Is China at the center of all current global conflict? Is the risk of war rising?

Whether we take a closer look at Venezuela or Iran, we find roads that lead to China. Why? And what should we know about the state of the largest communist nation in the world?

Jenna interviews author and analyst Gordon Chang about China’s growing instability and global posture amid shifting events involving Venezuela, Iran, and potential Trump–Xi talks.

Chang argues China appears strong but is structurally weak and increasingly dangerous.

He describes China’s deep ties to Venezuela and says recent American actions cost China a key Latin American outpost.

He calls Iran similarly dependent on China, noting China buys about 87–90% of Iran’s crude and 45–50% of China’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with price spikes after attacks.

Chang says Xi’s purges, including “disappearing generals,” have damaged China’s military command structure, raising risks of accidental escalation.

From U.S.-based Chinese biolabs to the fentanyl/drug war, Chang warns the U.S. must treat China as an enemy in “unrestricted warfare.”

00:00 Meet Gordon Chang
00:40 From Law to China Watcher
01:50 Why China Looks Weak
02:36 Stories Converge on China
04:18 China and Venezuela Ties
07:01 Iran Oil and China
08:58 China Economic Shock
09:56 Inside the Two Sessions
12:09 Why Xi Rules by Fear
14:09 Disappearing Generals Purge
18:05 What It Means for Taiwan
20:45 South China Sea Flashpoints
23:56 Red Lines and US Strategy
26:09 Exports Signal Weakness
29:16 Xi Power Grab Fallout
30:08 Trump Xi Summit Stakes
31:44 Why Trump Shouldnt Go
36:32 China Election Interference
39:01 Secret Biolab Raids
45:17 Fentanyl As Weapon
47:53 TikTok Data And Algorithm
49:02 China Russia And Priorities
52:34 Unrestricted Warfare Warning
54:45 Living With The Threat

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China, Crisis & The Global Power Play: Is The Risk of War Rising?