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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

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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.
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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.
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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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