Trump is likely moving toward détente with China rather than confrontation, as evidenced by his expressed interest in Beijing visits, his stated reluctance to defend Taiwan militarily ('Taiwan is a Sharpie, China's the Resolute Desk'), and his administration's failure to enforce the TikTok law—signaling capitulation rather than strategic competition.

forecastpending

Speaker

Neil Ferguson

Evidence Quote

I think we're seeing President Trump moving in the direction of detente with China...I think that's what he would like to do.

Source

Niall Ferguson, Victor Davis Hanson and Stephen Kotkin: Three Historians Debate The Era of TrumpHoover Institution
Created: 8/11/2026, 7:30:05 AM

My Notes

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