Weaponized tariffs and why China was ready, Beijing in Iran war, Brzezinski’s nightmare – with Nelson Wong

Olga and Tara are joined by Nelson Wong, vice chairman and president at the Shanghai Centre for RimPac Strategic and International Studies. We’ll discuss the detention of American human rights lawyer Dan Kovalik in the UK, explore the strategic consequences of the Iran war, Trump’s comments on communism, technological competition, and whether fear – not strength – is driving today’s geopolitical decisions.

Was Brzezinski’s “worst nightmare” always destined to become reality? Did the strategic partnership between China, Russia, and Iran emerge despite Western expectations – or because of them? And why does Nelson Wong argue that China spent more than a decade preparing for today’s tariff and trade confrontation with the United States?

How vulnerable is China to instability in the Strait of Hormuz? What role does Iranian oil play in China’s long-term strategy, and why does Nelson Wong believe Beijing has already prepared for worst-case scenarios?

Can a superpower exist without seeking military dominance? What does China’s leadership believe a global power should look like, and why does Wong reject the idea that every country wants to follow the American model?