What Does the United States Want From China and Why Can't We Get It?
About this episode
The episode discusses U.S. policy towards China under the Trump administration and the complexities of negotiations and military orders.
In this episode, Chris, Melanie, and Zack look at U.S. policy toward China. What does the United States, that is Donald Trump, want from China? What should the Trump administration be willing to compromise on to get it? And what does Trump need that China would be willing to give up? Grievances for President Trump's tasteless social media post following the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner; for those who bet on war (and rig the maps to win); and for the Pentagon's attacks on Sen. (and retired Navy Captain) Mark Kelly for daring to suggest that people in the military shouldn't follow unlawful orders. Speaking of unlawful orders, attas to Sen. Kelly and others calling out the Trump admin's dubious case for striking boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Plus a shout out for reporters covering the Trump administration, who manage to break news despite the hurdles. Show Links: Derek Scissors and Zack Cooper, " Trump vs China is taking a turn ," Washington Post, December 16, 2025. Lily Kuo, " From Chips to Security, China Is Getting Much of What It Wants From the U.S. ," New York Times, December 12, 2025. Saif Khan, Tao Burga, Tim Fist, and Georgia Adamson, " Should the US Sell…
More episodes of Net Assessment
- Can the UN Be Reformed?
- Implementing a Hellscape Strategy for Taiwan
- Is There an End in Sight for the US War in Iran?
- Will U.S. Allies Hedge? Should They?
- A Broadside Against Battleships
- Is Resolute Global Leadership the Right Grand Strategy for the United States?
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Net Assessment podcast page.