Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker: October
Trend Overview – ...
Taiwan
US got pandas from China. Trump needs a lot more than that
Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping traded goodwill and extended a trade truce, but the rivalry hasn't softened. Soybeans, rare earths and Taiwan will show whether Beijing is playing ball.
Op-eds
8 Questions Facing the United Nations at UNGA 81
The United Nations was formed “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Yet more armed conflicts rage worldwide today than at any point since the world body’s formation at the end...
Insights
Previewing the Trump-Xi Summit
Media Calls
Import Controls
Tools to Counter the CCP's Industrial Policy and Supply Chain Threats
Legislative Testimonies
Arming the U.S. military for the new cold war
More money necessary but not sufficient
Op-eds
10 Ways the U.S. Can Strengthen Deterrence in the Taiwan Strait
Memos
Previewing the 2026 UN General Assembly
Media Calls
Taiwan’s Drone Bill Signals Stronger Defense
Taipei’s investment shows that the island is serious about deterring Beijing.
Op-eds
The US Military’s Cyberwarfare Challenge
Since its inception, US Cyber Command has struggled to find its place within the US military.
Op-eds
Eyeing Russia and Iran, Berlin and Jerusalem Share Naval Capabilities
Amid acts of Russian sabotage throughout Europe, NATO announced Wednesday that Germany completed a test launch of an Israeli-made ballistic missile in the North Atlantic. The test followed Tuesday’s...
Policy Briefs
The Axis of Aggressors Is Getting Ready for War. Is America?
America has grown addicted to the phrase “wars of choice,” often using it to vilify the U.S. government for campaigns deemed unnecessary. Wholesale skepticism of military power, however, undermines...
Op-eds
Taiwan’s Chip Smuggling Case Shows Promise for Allied Export Control Enforcement
In a world of globalized supply chains, enforcing export controls is also a globalized effort. On August 24, Taiwan charged nine individuals in a scheme to smuggle Super Micro servers containing Nvidia...
Policy Briefs
5 Things To Know About China’s Coercion Campaign Against Taiwan and the Limits of Leader-Level Diplomacy
President Donald Trump emerged from his May 2026 summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping embracing a new framework for U.S.-China relations. The White House said the two leaders agreed to build a “constructive...
Insights
China Probes Taiwan’s Defenses
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Visuals
Fresh Off Major Defense Drills, Taiwan Proposes Record Military Spending
Taiwan is doubling down on a double-digit increase in baseline defense spending. On August 20, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te proposed an 18 percent increase in baseline defense spending for the coming...
Policy Briefs
Why a Saudi Nuclear Program Is Not Worth Ending US Nonproliferation Policy
It is unlikely that Russia or China would be willing to support a Saudi nuclear program if the United States refuses to do so.
Op-eds
Kim Jong Un’s European front
North Korea is learning modern warfare on Ukrainian ground—and Russia is paying the tuition
Op-eds
New White House Report Brings ‘Shadow Transshipment Network’ Into Spotlight
To prevail in a trade war against China, the United States needs enforcement tools that match its trade policy goals. On August 13, the White House released a report accusing more than 40 countries of...