Grant Stinchfield Interviews Gordon Chang on Rising Internal Tensions in China and Fears of Conflict Under Xi Jinping

Top Points

• Internal instability in China may push Xi Jinping toward external conflict: Gordon Chang explains that China is facing economic troubles, political rivalries, and declining public confidence, which could motivate Xi to use a military confrontation—particularly over Taiwan—to consolidate his power.

• A conflict with Taiwan could help Xi suppress political opponents: Chang argues that wartime conditions would allow Xi to tighten internal security, rally the population around nationalism, and weaken or sideline rivals within the Communist Party.

• Donald Trump has stated that China would not invade Taiwan during his presidency: Stinchfield notes Trump’s recent comments asserting that Beijing would not attempt an invasion on his watch, reflecting his belief that strong U.S. deterrence can shape China’s strategic behavior.

Full Report:

In an urgent and analytically focused segment, Grant Stinchfield sat down with foreign-policy commentator Gordon Chang to discuss growing instability inside China and concerns that the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, may view external conflict as a way to consolidate his political power. The conversation also touched on former President Donald Trump’s recent public remarks claiming that China would not invade Taiwan during any term in which he is in office.

The interview offered a comprehensive look at how domestic pressures inside China could shape Beijing’s actions abroad, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.

Political Strain Inside China May Push Xi Toward Confrontation

Stinchfield opened by asking Chang about reports of rising political and economic pressure inside China. Chang explained that China is experiencing a combination of slowing economic growth, local government debt crises, demographic challenges, and internal political rivalries. According to Chang, these factors have weakened public confidence and fueled quiet dissent among some factions of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chang argued that Xi Jinping may view external conflict, particularly a move against Taiwan, as a way to strengthen his political position. He said leaders facing internal threats often use nationalism and military confrontation to rally support and suppress rivals.

According to Chang, this creates a dangerous incentive structure in which domestic instability increases the likelihood of external aggression.

A Conflict With Taiwan Could Deter Xi’s Political Opponents

Stinchfield pressed Chang to explain why war might serve Xi’s political objectives. Chang noted that a major conflict would give Xi justification to tighten security controls, sideline political opponents, and reinforce his authority as China’s central decision-maker.

He explained that, historically, authoritarian leaders have used wartime conditions to neutralize internal challenges. If Xi believes his position is threatened, he may calculate that conflict would force the country to unite behind him, reducing the likelihood that political rivals could move against him.

Chang warned that this dynamic makes it especially important for other nations to remain alert to shifts in China’s military behavior.

Trump’s Position: No Invasion of Taiwan Under His Watch

The interview then turned to recent comments made by former President Donald Trump, who has publicly stated that China would not invade Taiwan during any term in which he is in power. Stinchfield noted that Trump made similar claims during earlier international discussions and treaties involving Asia.

Chang commented that Trump’s statements reflect his longstanding position that strong and unpredictable foreign-policy signals can deter adversaries. Chang did not speculate on the effectiveness of such statements but noted that foreign leaders often pay close attention to U.S. signals of resolve.

Stinchfield said that Trump’s comments underscore a broader debate about U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific and what type of American posture is most effective at deterring Chinese aggression.

A Region on Edge as Global Consequences Loom

As the conversation concluded, Chang emphasized that any conflict involving China and Taiwan would have significant global implications, affecting supply chains, international markets, maritime security, and alliance structures throughout Asia. He stated that the world must take seriously the possibility that China’s domestic challenges could spill over into foreign policy decisions.

Stinchfield closed the segment by noting that the Indo-Pacific remains one of the most strategically sensitive regions in the world, and that leaders everywhere are watching China’s internal dynamics closely.

For viewers, the interview provided a detailed examination of the pressures shaping China’s behavior and the competing signals from global leaders about how to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.

References

• Real America’s Voice. (2025, April 15). Grant Stinchfield interviews Gordon Chang on rising tensions and internal pressures within China. Retrieved from https://www.realamericasvoice.com

• Fox News. (2025, April 12). Analysts warn Xi Jinping may use conflict to strengthen political control. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com

• The Daily Wire. (2025, April 10). China’s internal turmoil raises fears of aggression toward Taiwan. Retrieved from https://www.dailywire.com

• Wall Street Journal. (2025, April 5). Growing concerns in Asia as China signals increased military readiness near Taiwan. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com

• Reuters. (2025, April 3). Trump says China would not invade Taiwan during his presidency. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com