Trump’s Blockade Bluff vs Iran & China | Silk and Steel

Trump’s Blockade Bluff vs Iran & China | Silk and Steel

Author: UK Column April 18, 2026 Duration: 30:43

In this special episode, Carl Zha returns after a long hiatus to discuss the seismic geopolitical shifts following the recent conflict in West Asia. The conversation covers three interconnected themes: the collapse of the US strategic position in the Persian Gulf, Iran's emergence as a new "superpower" controlling 20% of the world's energy supply, and the ripple effects across the Asia-Pacific—particularly in Taiwan, where the opposition KMT is rethinking its relationship with both Washington and Beijing.


Carl dissects Donald Trump's empty threats of a counter-blockade, the logistical impossibility of US naval action against Chinese tankers, and why the Yinghe incident of 1993 (a Chinese ship stranded by US GPS jamming) led directly to China's BeiDou navigation system. He also analyzes the recent KMT-CCP leadership meeting, the meaning of "we do not want Taiwan to be a battlefield," and why the depletion of US missile defenses in South Korea to protect Israel sends a chilling message to all US allies in Asia.


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Tune in to UK Column News, a daily podcast from the independent news organisation of the same name. This isn't a recap of headlines from the mainstream wire services. Instead, the team at UK Column digs into the stories and narratives shaping public perception, focusing on what they term the 'information war.' Each episode provides analysis you're unlikely to find elsewhere, examining the interplay between government policy, media reporting, and institutional influence. Because they operate without any corporate backing, advertising, or funding from political groups, their perspective is uniquely supported by their audience through memberships and donations. This independence is the core of the podcast, allowing for straightforward commentary free from external pressures. Listeners will hear detailed discussions on current events in the UK and beyond, often connecting dots between seemingly separate issues to present a broader picture of governance and societal change. The tone is analytical and deliberate, prioritising depth over soundbites. For those seeking an alternative to conventional news cycles and curious about the mechanics behind the stories that dominate the day, this podcast offers a consistent and critical voice. It’s for anyone who questions the prevailing narrative and wants news analysis that answers to its listeners, not to sponsors or shareholders.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

UK Column News
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