Daniel Davis Deep Dive Trump v. Xi: Battle for Strategic Advantage /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Lyle Goldstein
May 12, 2026
Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities and former naval war college researcher, focuses on U.S.-China relations and Asian security. He discusses China’s drive for stability and economic detente. He covers Chinese reactions to U.S. military posture and Taiwan’s status. He explains trade-focused diplomacy, guarded economic engagement, and China’s measured ties with Iran.
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China's Military Posture Shows Restraint
- China shows a pattern of restraint in modern conflicts, favoring punishment or political measures over conquest.
- Goldstein points to brief border clashes with India, USSR and Vietnam and island reef buildups as defensive not expansionist moves.
Taiwan Is A Core Interest Where Politics Comes First
- Taiwan is a Chinese core interest distinct from other disputes and is where Beijing may use force if it believes permanent separation is occurring.
- Goldstein argues Beijing prefers political unification and may accept a loose confederation allowing Taiwan armed forces.
Encourage Taiwanese Compromise To Reduce War Risk
- The U.S. should gently push Taiwan toward compromise to reduce war risk rather than encouraging permanent separation.
- Goldstein cites a recent meeting between a Taiwanese opposition leader and Xi as a positive sign for political reconciliation.