Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Venezuela
    • China
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / China / China’s war chest: how Beijing has rearranged the diplomatic pieces ahead of a potential conflict
China, Asia, China‑Taiwan, Taiwan

June 5, 2023

China’s war chest: how Beijing has rearranged the diplomatic pieces ahead of a potential conflict

The rest of Taiwan’s remaining allies are “small game” for China, says Lyle Goldstein, a visiting professor at Brown University who focuses on China and Russian issues. Many of these countries are in Central American and in March, one of them – Honduras – cut ties with Taipei, switching its allegiance to Beijing.

Goldstein says Beijing is more concerned with reminding countries that have adhered to the one-China approach what they signed up for. “China’s approach to diplomacy is constantly waving the Taiwan issue in front of countries to say, ‘You have been warned … you have endorsed one China’,” he says.

Read at The Guardian

Featuring

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

More on Asia

op-edTaiwan, Asia, China‑Taiwan

The new National Security Strategy’s dangerous language on Taiwan

By Lyle Goldstein

January 6, 2026

In the mediaChina, Asia

Asia giants find warmer ties may cool conflict

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

January 2, 2026

In the mediaChina, Asia, China‑Taiwan

PLA fired 27 rockets: defense ministry

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

December 31, 2025

Press ReleaseAsia, China‑Taiwan

Military drills near Taiwan highlight need for caution

By Lyle Goldstein

December 30, 2025

In the mediaChina‑Taiwan, Asia, Taiwan

China encircles Taiwan in massive military display

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

December 30, 2025

op-edTaiwan, Asia, China, China‑Taiwan

What Trump could do to defuse Taiwan’s powder keg

By Lyle Goldstein

December 25, 2025

Events on China

See All Events
virtualGreat power competition, Balance of power, China, Grand strategy, Middle East

U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualAsia, Basing and force posture, Burden sharing, China, Grand strategy

Rethinking U.S. strategy in East Asia: do more bases mean more deterrence?

January 24, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Research
  • Experts
  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2026 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved