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
President Donald Trump and CCP leader Xi Jinping leave after their talks at the Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Wang He
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Commentary
President Donald Trump recently signed the sweeping $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 into law. 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.