Entry Points

How geography, politics, and incomplete Pentagon leadership shape America's options for a 'strategy of denial' towards China.

Good morning,

You’ve done it you crazy, beautiful people. You’ve made it through another week. Now buckle up, because we have a lot of ground to cover this week.

China’s defense minister Dong Jun has opened the Beijing Xiangshan Forum with a renewed warning to Taiwan and the United States, stating that the mainland was prepared to crush separatist movements and thwart external aid to the island. Both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) view their respective governments as the sole, legitimate government for both Chinas. These renewed threats come as tensions reach a near fever pitch:

• Taiwan issued a new, civil defense guide.

• Both China and a U.S.-U.K. combined fleet maneuvered through the Taiwan Strait this week.

• A draft U.S. National Defense Strategy raises questions about how the United States prioritizes competition with China and about when we can expect the finalized NDS.

• Small, Pacific nation Palau’s president warns that China is already waging war