Trump’s China Visit: Breakthrough Or Political Theater?

PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF (PDB): Trump China visit: ‘US and China should be partners, not rivals’, Xi says after earlier warning on Taiwan. Security was heightened in Beijing ahead of the two leaders’ crucial talks, where they discussed AI, economic cooperation, trade and Iran.

Xi warns Trump: Mishandling Taiwan will put U.S.-China relationship in ‘great jeopardy.’ Xi asked whether the U.S. and China could avoid the “Thucydides Trap,” which refers to how tensions historically between a rising and ruling power have often resulted in a war.

China will use its influence on Iran behind the scenes to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

How the Trump-Xi summit could set relations for many years.

Five things to watch as Trump prepares to meet China’s Xi.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of the top defense news of the last couple of days from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.

THE PDB – Not the President’s Daily Briefing, but almost as good – PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF:    

NATIONAL SECURITY

U.S. in closely guarded talks with Denmark to open three new Arctic military bases in Greenland.

Pentagon Plans Military Expansion in Greenland.

Army 1st Armored Division Headquarters at Fort Bliss will assume command of Joint Task Force-Southern Border at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., this spring.

More U.S. spy planes are surveilling Cuba. As Trump threatens to act against Cuba, experts debate whether the flights, which U.S. is not hiding, are just intimidation or foreshadow military force.

HOMELAND SECURITY

So, he was sane?! Mental crisis didn’t cause airman to self-immolate in protest of Israel. Investigation reveals new details about Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell, dating back to his years working for NSA.

DEFENSE POLITICS

Navy needs infusion of cash in next two months to prevent interruptions in how it conducts military training and other operations.

Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite one new GOP defection.

US POWER OVERSEAS

Army abruptly cancels deployment of 4,000 soldiers of 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to Poland.

Though once at fringes of operational conversation, one of Army’s most in-demand — and increasingly popular — jobs is now that of Indo-Pacific air defender.

Jets and helicopters assigned to world’s largest aircraft carrier finally returned to U.S. after historically long 11-month deployment.

No Indo-Pacific peace without industry surge and burden sharing, U.S. general says.

IRAN CAMPAIGN

President Trump repeated his military threats against Iran ahead of visit to China, the Islamic Republic’s largest oil customer and key diplomatic partner.

Iran ‘frighteningly close’ to nuclear weapon despite Operation Epic Fury, says Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

UK pledges force that includes a destroyer, Typhoon fighter aircraft, autonomous mine hunting systems and unmanned surface vessels to secure freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz.

Hormuz crisis and limits of America’s Indo-Pacific partnerships. On May 4, 2026, South Korean vessel came under fire in Strait of Hormuz, leading President Trump to urge Seoul to join U.S.-led operation to secure the waterway. South Korea’s government replied it would “review” the U.S. proposal.

IRAN WAR AFTERMATH

AI tool ‘saved a lot of aircraft.’ Head of Air Force Special Operations Command revealed that an AI-powered intelligence collection and transfer system has been in use since “first day” of Operation Epic Fury to help large attack drones and manned aircraft avoid Iranian threats.

Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet has fallen to roughly 135 aircraft as combat attrition from Operation Epic Fury cuts into service’s most heavily used remotely piloted asset.

MIDDLE EAST THREATS

Israel has escalated its attacks in Gaza in five weeks since halting its joint bombing with U.S. in Iran, redirecting its fire where Hamas fighters are rearming and tightening their grip.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says Israeli Prime Minister secretly visited UAE during Israeli-U.S. war with Iran, further strengthening ties with Gulf nation that normalized relations with Israel in 2020.

RUSSIA THREAT/UKRAINE WAR

Russia presses its barrages of Ukraine as Trump talks of possible peace and Kyiv is emboldened. Russia fired at least 800 drones in a massive daytime barrage on about 20 regions of Ukraine.

EUROPEAN DEFENSE

Austrian Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets scrambled two days in a row to intercept U.S. military aircraft.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are readying to spend around $14 billion from the EU’s Security Action for Europe low-cost loans on new weapons, equipment and ammunition.

Who could replace Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?

SPACE THREATS

Space Command is working with close allies to define a joint plan for orbital warfare to protect and defend space assets from threats in orbit.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Pakistan’s new logic of limited war may not keep war limited. In May 2025, as Indian BrahMos missiles hit Pakistani air bases — targeting runways, parked aircraft, and critical infrastructure — Islamabad faced choice. It could respond with its own long-range systems, but it chose not to. Pakistan deliberately withheld Babur cruise missile because using dual-capable system risked signaling nuclear escalation.

Somalia: IPC Acute Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Snapshot.

US MILITARY

Pentagon to announce framework agreements to potentially acquire over 10,000 low-cost containerized missiles over three years starting in 2027.

U.S. special operations leaders expressed frustration about manufacturers’ proprietary agreements that block them from making quick upgrades to military equipment.

U.S. shipbuilder Davie Defense Inc. has finalized $3.5 billion contract with Coast Guard to build and deliver five Arctic Security Cutters.

Marine Corps will require all Marines — active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted — to complete a basic AI course by end of year.

FOR MORE DETAILED, UNCENSORED, INTELLIGENCE, AND ANALYSIS FROM PAUL CRESPO, SUBSCRIBE TO HIS SUBSTACK.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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