Xi Avoids Confronting Trump (Because He Needs Him) + China's Fundamental Problem

This week we begin by looking at an in-depth piece by an astute Japanese observer about China’s current bargaining strategy with the US, balancing Iran and its own internal struggles (3:51), followed by a more cynical view from China hawk Gordon Chang (19:53). Then, after taking a break to look at one aspect of China’s current real-estate troubles (24:57), I try to explain the motivation behind all that China does (or does not do) in the world (40:25). Lastly, we look at all of the Pray for China cities for the coming week (48:18).

Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Feel free to write anytime: [e-mail]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!

Book Recommendation: “I'm currently reading [The Millionaire Missionary] and am really enjoying it. What a powerful story of radical obedience and sacrifice. I'm planning to recommend it to the young men I'm currently mobilizing for the 10/40 Window—I think Borden's example will be incredibly inspiring for them as they consider their own call to the unreached.”

The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com)

Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)

Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)

Why Xi Can’t Say No To Trump Despite Iran Strikes (Paywall)

https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-why-xi-can-t-say-no-to-trump-visit-despite-the-iran-strikes

Gordon Chang is (Mostly) Right This Time

https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/gordon-chang-urges-us-treat-china-enemy-combatant-warns-subs-operating-very-close-us

I Miss China’s Cheap Apartments

https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/03/03/cheap-apartments-spawn-retire-early-trend-amid-chinas-slowing-economy/

Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities…

https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-mar-8-14-2026

Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!