In this conversation with Silver Bullion Singapore, I discuss whether war is on China’s mind and how the West should think about China beyond fear, propaganda, and simplistic geopolitical narratives.

The question is not merely whether China wants war. It is whether China’s incentives, historical memory, economic ambitions, and strategic culture make war likely or unlikely. Understanding China requires looking past Western assumptions and examining power, patience, trade, nationalism, and the long-term interests of the Chinese state.

Watch the full discussion below:

Key Takeaways

• Why China should be understood through incentives, history, and strategy rather than slogans
• How Western narratives often misunderstand China’s long-term thinking
• Why war is not merely a military question, but a question of economics, legitimacy, and state interest
• The importance of Taiwan, trade, nationalism, and American power in China’s strategic calculations
• Why serious geopolitics requires patience, realism, and freedom from official propaganda