China isn’t rushing Taiwan—it’s squeezing it slowly

Can the U.S. pivot from a military deterrent to a more integrated strategy? Write to me at [email protected]. Include your full name and location, and I might publish your response in a coming issue (if you’re reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply).This is an edition of the WSJ China newsletter, a weekly dispatch of exclusive insights on the contest between the U.S.

and China, brought to you by the WSJ’s top China correspondent. If you’re not subscribed, sign up here.Beijing’s big problem is an incredible shrinking economy.China targets lawyers who defend jailed Christian leaders.Inside Taiwan’s urgent quest to win over Trump.The Silicon Valley salesman accused of helping China get Nvidia’s top chips.China hoped the Trump summit would cement its superpower status. Now Xi has to wait.A civil-defense movement is gaining momentum as Taiwan’s government seeks to get everyone on the island ready for a Chinese attack.Last week, we asked our readers that as the U.S.

and China move from a battle over economic principles to managing the status quo, who is winning. Some readers shared their thoughts:“The reality is that we were never going to get structural reforms from negotiations with China. If we expect to blunt the threat from China, we will have to ramp up our military spending and posture.” —Tom Wells, Indiana“I think Trump and team are focused on big dollar trade issues—wins: very transactional.

China traditionally has a very long multiyear strategy. I think Taiwan will be just another ‘chip’ on the table for Trump: a dollar amount to be part of a transaction as opposed to a strategic asset.” —William Pardee, Virginia“I have long believed that the underlying issue of the West and specifically the U.S. is