ChinaTalk Second Breakfast: Xi-Trump, Taiwan Deterrence, Tibetan Buddhism, Antietam
27 snips
Oct 30, 2025 
Kirsten and Charlotte Asdall, former U.S. naval officers turned experts on the Chinese Communist Party, dive into crucial aspects of U.S.-China relations. They explore the implications of Trump's recent meeting with Xi Jinping, questioning whether it could shift U.S. policy on Taiwan. The Asdalls analyze Xi's military confidence, potential alternatives to invasion, and the risk of blockades. They also discuss the balance of innovation versus production in defense technology, shedding light on China's rise amid cultural reflections.
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Punctuated Decoupling As The New Norm
- The hosts describe the current US-China era as "punctuated decoupling" where systems strategically disconnect in fits and starts.
- This truce lets both sides fortify advantages but likely won't last a full year.
Xi Kept Leverage Intact
- Xi retained leverage by not rolling back recent export controls and only postponing future regimes.
- The meeting left China's administrative options intact while avoiding immediate concessions.
Words Can Shift Taiwan Policy
- Shifting US language from "we do not support Taiwan independence" to "we oppose" would meaningfully tilt policy toward Beijing.
- That subtle wording change would put US policy on record as favoring non-independence.
