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The Indicator from Planet Money · May 18, 2026 · 9m

Taiwan arms sales, Board of Trade, and Chinamaxxing

This episode of The Indicator unpacks President Trump's recent trip to China, focusing on three key topics: the contentious issue of US arms sales to Taiwan, a proposed Board of Trade that could reshape economic relations, and the growing soft power strategy of 'Chinamaxxing'—China's campaign to maximize its global influence. The episode provides a concise look at the economic and diplomatic stakes of the visit.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

US Arms Sales to Taiwan
The episode examines the ongoing controversy over US weapons sales to Taiwan and how they factor into Trump’s diplomatic engagement with China.
Board of Trade Proposal
The episode explains a proposed Board of Trade that emerged from Trump’s trip, possibly as a new mechanism for managing US-China commerce.
Chinamaxxing: China’s Soft Power Push
The episode explores the concept of ‘Chinamaxxing’—China’s deliberate effort to maximize its global cultural and diplomatic influence.
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