAUGHTER: “I love you.” MITCHELL: “I love you too, baby. Cuddle?” DAUGHTER: (giggles) On X, Mitchell's video of herself explaining the abortion was shared without the context of the child's condition. She was lambasted there in a flurry of outrage, while on her Instagram page she was met with more sympathy by followers who perceived that she felt she had “no choice” and was sparing her baby suffering overall. Some social media users pointed out that the diagnoses and prognoses of doctors for unborn children are frequently false. LifeSiteNews noted, “A high likelihood that a baby will not survive birth is never a justification for the direct killing of innocent life.” In response, veteran pro-life activist Frank Pavone shared a prayer for women considering abortion, and for the protection of unborn children. He wrote, “Dear Lord, send Your heavenly angels to women thinking about abortion. Protect their unborn children, soften the hearts of their parents, and open their eyes to the truth that abortion takes an innocent human life. Amen.” Young brothers address science and the Bible And finally, Beau, age 11, and Gray Reusch, age 8, are young brothers who have gone viral on social media for creating Christian faith and apologetics content through their family's brand, Armor Up Kids. Their father is Will Reusch, the founder of Armor Up Academy. In one of their videos, they explore the Bible and science. GREY: “People say, ‘It's Bible versus science.'” BEAU: “But what if they've been saying the same thing the whole time?” GREY: “Watch this.” BEAU: “I'm Beau.” GREY: “And I'm Grey.” BEAU AND GREY: “Let's show you something crazy!” GREY: “The Bible says a grateful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22.” BEAU: “Science says gratitude reduces depression and improves mental health.” GREY:  “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That's Romans 12:2.” BEAU: “Science calls that, here we go, neuroplasticity. It means your brain can literally change.” GREY: “Jesus said some things only come from prayer and fasting. That's Matthew 17:21.” BEAU: “Science says fasting helps your body heal and reset itself. It's called cellular autophagy. And it actually won the Nobel Prize.” GREY: “But a peaceful heart gives life, but envy rots the bones. That's Proverbs 14:30.” BEAU: “Science shows anger increases disease and stress in your body.” GREY: “Sing and make music for the Lord. That's Ephesians 5:19.” BEAU: “Science says music releases dopamine and reduces stress.” GREY: “So, the Bible isn't outdated.” BEAU: “It's ahead of its time.” GREY: “God designed your mind …” BEAU: “and science is just catching up.” GREY AND BEAU: “So, it's not Bible versus science. It's truth confirming truth! ” GREY: “Don't ignore what God already said.” BEAU: “You might be missing what actually works.” Psalm 111:2 says, "Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them." Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, August 24th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Jonathan Miltimore discusses the ongoing imprisonment of 79-year-old pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, calling it the world's most overlooked story. Miltimore expresses his deep disappointment that Donald Trumpfailed to raise Lai's case publicly during his Beijing trip, instead repeating CCP rhetoric that Lai caused "bedlam." He describes Lai's deteriorating health inside his tiny, unventilated six-foot cell and urges President Trump to pressure Xi Jinping during his upcoming U.S. visit. Miltimore notes that even certain CCP factions want Lai released to avoid international outrage if he dies in prison, emphasizing that Lai is fully prepared for potential martyrdom. (4)

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 8-21-2026Anatol Lieven discusses the war in Ukraine, highlighting Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure like Black Sea resorts and a commercial center. He carefully examines the psychological impact of these infrastructure strikes, noting that while they aim to weaken Russian morale, history shows such strategies rarely succeed. Lieven describes growing domestic resentment over rampant government corruption, which threatens Western aid and has already led to several high-profile dismissals. Finally, he analyzes global energy and food security threats caused by port and refinery strikes, alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham's struggle to balance costly military commitments with domestic recovery. (1)Peter Berkowitz reflects on the 30th anniversary of Alan Sokal's famous academic hoax, which exposed the intellectual decline within higher education humanities. Berkowitz critiques contemporary humanities departments for their ideological hypocrisy: professors claim objective truth is subjective while simultaneously insisting that their own political claims are absolute truths. He references a report from Vanderbilt and Washington University confirming that significant contingents of humanities faculty in core disciplines subordinate scholarship to political activism. Finally, Berkowitz notes that this progressive ideological capture is concentrated among college-educated voters in elite university towns, warning that treating education as political indoctrination severely perverts liberal education. (2)Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses the alarming rise of authoritarianism in Mexico under President Claudia Sheinbaum and her ruling party, Morena. O'Grady details how the ruling party has systematically consolidated power by taking control of independent electoral bodies, tribunals, regulatory commissions, and the judiciary through politicized popular elections. She warns that Morena's latest effort targets television and radio—the primary sources of information for most Mexican citizens—to effectively censor critical independent media. While O'Grady deeply laments the weak leadership of the official political opposition, she finds hope in the strong pushback and widespread mobilization of Mexican civil society against these state controls. (3)Jonathan Miltimore discusses the ongoing imprisonment of 79-year-old pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, calling it the world's most overlooked story. Miltimore expresses his deep disappointment that Donald Trumpfailed to raise Lai's case publicly during his Beijing trip, instead repeating CCP rhetoric that Lai caused "bedlam." He describes Lai's deteriorating health inside his tiny, unventilated six-foot cell and urges President Trump to pressure Xi Jinping during his upcoming U.S. visit. Miltimore notes that even certain CCP factions want Lai released to avoid international outrage if he dies in prison, emphasizing that Lai is fully prepared for potential martyrdom. (4)Veronique de Rugy critiques California Representative Ro Khanna's proposal for a "one-time" 5% wealth tax on billionaires. De Rugy explains that several different European countries largely abandoned wealth taxes because they are administratively difficult, generate little revenue, and cause severe economic distortions. Highlighting a debate between Khanna and Mark Cuban, she details how taxing paper wealth completely ignores true liquidity, forcing entrepreneurs to sell shares of private companies or borrow against volatile collateral. De Rugy warns that wealth taxes inevitably expand to target middle-class citizens, ultimately costing states far more in lost income taxes than they retrieve from the wealthy. (5)Rohan Naidu discusses the groundbreaking discovery of "black hole stars" at cosmic dawn using the James Webb Space Telescope. Naidu explains that these infant objects appear as mysterious "little red dots" but possess hybrid properties of both highly luminous black holes and stars. He explains how a young black hole surrounded by dense hydrogen gas absorbs blue and green light, creating a signature "Balmer break" resembling the star Vega. Naidu outlines future research, including finding atmospheric chemical fingerprints like water, and using the newly proposed Celestemission alongside ground telescopes to directly image swirling gas feeding these infant black holes. (6)James M. Scott traces the dramatic, complex final months of World War II in the Pacific. Scott details how Secretary of War Henry Stimson briefed Truman in depth on the secret atomic bomb, and praises General Leslie Groves' masterful management of the Manhattan Project's secret cities. He describes Japan's political division: Emperor Hirohito secretly sought peace while militarists prepared a fanatical defense of Kyushu to force better terms. Scott explains the intense debate over demanding unconditional surrender versus preserving the Japanese monarchy, concluding with the Trinitytest, Potsdam Conference, and Truman's hope that the bomb's shock value would force surrender. (7)Evan Ellis analyzes key regional political and security developments in Latin America. Ellis discusses EcuadorianPresident Daniel Noboa's visit to China to secure security, trade, and economic assistance, and explains how historical visa-free policies turned Ecuador into a major transit corridor for Chinese migrants entering the US. He details Bolivia's ongoing political instability and the dangerous scandals involving Evo Morales. Ellis also covers Chile's border enforcement efforts, Colombia's return to aggressive military operations against cartels following a major earthquake, and the stalled democratic transitions in Venezuela and Nicaragua, where regimes rely on brutal repression and illicit economies to hold power. (8)This fuller eight-file version supersedes the earlier seven-file draft — de Rugy now sits at (5) and everything falls in place without gaps. The Celeste mission appears again in segment 6; the source calls it "newly proposed," which explains why I couldn't verify it earlier, so I've let it stand.

What does the transformation of the PLA mean for China's global position and strategy? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman and GPF analyst and China expert Victoria Herczegh join host Christian Smith to discuss how Xi Jinping's supreme desire for loyalty impacts the PLA's effectiveness, the operational risks of rapid technological modernization without critical evaluation, and what's next for US-China relations as signals of de-escalation appear ahead of next month's summit. Also: Taiwan's symbolic role. Episode recorded on August 18, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.

Why is North Korea so weird? Is it Stalinism? Maoism? Japan-style emperor worship? Ancient Korean hermit kingdom energy? No, argues Jonathan Cheng, Beijing bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal and author of The Korean Messiah: The Failed Dynasty That Shaped the Hermit Kingdom. You've all been sleeping on the influence of 19th-century American revival Protestantism. To discuss why Kim Il-sung kind of thought he was Jesus — or at least wanted to convince everyone else he was — we have the honor of Jonathan joining ChinaTalk today, with Alex Boyd. Our conversation covers: Billy Graham meets Kim Il-sung — how America's pastor visited Pyongyang in 1992 and bonded with the dictator over their shared Presbyterian childhoods, while touring a birthplace resembling the nativity story. From “Jerusalem of the East” to totalitarian theocracy — how 22-year-old missionary Samuel Moffett brought eschatological founder energy to the wickedest city in Korea, and transformed Pyongyang into the most Protestant city in Asia, complete with jazz clubs and a Chevrolet dealership. The Manchurian cauldron — how the lawless frontier of 1920s Manchuria blended Christianity, Korean nationalism, and Marxism to forge Kim Il-sung's messiah complex — and why the 33-year-old decided to let peasants believe he could walk on water. Jim Jones, superfan — how the Jonestown cult leader became obsessed with Kim Il-sung, adopted Korean children, and traded tips with North Korean diplomats on running a closed religious society. Christianity as political technology — how Kim weaponized Protestant doctrine and ritual to build a state religion that has outlasted the Soviet Union by three decades. Plus, why North Korea is best understood not as a nation-state but as a religious society, and what Hong Xiuquan and Xi Jinping have to do with any of this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:1) President Trump said he won’t try to revive a stalled truce with Iran, leaving the simmering conflict in the Middle East and a tussle for control of the Strait of Hormuz stuck in limbo. A memorandum of understanding the US and Iran signed in June that gave them a 60-day window to negotiate a lasting peace deal technically expired Monday, and when Trump was asked if he would seek an extension, he replied: “No.” The ceasefire had been repeatedly violated in any event, with intermittent clashes continuing, and both sides had declared it defunct. Brent crude climbed Tuesday - by its highest level in more than three weeks - as prospects dimmed for a swift reopening of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas transited before the war. Trump is demanding that free passage through the waterway be restored, while Iran said it will govern traffic in conjunction with Oman. 2) Jared Kushner assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli army won’t be compelled to withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms, an official with knowledge of the talks said, a stance that will dim hopes for a Gaza peace deal anytime soon. Kushner met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, a day after holding talks with a Hamas leader in Egypt. The US and Israel agreed there would be no Israel Defense Forces redeployment from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and all of Gaza is demilitarized, according to the Board of Peace official, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Those conditions are likely to be rejected by Hamas, which has insisted that Israel withdraw from Gaza before it gives up its weapons.3) Chinese leader Xi Jinping will forgo a stop in New York to address the UN General Assembly during a trip to the US next month to meet President Donald Trump, Politico reported. Politico cited four people familiar with the matter whom it didn’t identify. Xi plans to visit the US for three days, meeting Trump on Sept. 24, one of the people said. There’d been speculation that Xi would join other world leaders at the UN meeting as part of his US visit. Trump invited Xi to visit during his trip to Beijing in May. The two sides used their spring summit to steady ties that had deteriorated over trade, tech, Taiwan and other issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump's Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, meets Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for Gaza peace talks. It comes a day after he held negotiations with Hamas officials in Cairo. Also, China's leader, Xi Jinping, makes a rare reference to the killing of protesters in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in 1989. We look back at the life of the US actress Hayden Panettiere, who has died aged 36. We hear about the British prime minister, Andy Burnham, who thought he was messaging a senior White House official, but wasn't, and about a Ferrari car which no longer has the traditional engine roar. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Photo:Jared Kushner speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026.Credit: Photo by GIAN EHRENZELLER/EPA/Shutterstock Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Michael McFaul — Multi-Part, Part One: Michael McFaul, a Stanford professor and former US Ambassador to Russia, details his book Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. In Part One, McFaul examines historical turning points, beginning with the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and the 1991 Soviet collapse. He argues that the West was too complacent following the Cold War, missing critical opportunities to consolidate democratic institutions in Russia and China. He also explains how China's century of humiliation informs Xi Jinping's current desire for strength. (1)

Marine combat veteran, former Assistant Secretary of Defense, and military historian Bing West has spent six decades on battlefields from Vietnam to Afghanistan — and he's angry. In his new book, Cat 5: The 2033 War, West argues that America's leaders won every battle in three wars but lost every war, driven by what he calls the "Jupiter Complex" — the dangerous belief that America is so powerful it doesn't need to fight with full resolve. Now, he warns, that same hubris is converging with a crushing national debt and Xi Jinping's determination to seize Taiwan to create a Category 5 catastrophe by 2033. West joins Newt for a blunt, unsparing conversation about an emaciated military still buying legacy weapons, a debt spiral that leaves no room for defense spending, and what the next president must do to hold the line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

durée : 00:04:15 - Les Matins de France Culture - par : Pierre Ramond - Et si la géographie de la Chine se comprenait par sa mer ? En transposant la méthode de Fernand Braudel à l'Asie maritime, Pierre Ramond retrace la façon dont les flux maritimes et les diasporas ont façonné la puissance chinoise. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

The US has deployed a fresh aircraft carrier to the Middle East, vowing an "indefinite" naval blockade of Iran until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened - but China has other ideas. On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Sophia Yan speaks with Alicia Kearns MP, shadow minister for national security and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Fresh from a trip into the heart of the Pentagon, she explains how Iran's regime is withstanding the pressure of the war thanks to financial and technological assistance from Beijing. Plus, the “active and pernicious” Iranian intelligence service you've never heard of, why Donald Trump is guilty of historical revisionism when it comes to Nato, and whether the US is ready for the growing risk of a three-theatre conflict involving China and Taiwan.HIGHLIGHTSUS deploys fresh warship and vows indefinite Iran blockade How China is helping Iran win the war against the USCHAPTERS00:00 US vows indefinite blockade in Strait of Hormuz01:55 GOP disquiet inside Pentagon over Trump's Iran strategy03:00 Confronting the Pentagon on Trump's NATO revisionism05:32 The Three-Theater War: Russia, Strait of Hormuz, and Taiwan08:36 China becomes Iran's 'ventilator' against US sanctions11:00 Xi Jinping's naval show of force in Taiwan Strait17:50 MOIS: The lethal Iranian intel agency operating in the UK21:17 How Britain must dismantle Iranian hitmen & propaganda29:40 Iranian assassination threats against Trump37:38 Russian shadow fleet tanker explosion off OmanCONTRIBUTORS:Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanAlicia Kearns, MP and shadow minister for national security @aliciakearnsWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Alicia Kearns: Labour must shut down Iranian assets operating in Britainhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/01/labour-must-shut-down-iranian-assets-operating-in-britain/US navy sailor jumps overboard after 250 days at seahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/us-navy-sailors-jump-overboard-after-nine-months-at-sea/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

En tirant les leçons des guerres en Ukraine et au Moyen-Orient, la Chine utilise ses alliés russe et iranien comme des aiguillons dans sa rivalité avec Washington.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Mark Clifford: Mark Clifford discusses the ongoing detention of British citizen and entrepreneur Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. While China recently released a Protestant pastor, Xi Jinping reportedly remains determined that Lai, a fervent Catholic and advocate for Western values, will die in prison. Clifford suggests Xi's animosity is personal, rooted in a belief that the survival of the Communist Party is paramount and that any dissent is an existential threat. Despite the UK's new leadership focusing on domestic issues, Clifford hopes the government continues to pressure Beijing for the release of its citizen. (4)

Charles Burton: Charles Burton provides insight into the annual Beidaihe retreat, where Chinese leaders meet secretly to decide the party's direction. This year's focus is on a failing domestic economy, including a collapsed housing market and crushing local government debt. Burton notes that Xi Jinping's limited international travel may indicate internal instability. Additionally, the discussion touches on escalating trade tensions between Canada and the US over potential tariffs and disagreements regarding the financing of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. (5)

TABLE OF CONTENTS, THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-12-2026Michael Bernstam: Michael Bernstam discusses a critical shortage of refined products such as diesel and gasoline, noting that global supply has dropped by 8.3 million barrels per day. While crude oil is available, refining capacity in the US and Europe has declined for decades. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have further crippled Russia's refining capabilities, forcing it to import fuel. These disruptions, along with Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, contribute to a daily deficit of 2 million barrels. Bernstam warns that consumers worldwide will face higher energy and food prices indefinitely as a result. (1)Michael Lucchese: Michael Lucchese explores the history and modern return of isolationism within American politics, particularly the Republican Party. He characterizes isolationism as a short-sighted avoidance of global affairs that often coincides with political extremism. Lucchese argues that the West is currently in a civilizational contest against an axis of revisionist powers including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He critiques recent administrations for showing a lack of civilizational confidence, which he believes has encouraged adversaries to be more aggressive on the world stage. (2)Captain James Fanell: Captain James Fanell reports on China's escalating campaign to annex international waters east of Taiwan. For the first time, Chinese vessels are interrogating ships on the high seas, an outrageous violation of maritime norms. This aggression occurs as the US Navy is severely overstretched, with carrier deployments extending to nine months and the arsenal of democracy being depleted by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Fanell urges the US and partner navies to conduct joint maneuvers with Taiwan to counter Beijing's comprehensive national power strategy. (3)Mark Clifford: Mark Clifford discusses the ongoing detention of British citizen and entrepreneur Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. While China recently released a Protestant pastor, Xi Jinping reportedly remains determined that Lai, a fervent Catholic and advocate for Western values, will die in prison. Clifford suggests Xi's animosity is personal, rooted in a belief that the survival of the Communist Party is paramount and that any dissent is an existential threat. Despite the UK's new leadership focusing on domestic issues, Clifford hopes the government continues to pressure Beijing for the release of its citizen. (4)Charles Burton: Charles Burton provides insight into the annual Beidaihe retreat, where Chinese leaders meet secretly to decide the party's direction. This year's focus is on a failing domestic economy, including a collapsed housing market and crushing local government debt. Burton notes that Xi Jinping's limited international travel may indicate internal instability. Additionally, the discussion touches on escalating trade tensions between Canada and the US over potential tariffs and disagreements regarding the financing of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. (5)Peter Huessy: Peter Huessy examines the fragile state of nuclear deterrence as Russia conducts drills for tactical nuclear weapons. He warns that the US is behind the eight ball regarding theater nuclear options, possessing only gravity bombs while Russia maintains thousands of short-range weapons. Huessy fears Putin may use these weapons for blackmail if he perceives a conventional loss in Ukraine. He advocates for the rapid modernization of the US nuclear triad, specifically calling for sea-launched cruise missiles to restore a credible deterrent against reckless adversaries. (6)Cliff May: Cliff May argues that Islamism is not being studied with the rigor that communism once received during the Cold War. He observes that many university Middle East studies departments, funded by foreign interests such as Qatar, have become Islamist adjacent. May highlights a recent Senate hearing on the Muslim Brotherhood where most senators failed to attend, fearing accusations of Islamophobia. This willful determination to ignore history allows the red-green alliance of far-left activists and Islamists to grow, posing a significant threat to democratic values. (7)Admiral Mark Montgomery: Admiral Mark Montgomery details the growing cyber and hybrid warfare cooperation within the axis of aggressors: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This cooperation often involves criminal actors sharing attack techniques and technology to target critical infrastructure. Montgomery warns of new generation warfare, including terrorist acts, jamming, and disinformation. He specifically points to China's Volt Typhoon program, which has installed malware in US rail, water, and energy systems. Montgomery urges an all-hands-on-deck approach to secure essential systems, as attribution for these ghost-like attacks remains difficult. (8)Simon Constable: Simon Constable reports on rising commodity prices, with Brent crude reaching $89 per barrel and European gas prices surging 18 percent. He discusses the recent change in UK government, where new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to focus almost exclusively on domestic issues. Constable also touches on the results of a longevity quiz, noting that average life expectancy in the US has reached 79 years. Finally, the conversation addresses unusual political rhetoric in Britain regarding the monarchy and the impact of extreme weather and wildfires across Europe. (9)Bob Zimmerman: Bob Zimmerman discusses the progress of commercial space ventures, highlighting Rocket Lab's new contract for its reusable Neutron rocket. He explains how companies such as SpaceX are developing recoverable capsules for in-space manufacturing, including pharmaceuticals. Zimmerman also notes a recent Chinese rocket failure, which was transparently reported only because of local live-streamers. Additionally, India is attempting to transfer control of its spaceports to the private sector to foster competition. Despite opposition from fake environmental activist groups, Zimmerman remains optimistic about the future of private-sector space exploration. (10)One correction applied: the raw had "Vault Typhoon" — the PRC infrastructure intrusion campaign is Volt Typhoon. Also still open from the prior batch: Hu Chunhua and Mohammad Reza Tavakoli.Across both batches, four threads run through nearly every segment.The axis as a working system, not a slogan. Chinese and Russian materiel moving to Iran (Holt), Iranian resupply of the Houthis (Fitton-Brown), Hezbollah's Syrian pipeline (Daoud), and Montgomery's cyber cooperation among all four — the same four capitals appear in Lucchese's civilizational contest and Montgomery's shared attack techniques. The story is no longer four separate adversaries but one logistics and learning network.Pauses as rearmament. Haqqani, Daoud, and Fitton-Brown independently report Iran boasting that ceasefires are for restocking. Sayeh supplies the domestic mirror: executions spike precisely when negotiations are underway. Ben-Ur gives the Gaza version — Hamas distributing rifles while the disarmament deal is being signed. The diplomatic interval is the adversary's production cycle.American absence, and who fills it. Haqqani's "helpless giant," Fitton-Brown's elephant in the room, Fanell's nine-month carrier deployments and depleted arsenal, Huessy's theater nuclear gap, Bernstam's lost refining capacity. Chang and Holt argue the reticence is a gambit; the guests closer to the ground read it as depletion. Haqqani's line is the sharpest: China wins by saying nothing.Xi's brittleness. Collier's $7.7 trillion in hidden bad loans, Burton's Beidaihe meeting on a collapsed housing market and local debt, Xi's shrinking travel schedule, Holt's factional rival. Clifford's Jimmy Lai segment is the same material in personal form — the vindictiveness of a leader who treats any dissent as existential. External aggression from Fanell sits directly on top of internal weakness from Collier and Burton, which is the more interesting juxtaposition than either alone.Two smaller pairings worth an hour break: Bernstam and Constable both on energy and food prices as the civilian bill for all of the above, and Araújo/Peña Esclusa's hemispheric shift as the one segment where the trend runs the other way — Petro out, De la Espriella in, Lula isolated.If you want a running order argument: Collier and Burton to establish the weakness, Fanell and Holt for the aggression it produces, then the Iran arc from Haqqani through Sayeh, with Bernstam and Constable as the price tag.

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C dans l'air l'invité du samedi 24 janvier 2026 avec Christine Ockrent, journaliste et productrice de l'émission "Affaires étrangères" sur France Culture.Vendredi 23 janvier, le Pentagone a publié sa nouvelle stratégie de défense nationale dans laquelle il donne explicitement la priorité aux intérêts américains et appelle les alliés des Etats-Unis à assumer la responsabilité de leur propre défense. Une entaille de plus à l'ordre international qui prévalait depuis la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, basé notamment sur le multilatéralisme et au sein duquel l'alliance transatlantique jouait un rôle primordial.Alors la rupture avec l'Europe est-elle consommée ? Les pays de l'UE se montrent en tous cas de plus en plus offensifs face à un Donald Trump qui ne leur laisse aucun répit, un an après son retour à la Maison Blanche. Christine Okrent nous aidera à comprendre cette "révolution trumpiste" qui nous saisit.Christine Ockrent vient de publier "Le Trump de A à Z. Un premier dictionnaire", aux éditions Denoël et s'apprête à donner sa dernière conférence exceptionnelle lundi 26 janvier prochain au théâtre Montparnasse où elle dévoile les coulisses du pouvoir et les stratégies de Trump, Poutine ou encore Xi Jinping.

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Beim Militärbankett der Kommunistischen Partei Chinas (KPCh) zum 99. Jahrestag der Volksbefreiungsarmee fehlten erstmals alle Mitglieder der Zentralen Militärkommission, dem Führungskreis der chinesischen Armee. Analysten sehen dies als Zeichen für die Folgen der Säuberungen unter Chinas Führer Xi Jinping und mögliche Machtprobleme innerhalb der Militärführung.

Steve Yates and Gordon Chang discuss the proposed ban on Chinese components in U.S. data centers, warning that these devices allow for foreign sabotage of critical infrastructure. Yates notes that the CCP often fuels "astroturf" protests in rural America to block data center construction and slow U.S. AI development. Regarding Taiwan, Yates reports that security cooperation is becoming more transparent, moving away from "strategic ambiguity" to reassure allies and deter China. However, he notes a delay in a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, suggesting that some in Washington still prioritize "walking on eggshells" to preserve the relationship with Xi Jinping. Yates argues for a shift toward helping partners buy and use their own deterrent capabilities. He concludes that U.S. leadership in compute power is a vital strategic advantage that China is actively trying to undermine through influence operations. (5)

Colonel Grant Newsham challenges the assumption of inevitable Chinese dominance, labeling it a "fake it till you make it" strategy intended to intimidate foreigners. He points out that China's property market is a "crater" and its currency is not freely convertible, forcing the CCP to aggressively export overcapacity to earn the dollars needed for raw materials. Newsham highlights that over 600 million Chinese citizens live on less than $5 a day, and even the CCP elite, including Xi Jinping, keep wealth overseas as a hedge against the system's future. He argues that China's high-tech focus on AI and robotics does not solve its massive youth unemployment. Newsham concludes that China is a "big power but not a great one," functioning as a "rigged casino" without property rights or the rule of law, which is increasingly deterring foreign direct investment. (10)

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-5-2026.Michael Bernstam discusses how August is historically a "month of curses" for Russia, citing the 1991 coup and the 1914 start of WWI. Currently, Russia is facing a severe fiscal and production crisis driven by Ukrainian drone strikes that have crippled 25% of its oil refining capacity. Additionally, Ukrainian drones recently destroyed a massive Wildberrieswarehouse—Russia's equivalent to Amazon—stripping a million vendors of their livelihoods and stressing the banking sector. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in fiscal trouble due to its $1.5 trillion "The Line" project and Houthi attacks on its pipelines. This pressure is leading the Saudis to urge the Trump administration toward concessions with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize oil flows. Bernstam notes that while the EU has frozen the Russian oil price cap at $44.10, the real impact on Russian revenues will come from any reduction in world oil prices. (1)Bob Zimmerman highlights the rapid evolution of the commercial space industry, comparing it to the early 20th-century auto boom. A major milestone includes SpaceX successfully retrieving a Starship stage from the Indian Ocean to analyze its thermal protection tiles. Zimmerman notes that the FAA is proposing to exempt spaceports from 13 environmental laws to curb "mission creep" and "lawfare." In the satellite market, Starlink's dominance has forced competitors like Hughes into bankruptcy. Internationally, Zimmerman criticizes the European Union Space Act as a regulatory disaster that could drive U.S. and Chinese businesses away from the EU market. Other notable developments include Spain's $1 billion offer to move the Thirty Meter Telescope to the Canary Islands and new evidence that near-surface ice is ubiquitous on Mars, simplifying future colonization. He also mentions the mapping of 200,000 supermassive black holes. (2)James Holmes and Gordon Chang address the critical lack of frigates in the U.S. Navy, which Holmes describes as essential low-cost platforms for monitoring adversaries. The current fleet is "top-heavy," relying on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are overworked. Holmes explains that the new Constellation-class frigate program has been delayed because the Navy continues to "monkey with the designs," resulting in vessels that are destroyer-sized but under-armed. Meanwhile, China and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises since 2005 to improve interoperability and provide military options in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Holmes suggests the U.S. should consider leveraging the superior shipbuilding capacity of allies like South Korea, which claims it could produce five Arleigh Burkes annually, whereas the U.S. struggles to build two. The focus remains on regaining the ability to build plentiful, cost-effective combatants. (3)Piero Tozzi and Gordon Chang explore the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "long arm" influence in the U.S., specifically regarding a Purdue University professor pressured to cancel a speech at a Catholic conference. Tozzi explains that the CCP uses "patriotic churches" to "sinicize" Catholicism, which involves forcing the religion to conform to Party dictates. Tozzi criticizes the Vatican's "accommodationist approach" under the 2018 Sino-Vatican Accord, noting it neglects the persecuted "underground" church. He highlights that figures like Cardinal Zen and Archbishop Cordileone have been vocal defenders of figures like Jimmy Lai. Tozzi argues that the Catholic hierarchy must understand the totalitarian nature of the CCP, which seeks absolute control over all institutions. The discussion emphasizes that Chinese officials use intimidation to project dominance even within American universities and religious organizations. (4)Steve Yates and Gordon Chang discuss the proposed ban on Chinese components in U.S. data centers, warning that these devices allow for foreign sabotage of critical infrastructure. Yates notes that the CCP often fuels "astroturf" protests in rural America to block data center construction and slow U.S. AI development. Regarding Taiwan, Yates reports that security cooperation is becoming more transparent, moving away from "strategic ambiguity" to reassure allies and deter China. However, he notes a delay in a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, suggesting that some in Washington still prioritize "walking on eggshells" to preserve the relationship with Xi Jinping. Yates argues for a shift toward helping partners buy and use their own deterrent capabilities. He concludes that U.S. leadership in compute power is a vital strategic advantage that China is actively trying to undermine through influence operations. (5)Peter Huessy provides a historical overview of nuclear arms control, starting with the 1972 SALT I agreement, which actually codified a buildup of weapons while banning missile defenses. He describes the "window of vulnerability" in the 1980s when Soviet SS-18 missiles threatened a first strike. The START I and START II treaties in the 1990s achieved the first real reductions, with START II aiming to ban destabilizing multiple-warhead (MIRV) land-based missiles. However, START II unraveled when Russia demanded limits on U.S. missile defenses. Following the Moscow Treatyand the 2010 New START, the arms control regime has effectively collapsed. Huessy emphasizes that today, there is no active treaty governing nuclear weapons between the U.S. and Russia. He underscores the importance of past verification measures, like "portal monitoring" in missile factories, which are no longer in place. (6)Humberto Briceño describes Venezuela as a state captured by a transnational alliance of criminal organizations, including colectivos (paramilitaries) and narco-traffickers. He criticizes the decision to leave "gangsters" like Delcy Rodríguez in power while attempting to rebuild democracy. Briceño argues that the judiciary and military must be entirely replaced, as they currently serve only as agents of the regime. Despite $13 billion in recent oil earnings, massive corruption has left the funds unaccounted for. He maintains that free elections, ideally by March 2027, are impossible without first dismantling the criminal infrastructure and placing the military under civil authority. Briceño praises the leadership of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, noting the Venezuelan people are desperate for transformation after three decades of state-sponsored violence and economic collapse. (7)Simon Constable reports on the extreme weather and energy pressures facing Europe, with Brent crude prices up 12% and natural gas up 22% in a single month. He details a "semi-invasion" of Spain, where 60,000 migrants recently attempted to cross from Morocco, and the controversy in the UK over using the Royal Navy to return migrant boats to France. Constable describes the lack of logic in French police allowing these dangerous rubber rafts to depart. Switching to his "data center quiz," he reveals that 67% of new data centers are planned for rural areas, which often brings both high local resistance and significant tax revenue. He identifies labor shortages—particularly for electricians—and tariff uncertainties as the primary barriers to U.S. data center construction. Constable notes that within five miles of an operational data center, a significant portion of the U.S. population now resides. (8)Mary Kissel analyzes the "stuck" state of global diplomacy, arguing that China and Russia are actively judging the strength of U.S. deterrence in the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine. She disputes the idea that China is a neutral bystander, noting that Beijing benefits from Russian energy, Iranian markets, and the depletion of U.S. military assets like Patriotmissiles. Kissel asserts that the "merging" of the wars in Ukraine and Iran actually happened years ago through long-standing regime cooperation. She warns that a "halfway house" deal with Iran would only grant the regime more leverage and threaten European population centers with ballistic missiles. NATO must recognize a "condominium of countries"—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—that are aligning against Western security. Kissel emphasizes that these regimes' interference in U.S. domestic politics is a strategic tool used to promote their own ends. (9)Colonel Grant Newsham challenges the assumption of inevitable Chinese dominance, labeling it a "fake it till you make it" strategy intended to intimidate foreigners. He points out that China's property market is a "crater" and its currency is not freely convertible, forcing the CCP to aggressively export overcapacity to earn the dollars needed for raw materials. Newsham highlights that over 600 million Chinese citizens live on less than $5 a day, and even the CCP elite, including Xi Jinping, keep wealth overseas as a hedge against the system's future. He argues that China's high-tech focus on AI and robotics does not solve its massive youth unemployment. Newsham concludes that China is a "big power but not a great one," functioning as a "rigged casino" without property rights or the rule of law, which is increasingly deterring foreign direct investment. (10)

General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang: Concerns are rising regarding the flow of Chinese and Russian aid to Iran, which includes potential shipments of anti-aircraft missiles. While some interpret President Trump's reserved stance as weakness, General Holt suggests it may be a strategic gambit to exploit internal CCP factional infighting. Within the Party, a reformer named Hu Chunhua is reportedly rising as a potential rival to Xi Jinping. However, experts warn that provocative Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait require a steel-with-steel confrontation. Critics argue that the US must eventually humiliate the Chinese leadership through economic and espionage crackdowns to project true force. (4)1690

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 8-3-20261705Husain Haqqani: Iran is openly boasting that it uses diplomatic pauses to reconstitute its military arsenal for future attacks on energy infrastructure. Ambassador Haqqani critiques the current US approach as a haphazard war lacking a clear end-state or ground strategy, which causes deep anxiety among Gulf allies. While GCC states such as the UAE have successfully fended off missile barrages, they feel Washington has not provided the military commitment necessary for long-term protection. Consequently, China is emerging as a winner in the conflict, gaining respect through silence while the US appears as a helpless giant unable to achieve an honorable peace. (1)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa: The inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella marks a pivotal shift toward the "Shield of the Americas" initiative to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Unlike his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, the new administration seeks close cooperation with the US to dismantle narco-socialist structures. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains in crisis seven months after the detention of Nicolás Maduro, with the Rodríguez family still wielding significant power. The US is attempting to facilitate negotiations with the opposition, yet critics argue the current transition model fails the population. Regionally, Brazilian President Lula da Silva faces increasing isolation as his neighbors shift toward conservative, security-focused governance. (2)Malcolm Hoenlein: Recent reports reveal the existence of Iranian-backed assassination cells such as the Foxtrot group, which recruits European criminals to target Jewish and Israeli figures. In the Levant, the IDF continues to discover unprecedented tunnel complexes in Lebanon and Gaza, some so vast they require dedicated cement factories to seal. These reinforced, air-conditioned structures demonstrate a massive diversion of humanitarian funds toward military infrastructure. While a pilot zone plan aims to restore Lebanese sovereign authority, Hezbollah's refusal to disarm remains the primary obstacle. Similarly, in Gaza, Hamas is reportedly distributing rifles to operatives to circumvent disarmament agreements while demanding an Israeli withdrawal. (3)General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang: Concerns are rising regarding the flow of Chinese and Russian aid to Iran, which includes potential shipments of anti-aircraft missiles. While some interpret President Trump's reserved stance as weakness, General Holt suggests it may be a strategic gambit to exploit internal CCP factional infighting. Within the Party, a reformer named Hu Chunhua is reportedly rising as a potential rival to Xi Jinping. However, experts warn that provocative Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait require a steel-with-steel confrontation. Critics argue that the US must eventually humiliate the Chinese leadership through economic and espionage crackdowns to project true force. (4)Andrew Collier and Gordon Chang: China's banking system faces a time bomb with an estimated $7.7 trillion in unreported bad loans, largely due to government-backed entities rolling over debt to mask insolvency. The property market remains a crater, and while manufacturing and tech sectors such as EVs are growing, they represent only a fraction of the GDP once provided by real estate. Xi Jinping resists bazooka stimulus programs, preferring state-led investment in high tech over consumer-driven growth. This has resulted in a K-shaped economy in which wealthy urbanites thrive while rural citizens face declining property values and job insecurity. Ultimately, China risks a multi-decade slump similar to Japan's lost decades. (5)David Daoud: A recent drone attack on an IDF vehicle near the Ali Taher Ridge highlights the fragility of the current ceasefire in Lebanon. The IDF maintains control over the ridge's surface, yet Hezbollah continues to operate within a vast underground tunnel network. Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has boasted that ceasefires are used primarily to rearm and redeploy its proxies. Hezbollah's regeneration efforts, including weapons shipments through Syria and recruitment via the IRGC's Imam Hussein division, reportedly outpace Israeli interdiction. While the Lebanese government denies these activities, evidence suggests Hezbollah remains a significant fighting force south of the Litani River. (6)Edmund Fitton-Brown: The Houthis have launched a blockade against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, targeting energy routes critical to global markets. In response, Saudi Arabia has formed a fourteen-nation defense coalition to protect the Bab el-Mandeb, notably excluding the UAE and Oman. While the Houthis maintain some autonomy, they are heavily dependent on Iranian technical assistance and resupply. Iran has used regional pauses to restock its arsenal and now threatens Saudi infrastructure, including desalination plants and pipelines. Experts believe the US remains the elephant in the room, but a lack of consistent policy from Washington emboldens the Houthis to continue their aggressive psychological warfare. (7)Samuel Ben-Ur: President Trump has announced a tentative Hamas deal involving a phased disarmament and the transition of governance to a National Committee. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, as Israel demands the complete destruction of terror infrastructure before any withdrawal. Hamas seeks to retain small arms, potentially leading to a Hezbollah-style shadow governance. This diplomatic friction coincides with a tight Israeli election between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu faces criticism for allowing US interests to dictate Israeli policy, particularly regarding Iran's ballistic missile threat. Voters are increasingly focused on national security autonomy and the domestic cost of living ahead of the October polls. (8)Janatan Sayeh: The Iranian regime has dramatically escalated its internal reign of terror, with executions increasing by over 100 percent in some regions. Revolutionary courts, led by brutal judges such as Mohammad Reza Tavakoli, use public hangings and floggings to desensitize and intimidate the population. These courts specifically target young dissidents, journalists, and even musicians for offending the supreme leader or waging war against God. Washington is criticized for failing to invoke human rights sanctions since January, even as other Western nations act. The surge in executions often coincides with diplomatic negotiations, serving as the regime's deliberate internal priority to liquidate all political dissent. (9)John Hardie: President Zelenskyy has proposed a plan to use Elon Musk's Starlink network to bypass the need for scarce Patriot interceptors, enabling deep strikes against Russian missile launchers. Starlink provides the low latency required for controlling drones beyond the radio horizon, though SpaceX currently restricts its use in certain territories. Simultaneously, Russia has implemented a crippling blockade of Odessa, targeting port infrastructure and civilian vessels with new Banderol cruise missiles. This offensive has brought agricultural and metal exports to a near standstill, threatening global food security and Ukraine's hard currency earnings. Without a maritime corridor, Ukraine faces its toughest winter challenge of the war. (10)Two names to confirm: the CCP reformer rendered in the raw as "Huchen Hua" — I set it as Hu Chunhua; and the revolutionary court judge given as "Muhammad Raza Takav Tavakoli" — I set it as Mohammad Reza Tavakoli. Also still open from earlier batches: Lorenzo Fiato or Fiori.

Andrew Collier and Gordon Chang: China's banking system faces a time bomb with an estimated $7.7 trillion in unreported bad loans, largely due to government-backed entities rolling over debt to mask insolvency. The property market remains a crater, and while manufacturing and tech sectors such as EVs are growing, they represent only a fraction of the GDP once provided by real estate. Xi Jinping resists bazooka stimulus programs, preferring state-led investment in high tech over consumer-driven growth. This has resulted in a K-shaped economy in which wealthy urbanites thrive while rural citizens face declining property values and job insecurity. Ultimately, China risks a multi-decade slump similar to Japan's lost decades. (5)1793

Last month, President Xi Jinping spoke at an AI conference in Shanghai, China. There he promoted AI accessibility for the world, touting China's adoption of open-weighted models.After OpenAI's rogue model incident in which a training model hacked into the company HuggingFace and stole confidential information, the discussion over whether models should be open or closed has intensified.“Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carion spoke with Adam Segal at the Council of Foreign Relations about China's soft power play in the global AI arms race.

Last month, President Xi Jinping spoke at an AI conference in Shanghai, China. There he promoted AI accessibility for the world, touting China's adoption of open-weighted models.After OpenAI's rogue model incident in which a training model hacked into the company HuggingFace and stole confidential information, the discussion over whether models should be open or closed has intensified.“Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carion spoke with Adam Segal at the Council of Foreign Relations about China's soft power play in the global AI arms race.

The government keeps getting robbed of its own Bitcoin and a new bill wants to fix that. The BPI team breaks down the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA): what it would do for Treasury custody standards, why it has Democratic co-sponsors, and why they're bullish it could pass the House. They also cover the wave of digital-asset departures shaking up DC, from Hester Peirce to Paul Grewal. They also cover Kimi K3, China's open-source push, and the data center fight.

Isaac Stone Fish, author of America Second: How America's Elites Are Making China Stronger, investigates how American political, corporate, and cultural elites have become deeply entangled with the Chinese Communist Party(CCP) since the 1970s. He identifies Henry Kissinger as the most influential figure in this relationship, alleging that Kissinger's consulting model prioritized personal profit and CCP interests over American national security. The book also critiques the Bush and Clinton families for their roles in romancing Beijing and facilitating China's entry into the WTO. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the self-censorship of Hollywood, where studios now reflexively avoid critical portrayals of China to maintain market access. Stone Fish details how the CCP uses "psychological manipulation" to force apologies from executives like Michael Eisner and to silence stars like Richard Gere. This influence extends to sports, highlighted by LeBron James' criticism of Daryl Morey for supporting democracy in Hong Kong. Stone Fish argues that while trade was initially sold as a means to democratize China, it has instead empowered a more authoritarian regime under Xi Jinping. He warns that the CCP's success in using American "interlocutors" and "friends" has allowed it to pursue genocide in Xinjiang and aggressive "wolf warrior" diplomacy with minimal resistance from the West's most powerful institutions. He urges a new consensus to address the national security and ethical risks posed by these ties. (4)1935 Beijing

Last October, Pastor Wang Lin, one of the leaders in Zion Church in China, was arrested and imprisoned under false charges of "fraud" and "illegal business practices." Sarah Su (Su Ziming in Chinese), wife of Pastor Wang, recounts the day her husband was arrested and the Christian persecution they faced even before he was imprisoned. Sarah will share about her husband's role in Zion Church's leadership and in training other leaders, how the church continues to reach many people despite persecution from the Chinese Communist Party, and recent updates about Pastor Wang's condition in prison. "The moment I married Wang Lin, I have decided to face all this together," Sarah says. "I knew that his mission was to train and disciple more Christians in China…I knew something like [this] would happen one day." You'll hear from Sarah how she continues to face this persecution with courage, faithfully enduring times of worry and loneliness. She will share how she and her husband both are committed to serve the Lord—no matter the cost. Zion Church made international headlines during President Trump's visit to Xi Jinping in Beijing in May and with the release of Zion senior pastor Ezra Jin from prison during America's July 4 celebrations. Sarah thanks God for Jin's release, and says the case against Zion Church continues, with eight church leaders remaining in prison. She asks that we pray for their release, the dismissal of charges, for their physical and spiritual health, and for her and her children, along with family members of the other persecuted Christians from Zion Church. Visit Prisoner Alert to write an encouraging letter to Pastor Wang Lin, and letters to other Christians imprisoned for their faith in Iran, Eritrea, and China.  

Charles Burton and Gordon Chang note Xi Jinping broke tradition by skipping the 50th anniversary of the devastating Tangshan earthquake, sending a surrogate instead. Burton suggests this absence may signal political instability or paranoia regarding his domestic standing. The earthquake historically symbolizes a loss of the "mandate of heaven." Furthermore, vacancies on the Central Military Commission and the mysterious death of former Premier Li Keqiangindicate profound internal disarray and a lack of clear succession. (3)1945 TOKYO STATION POSTCARD

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JBS, 7-29-26The provided text is a transcript from the John Batchelor Show, featuring a detailed discussion between hosts and experts regarding escalating geopolitical tensions involving China, Iran, and the South China Sea. The speakers highlight provocative Chinese military actions, including maritime bullying of Filipino personnel and the rare launch of a first-strike missile system from a submarine. Experts also examine a reported arms deal between China and Iran for anti-aircraft missiles, suggesting this marks a significant escalation in global instability. Additionally, the dialogue explores domestic turmoil within the Chinese Communist Party, specifically focusing on vacancies in the Central Military Commission and the unusual absence of Xi Jinping from high-profile commemorative events. Finally, the segment addresses the strained diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Canada, noting a shift in Canadian public perception toward China and the U.S. amid trade disputes.

SCHEDULE FOR THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-29-26.1885  CHILE STEEL SIDED WARSHIPRebecca Grant and Gordon Chang report China is escalating provocations against the Philippines and Japan, including dangerous maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal and firing missiles from submarines. Grant highlights the US Navy's preparedness to defend allies, noting a "red line" if Filipino sailors are killed. Despite China's permanent presence, the US maintains dominance through carrier strike groups and superior undersea warfare. The lack of operational officers on China's Central Military Commission suggests potential command risks. (1)Rick Fisher and Gordon Chang discuss reports that China is transferring hundreds of advanced QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran via Hong Kong intermediaries. Fisher warns this poses a significant threat to US aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz. Chang advocates for reimposing sanctions on Hong Kong. The transfer, which China denies, represents a major escalation and highlights China's ongoing role in arming US adversaries like North Korea and Pakistan. (2)Charles Burton and Gordon Chang note Xi Jinping broke tradition by skipping the 50th anniversary of the devastating Tangshan earthquake, sending a surrogate instead. Burton suggests this absence may signal political instability or paranoia regarding his domestic standing. The earthquake historically symbolizes a loss of the "mandate of heaven." Furthermore, vacancies on the Central Military Commission and the mysterious death of former Premier Li Keqiangindicate profound internal disarray and a lack of clear succession. (3)Charles Burton and Gordon Chang discuss how trade tensions and rhetoric from the US have led to increased disdain among Canadians toward their neighbor. Burton discusses a poll showing Canadians view China more favorably than the US due to perceived economic threats from American tariffs. While the integrated North American market remains strong, Canadian provincial governments are reportedly restricting US alcohol sales. There are even suggestions that Canada should adopt "resistance" strategies similar to Ukraine. (4)Evan Ellis reports Keiko Fujimori has been inaugurated as Peru's president, appointing a respected center-right cabinet focused on fiscal discipline and US alignment. However, she faces challenges from endemic insecurity, corruption, and significant Chinese investment. Meanwhile, the influence of Cuba remains a concern across Latin America, with accusations of espionage and interference in democratic processes. Díaz-Canel's regime is under pressure from the Trump administration, potentially facing coercive negotiations or military action. (5)Evan Ellis previews Brazil's upcoming October election, which pits the leftist Lula da Silva against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the former president. While Lula currently leads in polls, his Workers' Party background and ties to the São Paulo Forum raise concerns about radicalism and increased engagement with China. Ellis warns that a Lula victory could lead Brazil into a recession and a state-centric social policy, potentially settling political scores while lacking necessary financial resources. (6)Evan Ellis surveys shifting political landscapes: Javier Milei is rallying support for the Bolsonaros in Brazil, highlighting a new era of cross-border political interference. In Colombia, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is signaling a pro-US shift by cutting ties with Cuba and Nicaragua. Conversely, Venezuela remains in a "holding pattern" under Delcy Rodríguez. Despite reports of crumbling oil infrastructure, major investment is unlikely until a legitimate government is established to address the nation's $240 billion debt. (7)Evan Ellis notes President Claudia Sheinbaum has seen success in reducing homicides and cooperating on border security, but deep-seated corruption persists. The USMCA's future is uncertain, with the Trump administration using ongoing negotiations as leverage. Additionally, China is quietly expanding its presence in Mexico's telecom and automotive sectors. Sheinbaum must navigate a delicate balance: pursuing economic diversification and relationships with China without jeopardizing critical access to the US market. (8)Michael Bernstam reports Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have severely pinched Moscow's fuel production, forcing it to import refined products from India. Bernstam argues that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have merged into a singular global energy crisis. With critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea threatened, a quarter of the world's oil supply is endangered. As governmental reserves dwindle, the US has become a primary exporter. (9)Michael Bernstam notes official statistics reveal the Russian economy has entered a state of stagnation, with GDP growth at a mere 0.2% for the first half of 2026. While weapons production remains high, the civilian economy—including agriculture and construction—is in recession. Bernstam notes that "perceived inflation" for Russian consumers is roughly 15%, significantly higher than official reports. Reckless interest rate cuts have further invited inflation, signaling a deepening commercial and fiscal crisis. (10)Sadanand Dhume observes that despite having a vast pool of engineers and data, India lags behind the US and China in developing frontier AI models. Dhume discusses the "winner-take-all" fear versus the belief that AI technology will eventually diffuse globally. While the Indian government is investing in semiconductors, many IT sector jobs in coding and back-office support are threatened by automation. The debate continues over whether India can successfully reap benefits without being a front-runner. (11)Sadanand Dhume examines India's "reservations" system, a rigid quota-based affirmative action program facing intense criticism for undermining university competitiveness. Originally intended to redress historical caste-based wrongs, quotas have expanded to cover roughly 60% of medical school seats. Dhume notes that while merit-based systems in Chinaprovide a brutal but efficient benchmark, Indian political parties fear touching the quota system would be "electoral suicide." This policy has entrenched caste identities. (12)General Blaine Holt analyzes reports of China supplying advanced shoulder-launched missiles (MANPADS) to Iran via Hong Kong and Pakistan, signaling a major geopolitical shift. Holt explains that while these weapons threaten low-flying aircraft, the supply chain is vulnerable to intelligence interdiction. Holt observes that recent Iranian escalations in Iraq and the Gulf suggest a fragmented leadership in disarray rather than a cohesive strategy. The US and Saudi Arabiaare actively striking Iranian-backed militias. (13)Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports that following a narrow election victory, center-right businessman Abelardo de la Espriella faces fierce opposition from outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Petro, a former M19 terrorist, has refused to recognize the results, alleging fraud and foreign interference. De la Espriella plans to take a hard line against illegal armed groups like the ELN and FARC. To build support, he intends to hold his inauguration at a military garrison, signaling a commitment to restoring national security. (14)Bob Zimmerman reports SpaceX's 13th Starship Super Heavy launch was a major success, demonstrating the reliability of Raptor 3 engines and the thermal protection system. Zimmerman highlights the shift toward a "capitalism model," where private companies manage missions for NASA. Meanwhile, a schizophrenic GAO report on NASA's workforce reductions suggests that budget cuts have not significantly impacted major projects, despite agency officials' claims that funding decreases are "disastrous." (15)Bob Zimmerman notes the Deep Space Network facility in Spain narrowly avoided destruction by wildfires, highlighting the fragility of planetary communication nodes. Beyond Earth, astronomers have observed a precipitous drop in star formation within the Andromeda galaxy as it moves toward an eventual collision with the Milky Way. Additionally, NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan faces potential power shortages from its nuclear sources. Despite these risks, commercial space continues to expand into private stations. (16)Corrections applied: Rick Fisher (transcribed as "Fischer" in segment 2 — matching the spelling from your earlier batch), Delcy Rodríguez, Díaz-Canel, and São Paulo Forum with accents. Also standardized "man-pads" to MANPADS and hyphenated the QW-12/FN-16 designations. Stray double commas from the source cleaned throughout.5

Gregory Copley reports Xi Jinping faces significant internal opposition from Communist Party elders at the Beidaiheretreat. Despite his titles, Xi's operational power is waning as the Chinese economy evaporates and social unrest grows. A recent ballistic missile launch served as a show of strength before a state visit to the US. Copley notes that youth unemployment is high, and the PLA may eventually act independently. (11)

SCHEDULE THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-28-26.1900 IDAHOLiz Peek reports the US economy remains robust, driven by strong consumer spending in rural areas like Connecticutand Lancaster County. Peek highlights rising small business and consumer confidence despite increasing gasoline prices. Attention shifts to new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, who may end "dot plot" forecasting. Warsh aims to be more "taciturn," forcing markets to rely on incoming data rather than Fed projections. (1)Liz Peek examines the Michigan Democratic Senate primary as a national test for the party's ideological direction. Moderate Haley Stevens faces Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate favored by the Democratic Socialists of America. Peek notes the "shocker" UAW endorsement of El-Sayed, highlighting a shift toward "woke" politics among union members in higher education. This race evaluates if a far-left candidate can win a statewide swing-state contest. (2)Thaddeus McCotter and Judy Dempsey discuss Ukraine's strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, which complicates global energy security for Europe. This inland sea is a vital source of non-Russian energy. Dempsey reports that Germany is carefully observing the implications of this new front. The strike underscores the deep military connection between Russia and Iran regarding equipment exchanges. Meanwhile, recent polls show seven out of ten Americans oppose the Iran war. (3)Thaddeus McCotter and Judy Dempsey turn to a deadly ramming attack at a Berlin parade that has put Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the defensive regarding his security credentials. The populist AfD party is exploiting the tragedy to criticize "uncontrolled immigration" ahead of crucial state elections. While Merz responded with calls for law and order, the incident underscores the difficulty police face in monitoring numerous terrorist suspects. The AfD utilizes these crises to offer simple solutions. (4)Mary Kissel notes diplomatic efforts with Iran currently involve "shuttling messages" through intermediaries like Omanand Qatar. Kissel argues that the Islamic Republic is a revolutionary regime with no interest in genuine strategic peace. The administration's lack of a cohesive strategy has led to declining public support for military action. Meanwhile, the Houthi threat in the Red Sea remains a dangerous Iranian-backed tool for disrupting international shipping. (5)Mary Kissel observes President Zelenskyy is receiving a warmer reception in Washington due to Ukraine's increasing military leverage. Innovative long-range drone strikes on Russian energy nodes have demonstrated Ukraine's utility to USstrategic interests. Unlike the situation with Iran, the US maintains active diplomatic channels in Moscow to discuss potential conflict resolutions. Kissel notes that influential voices on the right are beginning to shift their views on Ukraine. (6)Jonathan Schanzer reports the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are merging as Russia, Iran, and Chinacoordinate their efforts. Schanzer notes that Ukraine's Caspian Sea strike has clarified this global partnership. The US is currently attempting to "keep a lid" on Israel to prevent a regional escalation. However, the US military faces a depletion of missile interceptors, making it difficult to sustain a long, high-intensity conflict. (7)Jonathan Schanzer discusses new UK–US talks focused on a maritime coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an opportunity to reset the relationship with Donald Trump. The Iranian-backed Houthi threat remains a top concern for global oil analysts and regional powers like Egypt. Meanwhile, the US is signaling that Lebanon is "too big to fail" to counter Hezbollah's regional influence. (8)Gregory Copley reports the Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Australia, alleging "forced labor" practices—a claim Copley describes as spurious. This move antagonizes a loyal ally that has fought alongside the US for over a century. Consequently, Australia and Canada are beginning to lessen their strategic dependence on the US. Copley warns that such unilateral protectionism could weaken the long-term structure of the Western alliance. (9)Gregory Copley describes Cuba's total implosion as its infrastructure collapses and major blackouts occur. Copley describes a strategic failure in the Caribbean, where China has built significant influence over the last 20 years. The USmust decide whether to facilitate a rapid collapse or a managed transition of the regime. While the Cuban people suffer, the wealthy expatriate community remains ready to fund reconstruction. (10)Gregory Copley reports Xi Jinping faces significant internal opposition from Communist Party elders at the Beidaiheretreat. Despite his titles, Xi's operational power is waning as the Chinese economy evaporates and social unrest grows. A recent ballistic missile launch served as a show of strength before a state visit to the US. Copley notes that youth unemployment is high, and the PLA may eventually act independently. (11)Gregory Copley turns to the UK, where following the rise of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the country faces political uncertainty as Labour struggles with a lack of growth. Copley highlights King Charles III's vital role as a unifying force, focusing on British national identity and values. While the Burnham government is viewed as sclerotic and ideological, the King remains an egalitarian figure. His efforts to preserve heritage, like Dumfries House, bolster his standing. (12)Joseph Sternberg criticizes Prime Minister Andy Burnham's economic policy as ineffective against the cost-of-living crisis. Sternberg argues that the UK is trapped by net-zero regulations that prevent the use of vast North Sea oil and gas reserves. Burnham finds it politically difficult to cut taxes or reverse climate policies despite potential economic benefits. This paralysis makes his government a target for future replacement. (13)Joseph Sternberg notes Chairman Kevin Warsh is moving the Federal Reserve toward a "taciturn" style, ending the practice of "forward guidance." This reform aims to prevent the Fed from becoming locked into policies that may become inappropriate as data shifts. Sternberg suggests that saying less may protect the Fed from political conflict with the White House over tariffs. Markets must now interpret raw data rather than Fed signals. (14)Thaddeus McCotter describes the Michigan Democratic Senate primary as a "civil war" between establishment candidate Haley Stevens and progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. The candidates are sharply divided over AIPAC funding and support for Israel. Stevens is endorsed by high-profile figures like Gretchen Whitmer and Barack Obama. The result will indicate if the Democratic Socialists of America can succeed in a statewide race in a swing state. (15)Thaddeus McCotter notes Dr. Abdul El-Sayed denies being a socialist, claiming he merely wants to regulate "capitalism run amok." However, his platform includes radical proposals such as abolishing ICE. Haley Stevens frames him as a "celebrity candidate" and questions his appeal to women voters. McCotter notes that while the DSA lacks a ground model, identity politics may drive a high turnout among Michigan's large Muslim population. (16)Corrections applied throughout as directed: Thaddeus McCotter and Liz Peek.

Alice Han and James Kynge break down Xi Jinping's pitch at the World AI Conference in Shanghai: free, open-source Chinese AI models for developing nations shut out by expensive U.S. systems. They dig into WAICO, the new 29-member intergovernmental AI organization China just launched, how it echoes (and diverges from) the Belt and Road and Digital Silk Road playbooks, and whether China's open-source generosity can actually last. Then: mathematicians Yu Deng and Hong Wang just became the first two Chinese nationals to win a Fields Medal in the same year — only the second and third Chinese nationals ever to win math's highest honor. Alice and James discuss why it's being celebrated as a milestone for Chinese science, and what it says about talent flow between China and the West. Plus: Amy Lyons — known online as @BlondieinChina — joins to talk about a decade of covering Chinese food and culture, what most people get wrong about Chinese cuisine outside Beijing and Shanghai, and how the creator economy is reshaping global perceptions of China. Subscribe to China Decode on Substack for weekly analysis, livestreams, and deep dives into the biggest story shaping the global economy: chinadecode.profgmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First—China is quietly preparing for a future beyond Vladimir Putin, cultivating relationships throughout the Russian political establishment as Moscow becomes increasingly dependent on Beijing. Once viewed by Xi Jinping as a model of strength, Putin now finds himself leading the junior partner in an increasingly unequal relationship. Later—a Gulf-backed proposal offers a possible path toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The plan calls for shared regional management and voluntary shipping fees, but would require Iran to abandon its demand for sole control over the critical waterway. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief QUO: Make this the season where no opportunity slips away. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/PDB Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB Pendulum: Ditch the afternoon crashes and naturally curb your cravings with 20% off the doctor-recommended Pendulum Metabolic Daily at https://pendulumlife.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump caving after China's leader Xi Jinping issued a deadly ultimatum Trump. Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/MEIDAS! #hexcladpartner Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gordon Chang and Rick Fisher examine Xi Jinping's introduction of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), designed to establish Chinese dominance in setting global AI rules. Headquartered in Shanghai, the group aims to make international partners dependent on Chinese technology while promoting anti-democratic values. Meanwhile, China's economy is struggling, with real growth potentially near zero. Despite manufacturing strengths, China remains vulnerable due to a critical lack of high-end Nvidia chips required for advanced AI development. (1)1923 TOKYO EARTHQUAKE