China Purges General | Why New US Defense Strategy ISN’T 'Downplaying' China
The Trump administration has released its long-awaited 2026 National Defense Strategy, prompting debate over whether Washington is downgrading the China threat or simply recalibrating its approach. While the document emphasizes strategic stability, de-escalation and diplomacy with Beijing, it also calls for a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain. The strategy makes limited mention of Taiwan and the Philippines, even as China intensifies its gray-zone pressure across the Indo-Pacific. Is this a meaningful shift in US priorities, or just a change in tone? In this episode, we analyze the new defense strategy, China’s reaction, implications for Taiwan and regional allies, and what the document reveals about the future of deterrence and security in the Indo-Pacific. *Recorded on January 26, 2026 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Our guests: Renato Cruz de Castro - De La Salle University Department of International Studies Distinguished Professor Titus Chen - National Chengchi University Institute of International Relations Researcher Tsai Jung-hsiang - National Chung Cheng University Political Science Professor
