Thinking About China
Opinion

How the Trump Admin’s Defense Moves Are Increasing Pressure on Beijing

From outbound investment controls to a record Taiwan arms sale, Washington is signaling a tougher approach toward Beijing.
How the Trump Admin’s Defense Moves Are Increasing Pressure on Beijing
The Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 20, 2025. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
Wang He
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Commentary
President Donald Trump recently signed into law the sweeping $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026. While it covers a wide range of defense and security issues, several provisions have clearly struck a nerve in Beijing.
Wang He
Wang He
Author
Wang He has master’s degrees in law and history, and has studied the international communist movement. He was a university lecturer and an executive of a large private firm in China. Wang now lives in North America and has published commentaries on China’s current affairs and politics since 2017.