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

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 Chang00:40 From Law to China Watcher01:50 Why China Looks Weak02:36 Stories Converge on China04:18 China and Venezuela Ties07:01 Iran Oil and China08:58 China Economic Shock09:56 Inside the Two Sessions12:09 Why Xi Rules by Fear14:09 Disappearing Generals Purge18:05 What It Means for Taiwan20:45 South China Sea Flashpoints23:56 Red Lines and US Strategy26:09 Exports Signal Weakness29:16 Xi Power Grab Fallout30:08 Trump Xi Summit Stakes31:44 Why Trump Shouldnt Go36:32 China Election Interference39:01 Secret Biolab Raids45:17 Fentanyl As Weapon47:53 TikTok Data And Algorithm49:02 China Russia And Priorities52:34 Unrestricted Warfare Warning54:45 Living With The ThreatSUPPORT OUR MISSION:Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/   Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews