Ambassador Robert Blackwill
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
I wouldn't want to predict what he'll say, but it's certainly true deterrence is weaker under President Trump.
There's no doubt about that.
Yes.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
It is.
I agree.
But if the president is suddenly informed that China has started military action against Taiwan,
Then what does he do?
Well, he can try to avoid responsibility, as presidents have done, and said, well, the Congress has to decide this, not me.
But there'll be pressure on him to make a decision.
And the longer he waits—
the more likely we won't intervene.
So he has that time to try to persuade the American people.
I believe, though, with you, that if it were to happen and he were to ask the American people, should I go to war with China, a majority is likely to say no.
It's too far away.
It's not important enough.
We seem to have a recent inclination to lose wars.
No.
But that's where American leadership comes in and explains to the American people, here's why we're going to war.