The Monocle Daily Starmer stays resolute amid leadership challenge rumours and Trump returns to Beijing
May 13, 2026
Katja Hoyer, author who explores the Weimar Republic through a local lens. Bill Hayton, Asia expert from Chatham House on China and regional security. Rachel Cunliffe, New Statesman political analyst on UK politics. They discuss Starmer’s party dynamics and potential successors. They unpack Trump’s return to Beijing, risks around Taiwan and trade. They also cover defence culture and how ordinary choices shape history.
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China Can Absorb Disruption Better Than Others
- China can endure economic pain from disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz better than many; prolonged disruption benefits its strategic posture.
- Rachel Cunliffe notes China’s preparedness (stockpiles, rare earths) reduces incentive to concede.
China Unlikely To Rein In Iran
- China is unlikely to pressure Iran to de‑escalate and may tacitly benefit from regional instability.
- Bill Hayton notes China has refused UAE requests to rein in Tehran and prefers to prop up Iran for strategic reasons.
Estonia's Widespread Civil Defence
- Estonia's Defence League involves civilians, including mothers, in uniformed reserve training to bolster readiness.
- Andrew Muller and Bill Hayton highlight 30,000 volunteers in a 1.3 million population and high youth willingness to fight.
