RH 4.15.26 | China: Blockades, Energy Deals, AI Dominance, and Taiwan Moves

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down some major moves from China that are shaking up the global stage. From high-stakes tensions over the US blockade of Iranian ports to China doubling down on energy deals with Russia, we've got it all covered. As always, we're diving into the key international security and diplomatic stories of the day that are shaping the future of geopolitics.  First up, China is none too pleased with the US's naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions mount in the region, Beijing is not holding back, calling the blockade "irresponsible and dangerous." With a huge stake in the flow of oil from Iran, China is keeping its eyes firmly on the region. We'll break down how China is navigating this tricky situation, balancing economic interests with the need for diplomatic stability.  Next, we're diving into the ever-tightening bond between China and Russia. As energy cooperation between the two countries intensifies, we'll give you the latest on how this growing alliance is reshaping global energy markets. With President Putin's upcoming visit to Beijing, it's clear that the Russia-China partnership is not just about oil—it's about global strategy and positioning against the West.  In the world of tech, China is racing ahead with its dominance in AI and robotics. While the US may be stumbling over regulatory debates, China is leaving no stone unturned. From AI-powered drones to humanoid robots, we'll talk about how China is fast becoming the global leader in artificial intelligence and what that means for the US and the world.  Plus, a South China Sea update: China's assertive actions around the Scarborough Shoal are sparking more friction with the Philippines. With military activities ramping up and a floating barrier deployed, the region remains a powder keg. We'll discuss how the US-Philippines military cooperation is changing the dynamics and what this could mean for future confrontations.  Finally, China's economic slow-down is starting to show cracks, but the country isn't backing down from its global energy and tech ambitions. We'll look at the numbers behind the slowdown and what it means for China's future in global trade.  👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.