China, Crisis & The Global Power Play: Is The Risk of War Rising?
China, Crisis & The Global Power Play: Is The Risk of War Rising?  
Podcast: SmartHER News
Published On: Wed Mar 11 2026
Description: 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 Chang 00:40 From Law to China Watcher 01:50 Why China Looks Weak 02:36 Stories Converge on China 04:18 China and Venezuela Ties 07:01 Iran Oil and China 08:58 China Economic Shock 09:56 Inside the Two Sessions 12:09 Why Xi Rules by Fear 14:09 Disappearing Generals Purge 18:05 What It Means for Taiwan 20:45 South China Sea Flashpoints 23:56 Red Lines and US Strategy 26:09 Exports Signal Weakness 29:16 Xi Power Grab Fallout 30:08 Trump Xi Summit Stakes 31:44 Why Trump Shouldnt Go 36:32 China Election Interference 39:01 Secret Biolab Raids 45:17 Fentanyl As Weapon 47:53 TikTok Data And Algorithm 49:02 China Russia And Priorities 52:34 Unrestricted Warfare Warning 54:45 Living With The Threat SUPPORT 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