Embedded below is the video of a recent live panel discussion, hosted by Friends of Socialist China co-founder Danny Haiphong, exploring the geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, particularly in the context of Trump’s trade policies, military escalation, and hostile media narratives. The panel features journalists and analysts Carl Zha (host of the Silk & Steel Podcast), Li Jingjing (CGTN), and KJ Noh (peace activist and co-host of The China Report), each offering insights into China’s March 2025 “Two Sessions” and the ongoing developments in US-China relations.
A key theme was China’s foreign ministry taking a more assertive position in response to US aggression. While China still seeks friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintains a clear orientation towards peace, its leadership is making clear that China will not simply buckle in the face of bullying and that China is prepared to defend itself from any kind of attack.
Carl Zha emphasised how China has been preparing for US tariffs since Trump’s first term, diversifying its economy and reducing reliance on the US market. He further noted that China’s economy is not heavily dependent on exports to, or investment from, the US.
Li Jingjing, reporting from the National People’s Congress, highlighted that China’s priority is domestic economic development, technological advancement and improving rural livelihoods. Military spending is a small part of the agenda compared to investments in infrastructure, rural wellbeing and AI.
KJ Noh analysed the US’s military strategy, pointing to its war games in the Asia-Pacific, its consolidation of the First Island Chain, and its overall strategy to weaken China. He argued that the US military-industrial complex fuels war rhetoric, even as China prioritises peace and economic growth.
The discussion also addressed Western media misrepresentations of China and the rising anti-China hysteria based on the US ruling class’s fear of China’s challenge to Western dominance and hegemonism.
The video originally appeared on Danny Haiphong’s YouTube channel.
