Charlie Kirk: "America Must Shape Up, or China Wins" + Charlie Discusses "Upcoming" Trip to Utah

So in honor of Charlie Kirk, I let him "take the mike" on my weekly China Compass podcast and share his thoughts on China, which he discussed on his own podcast just last week (Sept 3).   Here's his own episode (scroll down for mine): https://x.com/charliekirk11/status/1963270640183685393.   I went through his China takes, commenting and critiquing (only a little) along the way. But honestly, its obvious that Charlie understood China much better than most. He was overall very helpful and I learned a few things myself, especially in the second-to-last segment.   Finally, in that same China episode, Charlie (excitedly) discusses his "upcoming" trip to Utah with his guest, Utah Senator Mike Lee.   I share that sobering clip as a reminder to repent TODAY and trust in Christ: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Ps. 16:9)   After playing the Canon Press (Man Rampant) clip of Charlie Kirk discussing boldness and persecution, I discuss his death and legacy from a number of different angles (0:35). Then we dive into Charlie’s China podcast from last week (17:25). Later, after a brief interlude where Charlie berates the “king” (LeBron) for being a China “toy” (32:53), we finish with a sobering clip of him discussing his upcoming Utah trip (52:39). I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me (@chinaadventures) on X, or you can email me any questions/comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com). Everything else, including my books, is at PrayGiveGo.us!   Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regrets www.BordenofYale.com   Pray for China places of the week (Or, follow @chinaadventures daily…) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-sep-15-21-2025   Charlie Kirk Podcast re: China: America Must Shape Up, or China Wins (Sept 3, 2025) https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-d8vyq-274dd443 2:42-3:28 - Audience of One (Who?) 3:28-3:35 - Not Xi, but Trump!? 3:35-4:31 - Comparing China and America’s military expenses (and size) 4:58-5:34 - What is China? Rival? Enemy? Internationalist ambitions. 5:34-6:08 - Chinese “Friendly” Neighbors. Kirk Meets China’s Vice. 6:09-6:48 - Tougher than the Cold War. China is far more pragmatic. 7:06-8:36 - China’s Moment in Empire vs America’s 8:37-9:09 - Trump Criticizes China (and comparing military $ again) 9:09-10:13 - Who is going to win the 21st Century? Installing a gate in the USA. 10:13-10:42 - US Department of Interior selling Made in China 11:44-13:40 - “The End of History and the Last Man” (Peak Neo-Liberal Ignorance) 13:40-15:49  - Bill Clinton celebrated China’s entrance to the WTO 15:50-17:15  - We are facing the consequences of 1990s pride and cockiness 18:40-21:23 - Charlie talking with Senator Mike Lee about his upcoming visit to Utah   Puppet LeBron: https://www.newsweek.com/lebron-james-oped-china-ccp-nba-basketball-2126431   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.  Follow us on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures), and find much more @ PrayGiveGo.us.  Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!