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One World with Zain Asher
Soon: Trump Heads To China For Summit With Xi; Embattled British Prime Minister Tells Cabinet He Will Not Resign; Kenya And France Co-host Africa Forward Summit; Official: Conflict Has Cost U.S. $29 Billion So Far; Political Divide In Taiwan Over Defense Spending; Former Southern California Mayor To Plead Guilty To Acting As Chinese Government Agent; CNN Affordability Poll: Americans Just Feel Stuck; Aired 12-1p ET
Aired May 12, 2026 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:00:06]
ZAIN ASHER, CNN ANCHOR: All right. Coming to you live from New York, I'm Zain Asher. Bianna Golodryga is off today. You are watching the second hour
of "One World."
The next hour, President Trump is expected to head to Beijing on a closely watched high stakes visit.
On Thursday, he'll hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The war with Iran is looming large amid stalled ceasefire talks. And Iran's ambassador
to Beijing says that China can be an important force for reducing tensions with the United States.
Meantime, the global economy will also be a major talking point as well. China is a leading market for American farmers who are hoping for biggest
Chinese purchases of soybeans and other crops. All of this happening amid fresh tensions over Taiwan with China intensifying military pressure around
the island.
Mike Valerio is in Beijing and joins us live now. So, it's clear, I mean, you and I were talking about this last hour. It's clear what Trump wants
from China, as it pertains to the war with Iran.
But what does China want from Trump at this point, especially as it pertains to Taiwan?
MIKE VALERIO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think it definitely wants a different position from the United States regarding Taiwan. And it sees
this moment of weakness with the president facing an election coming up in the next couple months, a deeply unpopular war.
And limited tariff power that the president now has as a symbol and a sign of weakness that perhaps now is the moment to pressure the United States to
move from its position of -- of how it stands for potential independence for Taiwan and to try to get the United States to move from not support
Taiwanese independence to oppose, which is just a small semantic difference, but would be huge in this part of the world, if the Chinese
leadership were to convince the United States and the president to say something like that.
So, I think that's the big question that we're watching, what kind of differentiation, if any, will be announced by the U.S. president after
discussions with Xi Jinping, any kind of difference, any kind of movement in position the United States has on Taiwan.
For what it's worth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, there's going to be no change. But, you know, in this year, 2026, anything can happen.
So, we're certainly going to be watching that acutely.
But in terms of, you know, the other dynamics that have changed in terms of this very unpopular war, of course, the U.S. president is going to be
looking for what China can do to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
We were discussing a couple minutes ago that most Beijingers who have been talking to all day do not want China to get involved in the Iran war at
all. They are also yearning, Zain, for better relations with the U.S., but they don't think to a person that President Trump is the one to bring about
better relations.
So, let's listen to a couple thoughts on that point, and we'll talk about them a little bit more on the other side. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through text translation): He can say one thing and then overturn it himself and say something completely different later. That
gives people the impression that he's unreliable.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through text translation): I just hope both sides can benefit together. Hopefully, they stop introducing measures that intensify
competition.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through text translation): This guy is absolutely awful. He directly blocked our chip supplies. As a leader, he's way too petty.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VALERIO: OK. So, that last guy not holding back, that last gentleman that we heard from, not holding back at all, because he told us later that his
business was personally affected by the trip controls -- chip controls that the United States implemented in the second Trump administration.
He was saying, hey, I worked for this beauty industry, and these machines that required advanced American chips were cut off from my business because
of the Trump administration.
[12:05:02]
So that helps explain what emotion is behind that last sound bite that we heard within the past couple of seconds. So in terms of what both sides
want, let's put up the graphic, shall we? The United States wants help with Iran. We've talked about that. They want these spigot for rare earth
minerals, which China effectively de rigueur controls. They want that spigot to remain open.
Also the three B's. Look for any investment deals with the three B's, beef, beans, and Boeings. Will any aircraft parts or dozens of aircraft purchases
be announced after this whole summit is said and done?
China, of course, wants movement on the Taiwan question, wants access to those advanced American chips and wants lower tariffs. A lot of these
tariffs, Zain, are still in place from the first Trump administration.
But I think that, you know, people in America should know back home that Beijing, even if there is this quiescent moment in the trade war, Beijing
is still preparing for fights to continue in the near future making a legal architecture to fight back against the United States.
So, perhaps the best behavior will be on display Thursday and Friday. But there's an undercurrent here in Beijing that China is prepared to fight and
will do so if needed, Zain.
ASHER: All right. Mike Valerio, thank you so much.
Despite a growing chorus of calls demanding his resignation and for ministerial resignations, embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is
making it clear that he will not go quietly. He made that point to a meeting of government ministers at Number 10.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Should the Prime Minister resign (INAUDIBLE)? Is it all about the Keir Starmer?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: More than 80 lawmakers within Starmer's own government are calling for him to quit or set a timetable for his departure, following huge losses
for Labour in local elections last week.
But so far, there's been no official move to trigger a leadership contest. More than 100 Labour lawmakers, meantime, have signed a letter backing the
prime minister. Here's how some voters are reacting.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEOFFREY WORSDELL, IMMIGRATION OFFICER: I think he's trying to steer -- steer like the middle of the road sort of passage to try and keep everyone
happy. Even though I'm not -- personally, I'm not a fan of his.
NICKY BUCKLEY, RETIREE: I think he's just being blamed for everything because he's easy, isn't it? He's an easy target. I don't think he has the
personality to carry off being a prime minister.
And so they're making him pay for it. But if he gets replaced, the next person's not going to find it any easier.
IAN, LONDON RESIDENT: I just find these people kind of they're irrelevant. They don't do anything. Keir Starmer was the other one. All these names,
they're -- they're irrelevant.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: My colleague, Isa Soares, joins us live now from Number 10 Downing Street.
So, Isa, this is -- this is quite complicated because you have a lot of people who want Keir Starmer gone, but not necessarily anyone who's
emerging as a sort of clear front runner in terms of being able to have at least 80 other lawmakers back them in a leadership challenge.
People are talking about Andy Burnham. People are talking about Angela Rayne, Wes Streeting. But it's not clear, at least with Wes Streeting, if
he necessarily has enough support to challenge the prime minister at this point in time.
ISA SOARES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That -- that's right. And this is why we are starting to see some confusion and some splits within the Labour Party.
It's not clear at this moment where each side stands on, which just for our viewers, you know, where we've had what letters of support, a hundred
M.P.s, as you were saying there, letters as well of resignation.
We've had four in the last few minutes. We've had another MP talking about the lack of values driven and leadership being one of the problems. Three
before that talked about deeds, not words matter, bold radical action being needed.
And one actually said, the message on the doorstep, Zain, as obviously last week's election was that you've lost the trust of the confidence of the
public.
But what we are seeing now is people, 80 plus M.P.s calling for the prime minister to either set out a timeline or step aside.
What is not clear at this moment, of course, and this could be a consequential date, whichever way you cut it, is who would have that
support.
Under the rules within the Labour government, you need 81 votes behind one candidate. It's not clear that those 83 who are calling for the prime
minister to either step aside or put a timeline where they were back.
And so far, like you said, Zain, it's not clear whether Wes Streeting is going to be the one that's going to -- who's going to say I'm going to --
I'm the one that I'm going to start this leadership challenge.
So, it is a moment where the prime minister, right now, has laid down the gauntlet and basically said you want to fight, let's face it. And he's
basically, in the last few moments, in the last few hours, we have seen business as usual.
He's actually not at 10 Downing Street at this moment. He's continuing on with the job of leading. And this is something that we have heard from
various supporters of the prime minister saying this is not a time to -- for a leadership challenge.
[12:10:06]
We do not want the chaos of the Tory Party, which we've seen in the previous years of leadership contest, other leadership contest. And so
many, of course, calling for the prime minister to stay.
But this very early days, as you know, a day in politics is a long time, Zain.
ASHER: Yes. Isa Soares, live for us. Thank you so much.
John Rentoul is the chief political commentator for "The Independent" and a visiting professor at King's College London. He joins us live now.
So, John, it's one thing if you have sort of junior cabinet ministers resigning. It becomes an entirely different ball game when the heavy
hitters start going, when, you know, the defense, Chancellor of the Exchequer, when those people no longer support you, that is a massive
problem.
He can survive the -- the sort of junior ones leaving, but it's very difficult to survive the more senior people saying goodbye.
JOHN RENTOUL, CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR, THE INDEPENDENT: And absolutely. And we haven't got to that point yet.
I mean, we saw a number of cabinet ministers coming out of the cabinet meeting this morning going straight to the T.V. cameras to say that the
prime minister was -- was going to stay. And that he had their support.
But the level of unhappiness in the -- in the Labour Party among -- among Labour M.P.s is so great that it does feel to me that as if the prime
minister has only got a -- a few days left in office rather than -- rather than longer than that, which is what I -- what I thought he -- thought he
had before these -- these elections, midterm elections.
The only question is who's going to replace him? And as you say, there are three -- there are three leading contenders. There's Wes Streeting, the
health secretary, Angela Rayner, who the former deputy prime minister. And Andy Burnham, who is a mayor, very popular mayor of Greater Manchester, but
he's not an M.P. at the moment. So, there would have to be a delay if he was to be drafted in.
ASHER: So, my guess is that even though you don't have the -- these heavy hitter cabinet ministers resigning just yet, do you believe that they're at
least having private conversa -- I mean, because obviously it's one thing to sort of resign in front of the cameras and they sort of photograph you
leaving outside Number 10 and all that.
But that doesn't necessarily mean that certain people are not having private conversations with Keir Starmer saying, listen, I'm not going to
resign just yet. I'm not going to the cameras just yet. But, personally, Mr. Starmer, I do think you should step down.
You think these conversations are happening behind the scenes?
RENTOUL: Yes, absolutely. I mean, we believe that -- that certainly two, three, possibly four cabinet ministers have told Keir Starmer privately
that he should -- that -- that they think he should -- he should consider his -- his future in his own -- in his own interest, because it'd be better
for him to leave with dignity.
You know, we'll see about that. He said, you know, if -- if you're -- if you're hard enough, come and -- come and get me, challenging anyone to --
to come and -- and launch a formal leadership challenge which requires, as -- as you were saying, 81 M.P.s to nominate a single candidate against him.
And I think, you know, there clearly is support for Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner on that basis, but neither of them wants to move because
party -- the -- the party members are not going to reward the first mover.
I mean, the first mover is going to be accused of -- of disloyalty and that's the -- that's the most valuable currency in politics.
ASHER: And, historically, I mean, I was just saying to one of our reporters that, you know, I've seen a number of these sort of leadership challenges
with conservative prime ministers, but the last time we had a Labour prime minister in charge, I was -- I was in my 20s, and so it was a long time
ago.
But just in terms of walking away from a job like this, you never really see prime ministers leave at the first sign of trouble.
The first time somebody says, you know, you should go, you know, why aren't you resigning? We saw -- we saw all these rumors sort of swirling around
Keir Starmer with all this sort of Peter Mandelson controversy and he held on.
RENTOUL: Yes.
ASHER: You know, it is a very difficult job to walk away from, especially when you have dreamed your entire life of becoming prime minister. It's
very difficult to sort of say, OK, enough is enough. I should go.
At what point does it become --
RENTOUL: Exactly.
ASHER: -- clear to Keir Starmer that, you know, the show's over?
RENTOUL: Well, that's -- that's the -- that's the big question. And in -- in recent cases, it's been -- you know, Boris Johnson was -- was ousted
when his chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and other senior ministers, the home secretary, resigned.
Liz Truss, obviously, a special case, you know, she -- she didn't last very long and was -- was -- was completely unpopular but with her -- with her
own parliamentary party.
[12:15:08]
But even -- and Tony Blair was eventually forced out by Labour M.P.s demanding a change to -- to his obvious successor, Gordon Brown.
The thing is with Keir Starmer, there isn't an obvious successor. There are several candidates. And Labour M.P.s can't agree on who's to replace him.
So that's -- that does give him a little bit of leverage, but I think the situation is slipping away from him.
ASHER: I mean, there -- there's a lot of luck in his favor, right? Because Wes Streeting doesn't necessarily, as based on what I've been reading, have
this sort of popularity, at least just yet, to get 80 people on his side, 81 people.
But on top of that, one person --
RENTOUL: No, Zain. I think he does. Sorry.
ASHER: Oh, he does. OK.
RENTOUL: I think -- I think he does have the support among the Labour M.P.s, but he's not -- he's not popular among the Labour Party members who
get --
ASHER: The members.
RENTOUL: -- the final say on the leadership. And that's --
ASHER: OK.
RENTOUL: And I think that is -- that is the problem he faces. If it goes to a leadership campaign, he would -- you know, he would do well, but he -- he
would start as the -- as the runner up, I think, if -- if there was a leadership contest right now.
Labour Party members feel that he's too much of a Blair right. He's too right wing for them. I don't think that's fair, but I mean that is the
perception. And I think he would -- he would find it difficult in a campaign to -- to claw back that ground.
ASHER: So, it's the member's out of the issue for Wes Streeting, not necessarily the M.P.s. But Andy Burnham, who all of you are talking about,
he's not an M.P. yet. So, there's a couple of issues --
RENTOUL: Exactly.
ASHER: -- that are working in Keir Starmer's favor. But as I mentioned, it is incredibly difficult to walk away from a job you spent your entire life
trying to get to at the first sign of trouble.
So, I'm not surprised that he's holding on.
RENTOUL: Absolutely right.
ASHER: I would hold on to.
John -- John Rentoul, live for us. Thank you -- thank you so much. Appreciate it.
All right. France has announced around $27 billion worth of investment in Africa, as President Macron met with African leaders in Nairobi. France and
Kenya, were co-hosts of this year's Africa Forward Summit aimed at building partnerships for innovation and growth -- growth.
This was the first time the event was actually held outside of French- speaking Africa. And it's being seen as a sign of Paris sort of trying to reach out to new allies.
CNN's Larry Madowo spoke with the president of Ghana about today's discussions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN MAHAMA, GHANAIAN PRESIDENT: I just came out of a session --
LARRY MADOWO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right.
MAHAMA: -- on African multilateral financial institutions.
MADOWO: Right.
MAHAMA: And how to leverage cheaper capital --
MADOWO: Right.
MAHAMA: -- for Africa's development.
MADOWO: Right.
MAHAMA: I think we've talked enough. It's time to move on it. And I believe that the discussions we -- we've had would advance that objective further.
MADOWO: Is the rest of the world listening? Because all of you African leaders have been saying this for a long time.
MAHAMA: Yes, we have. So it's time to put action to it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Larry Madowo joins us live now from Nairobi with more. So just in terms, and I was just touching on this earlier, just in terms of France's
sort of motives for hosting the summit, I mean, obviously, it's positioned as a major colonial power in Africa.
The power has waned for quite some time. We've seen quite a few coos in and around French-speaking Africa over the past few years, as you and I both
well know.
Now that sort of reaching out to these English-speaking African countries from a British colonies. And one of the things that Macron continues to say
is that this is going to be a partnership of equals. Walk us through it, Larry.
MADOWO: That's right, Zain. There is anti-French sentiment in many of these former French colonies in Western Central Africa. In some cases, this
outright hostility. Seven of these countries have either kicked out French militaries or are shining French companies, French influence totally.
And what President Macron is doing here is extending that reach. What he calls it is new partnerships for development. It's no longer about aid.
It's about trade and investment. And that $27 billion announced is supposed to catalyze even more investment from the private sector.
They say it will create 250,000 jobs both here and Africa. And on the continent, President William Ruto of Kenya, who's co-hosting this said,
it's time to recalibrate the relationship between France and Africa.
But there are people who criticize these sorts of forums, France-Africa forum. France-Italy forum. France-China forum. Africa -- Africa --France,
Africa-China, Africa-Russia, Africa-Italy. These are all things that have happened.
And I asked the president of Zambia specifically about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT: We are now focused more, not on aid. We are focused more on investing together, sharing capital, technology,
skills for mutual benefits.
MADOWO: There are people who criticize that African leaders have been essentially summoned by one -- by one country, that France is summoning all
African leaders. What's your response to that?
HICHILEMA: No, no, no. I understand what -- where that is coming from. But I -- I think we should define it as summoning Africa, one country summoning
Africa.
[12:20:03]
Mind you also, most times, if you have Africa -- certain country and Africa summits, they're held in those countries, isn't it?
MADOWO: Right. It is.
HICHILEMA: This is the first time we are holding this summit on the continent in this way --
MADOWO: Right.
HICHILEMA: -- with a broader, if you like, Africa, rather than Francophone. It's Francophone, it's Anglophone, it's other things.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MADOWO: So that identity, Anglophone, Francophone has been very strong in Africa based on who colonized which African nation.
And President Macron is trying to move away from that and basically say that this is about the entire continent.
What's happening right now is they're in the closing ceremony. President Ruto and President Macron taking questions, essentially congratulating
themselves on what has been a great event.
They have more than 30 African heads of state and government here talking about peace and security, talking about reforming the global financial
architecture like President Mahama of Ghana was just talking about and basically how they'll collaborate in this new development where they are
coming on as equals.
But equals is what they say, but in reality, France has waved a lot more money than these African nations and they still need those investments to
create jobs here and maybe avoid people having to cross the Mediterranean or having to go apply for asylum in Europe.
So I guess this is that mutual benefit, Zain, that they refer to.
ASHER: All right. Larry Madowo, live for us there. Thank you so much.
All right. I want to turn to Uganda now where President Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh term. It means that his rule in the East African
country will extend into a fifth decade.
Museveni, a former guerrilla leader now in his 80s, won election in January, 72 percent of the vote. The vote was marred by violence and, of
course, fraud allegations as well.
Speculation is growing though about Museveni's succession plans. Many observers believe that he will be succeeded by his son.
All right. Still to come here on "One World." The story of a U.S. mayor forced to resign and now likely facing prison. The question is how this
former Southern California official, or is whether this former Southern California official is a foreign agent.
Israel has approved a special military tribunal for suspects tied to the October 7th attacks, opening the door for some defendants to potentially
face the death penalty. That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. The war with Iran has cost the U.S. $29 billion so far according to one Pentagon official. Much more than the estimates provided
to Congress two weeks ago.
[12:25:06]
It comes as aides say that President Donald Trump is seriously considering resuming combat operations. Trump describing the ceasefire with Iran as
being, quote, on massive life support.
CNN's Jeremy Diamond has more from Israel.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Well, as President Trump indicates that the ceasefire with Iran is on life support, there's no
question that the Israeli government and military are prepared to return to all-out confrontation with Iran.
The Israeli prime minister has been speaking publicly about the fact that he doesn't believe the war with Iran is over. And he is continuing to point
out the objectives that remain unaccomplished and trying to make sure that those objectives stay in the public conversation in the United States, in
particular, and to ensure that there are no compromises on those objectives from the United States' point of view.
What Netanyahu is focusing on in particular is, of course, the nuclear file, making sure that Iran not only doesn't have the capacity to enrich
uranium going forward, but also that the stockpiles, hundreds of kilos of 60 percent enriched uranium that Iran has inside its country are removed
from that country as well. And Netanyahu is trying to make sure that Trump ultimately sticks to those objectives.
For now, that seems to be the case, but there is also this very clear reality that President Trump is frustrated with the fact that Iran doesn't
seem to be budging from its negotiating position. And also that President Trump still seems relatively reluctant to return to all-out war.
We have seen that the Iranians, for their part, as they are sticking to a number of their positions, and also now trying to ensure that they retain
sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, meaning an ability to levy fees on ships traveling through there, not the free trade that we saw before this
war began.
Mohammad Ghalibaf, the speaker of the parliament, one of the key Iranian negotiators, is also making clear that Iran's armed forces are prepared to
respond and, quote, teach a lesson for any aggression.
So the Iranian perspective and position remains a hardline one, and the gaps with the United States still remain enormous.
Meanwhile, we are still waiting a couple days away now from the next round of meetings between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington.
The third round of talks that we have seen between these two countries set to take place once again in Washington, and once again, against the
backdrop of continued Israeli airstrikes and Lebanon continued Hezbollah attacks against Israeli troops in Southern Lebanon, as well as against
Northern Israel.
We have seen that Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed hundreds of people in the three-plus weeks of that ceasefire. That is, of course, all
complicating the diplomatic efforts that are set to take place on Thursday, but those conversations still, as of now, set to take place.
Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Tel Aviv.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: All right. Roughly 400 Hamas militants accused of committing war crimes, during the October 7 attacks on Israel, can soon face prosecution.
On Monday, the Israeli Parliament approved a bill that will create a special military tribunal to handle their cases. It would allow for the
death penalty for those defendants convicted of genocide.
The legislation received broad backing from both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and much of the opposition.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHELLY TAL MERON, ISRAELI OPPOSITION LAWMAKER: Of course, we are hoping that it will create deterrence, but more than that, it's going to bring
justice to the families of all the victims of October 7th and captivity, of course. And I think the people of Israel are in complete agreement that
this is what should happen. And it's about time. We take care of it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: An Israeli official tell CNN, it could take several months until the tribunal is established and proceedings begin.
We'll be right back with more.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:30:09]
ASHER: All right. Welcome back to "One World." I'm Zain Asher.
We're keeping a close eye on Washington, where President Trump is expected to leave soon for a critical trip to Beijing.
On Thursday, he'll sit down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, among the many likely talking points, tensions over Taiwan.
CNN's Will Ripley spoke with Taiwan's opposition leader who argues the island should seek out less confrontation and more dialogue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As President Donald Trump heads to Beijing for a high-stakes meeting with
Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, with Taiwan expected to be high on the agenda, the island democracy that China claims as its own, seems to be sending a
divided message on defense.
After months of political fighting, and with Chinese fighter jets and warships routinely circling around Taiwan, the opposition-controlled
legislature approved a dramatically smaller military package.
Many blamed the gridlock on the leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party, KMT, Cheng Li-wun, who has called for less military spending.
RIPLEY: What's your response to calls from U.S. lawmakers that Taiwan needs to spend this money on its defense to send the message to the global
community that Taiwan is serious about its defense?
CHENG LI-WUN, KMT CHAIRPERSON: Actually, we are very serious. We have been serious all the time. And that's what we keep explaining.
LI-WUN (through text translation): Most of it is too vague and lacks details, so we can't give a blank check authorization.
LI-WUN: We are trying our best.
RIPLEY (voice-over): Some fear her best may not be enough to deter China's mounting military pressure campaign.
The opposition plan funds U.S. weapons but trims domestic programs like drones.
And Taiwan's ruling party, the DPP, has accused Cheng's KMT of taking orders from China.
Just weeks ago, she went to Beijing for a rare meeting with Xi Jinping, who refuses to engage with Taiwan's elected leader seen by China as a die-hard
separatist.
RIPLEY: You obviously have your critics that accused you of being a pawn while you were in Beijing, saying that you and Xi Jinping had almost the
same language.
LI-WUN (through text translation): Although it may seem I have a common language with Xi Jinping, but it is precisely because there are so many
differences between the two sides of the strait. It is critical that we find a common foundation for peaceful dialogue. Otherwise, war is
unavoidable.
RIPLEY (voice-over): Next month, Cheng heads to the U.S., hoping to convince lawmakers and Trump allies, Taiwan does not have to choose between
Washington and Beijing.
RIPLEY: You've said publicly you're worried about Taiwan being treated like a pawn. Are you talking about the United States treating Taiwan like a
pawn?
LI-WUN (through text translation): I believe it is the DPP government's wrong policies that have reduced Taiwan to a pawn.
Being friendly with the U.S. does not mean there is hostility towards China.
[12:35:02]
RIPLEY (voice-over): Cheng dodges questions about her presidential ambitions, but does make a bold promise if her party wins in the 2028
elections.
LI-WUN (through text translation): A KMT administration would make the possibility of war totally unpreventable.
RIPLEY: How can you guarantee it won't happen if Taiwan doesn't have what your military leaders say or enough weapons to deter military action by
China?
LI-WUN (through text translation): When the KMT is in power, Taiwan's defense capabilities, its deterrence will still exist.
RIPLEY (voice-over): But China's military pressure around Taiwan continues, even during Cheng's recent trip to Beijing.
And now, as Trump prepares to meet Xi Jinping face-to-face, Taiwan confronts two radically different visions for avoiding war.
Will Ripley, CNN, Taipei.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: All right. Time now for The Exchange. Joining me is retired General at Wesley Clark. He once served as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander.
General, thank you so much for being with us.
So, it was just a few months ago that President Trump actually authorized an $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, largest weapons sale to Taiwan. He
authorized that, but it has not been delivered yet.
So just in terms of the dynamics of this meeting between Xi Jinping and Trump, how might Xi Jinping actually persuade President Trump to scale back
the U.S.'s support of the island, even though many people, including Marco Rubio, have said that the U.S. policy towards Taiwan has not changed?
GEN. WESLEY CLARK (RET.), FORMER NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER: I think this will be a very transactional meeting, Zain. In other words, what are
the cards that Xi Jinping has? What are the cards that President Trump has? President Trump has -- he has this arms sale, for example.
He has chips. He has other advanced technologies. He has some arrangement on artificial intelligence, maybe. But what is he looking for? He's looking
for assistance with farm sales. He's looking for something to give him some help on Iran.
He'd like to challenge Xi Jinping to stop supporting Iran, stop sending them components, stop -- stop supporting them with intelligence and so
forth.
And there are some gray areas in this. What's going to happen with trade? The tariffs are not quite on. Some of them have been -- some of his power
has been taken away from tariffs, but Xi Jinping has to be concerned about this.
China is supporting Moscow, but President Trump has a relationship with President Putin. President Putin said the war is about to be over in
Ukraine. So all of these issues are going to be on the table.
China, of course, is vitally interested in getting the Strait of Hormuz opened. But with the Middle East, China has been a deliberate, cautious
player. And we certainly hope that we don't invite the Chinese ships to sail through and escort tankers and in and out of the Strait of Hormuz at
the expense of the United States and our regional influence there.
So, there's a lot of different issues that are lurking here. It's going to be a very, I think, very challenging and -- and difficult mission for the
president.
ASHER: Yes. I mean, he has to walk a tightrope on so many different levels.
Just in terms of Taiwan, I'm not sure if you saw our Will Ripley's piece that just aired right before I came to you.
But this idea that, you know, Taiwan essentially passed a much more paired back defense budget, it itself, the island itself is in a very difficult
position because some people say that's appropriate because they need to spend more on the economy.
And also, if you spend too much on military defense, it provokes China even more. Other people say, listen, you can't just assume that the U.S. Navy is
going to come in and, you know, swoop in and -- and rescue you if Beijing were to cross that line.
I mean, what do you make of the fact that there has been, many people accuse Taiwan of this, this sort of over-reliance and over-dependence on
the United States to sort of rescue them militarily?
CLARK: I -- I think -- I think the United States wants to maintain its position in a Western Pacific. And -- and holding Taiwan out from China is
a key part of maintaining the U.S. strategic position.
That is our alliances with Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Australia and so forth. So that's the -- that's the first island chain.
If you -- if -- if Taiwan were to go the way, let's say, of Hong Kong, then that would -- that would make it very difficult for the United States.
But the question that you're asking is the right one. It's how do you get the right balance? And the truth is that China is deterred, not just by the
weapons on Taiwan and maybe not even by the weapons on Taiwan, although they're willing to use their military but political pressure on Taiwan.
[12:40:00]
I think China wants to seize -- seize itself in a broader role globally. And so it's the relationship with the United States, with other countries
in Asia, how they would respond to, let's say, an invasion of Taiwan and what the consequences would be globally that are more restraints on China
than simply the fact of a could we get on the beach and overrun the island.
ASHER: All right. General Wesley Clark, thank you so much for that.
She was once a mayor of Arcadia, California. Now, federal officials say that Eileen Wang has agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent
for the Chinese government.
Journalist Liz Nagy of KABC brings us the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LIZ NAGY, KABC REPORTER (voice-over): Eileen Wang's bilingual campaign ads meant to cater to the Chinese-American constituents in Arcadia were ripe
with promises for elected office.
But before she swore an oath to serve, the U.S. Justice Department now says Wang was spreading propaganda for the Chinese Communist Party.
SHARON KWAN, COUNCILWOMAN: I cannot say that the outcome was entirely surprising.
NAGY (voice-over): Councilwoman Sharon Kwan says she tried in chaotic city council meetings to raise suspicions of Mayor Wang's actions but faced
resistance.
KWAN: It's just very important to protect democracy here. And so, you know, and -- and just to ensure that there's no foreign influence.
NAGY (voice-over): A guilty plea from Wang unsealed in federal court in Downtown L.A. today confirmed prosecutors charge that Eileen Wang was
operating as a foreign agent for the Chinese government, circulating propaganda on the website U.S. News Center.
Wang prosecutors wrote, "Received and executed directives from PRC government officials to post pro-PRC content on the website."
AMANDA ELBOGEN, ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY: Arcadia has a large Chinese- American community. And so it's concerning when someone is in that position of power who has previously at the very least acted on behalf of China.
NAGY (voice-over): Earlier this year, Mayor Wang's former fiance and campaign manager was sentenced to four years in federal prison on similar
charges.
LOU SHAPIRO, FORMER PROSECUTOR: I think there is no coincidence to the timing of that.
NAGY (voice-over): Eileen Wang's plea deal with U.S. prosecutors arranged last month, but unsealed today comes as President Trump prepares to head to
Beijing for high-stakes talks with President Xi on Wednesday.
Criminal defense attorney Lu Shapiro points out.
SHAPIRO: I think he's trying to use this as an opportunity to show them that we are on to you. That you may think you're getting something over of
us, but we're not going to let that happen.
NAGY (voice-over): Now, Eileen Wang is likely heading for years in federal prison, leaving a city with majority Asian-Americans tarnished.
JUSTINE BRUNO, SPOKESPERSON, CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA: I think this is the conduct of one individual. And I think Arcadia has a long history of
really taking pride in the community.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: All right. Donald Trump was elected because of his grasp of the economy, but now, people are saying, quote, it's more expensive to exist.
New CNN poll results, after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:45:39]
ASHER: All right. Let's take a look and see how the U.S. markets are doing. Let's see. OK. All in the red. The Dow is down about a quarter of one
percent. S&P 500, down about one percent. And the NASDAQ, down slightly off of two percent. This is your business breakout.
The online marketplace eBay has rejected a takeover offer from GameStop. EBay described the offer, which GameStop says is worth $55 billion. It's
neither credible nor attractive. The video game retailer said, it was aiming to create a rival to Amazon.
The U.S. Energy Department says it released 53 million barrels of oil from the government's strategic petroleum reserve in a bid to stabilize oil
prices amid the war with Iran. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to a dramatic rise in oil prices, stoking inflation around the world.
And a new CNN poll finds that most Americans are unhappy with President Trump's economy. Seventy-seven percent say that his policies have pushed
them, pushed up rather, their cost of living. And nearly seven in 10 believe a recession is likely in the next year. The poll also found that
Trump's approval rating on the economy is at a career low, about 30 percent.
We have the best person to break down these numbers, especially as it pertains to affordability. Let's -- here's our chief data analyst, Harry
Enten.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HARRY ENTEN, CNN CHIEF DATA ANALYST: Zain, great to see you, my friend. But great to see you is the exact opposite of what President Trump is saying
when he's taking a look at our new CNN poll when it comes to the economy because he is sitting record lows when it comes to the economy.
What are we talking about here? Well, let's take a look at Trump's net approval rating on the economy. You know, you go back to term one at this
point in May of 2018. Look at that, Donald Trump. The economy was one, if not his best issue. He was 10 points above water. That is 10 percentage
points more of the electorate approved than disapproved of him.
But look now, negative 40 points. That is a drop of 50 points from where he was in term one at this point. This negative 40 points among all Americans
is the worst. The lowest that Trump has ever been on the economy.
My goodness gracious. But you think that negative 40 points is low? You ain't seen nothing yet, Zain. You ain't seen nothing yet because look among
independents.
And this to me tells a very key story. The economy was the reason why Donald Trump got reelected to a second term back in 2024 and independents,
those in the Senate electorate, those who drive the car for election or defeat, have turned against Trump on the economy.
Independents on Trump and the economy versus Harris back in October of 2024. Look at this. Trump was trusted more on the economy by 17 points.
Look at where this number is now. His net approval rating, 58 points below water. My goodness gracious. What is that?
The quick math here is that is a 75-point movement or so against, against the president of the United States.
When it comes to the economy, Trump is down there with the Titanic at this point among independents.
Now, is there any bit of good news for Republicans in this poll? Well, I found one and it's very interesting. So take a look among all registered
voters. This is a little bit more in depth than all adults, right?
Not every single American is registered to vote, but look at registered voters in the electorate. Registered voters on the economy. Trump's net
approval rating, 36, minus 36 points. He wishes it was plus 36.
Minus 36 points on the economy. But which party is trusted more on the economy? Well, traditionally, Republicans have had a lead on this issue,
but you might expect them to have completely lost that lead and Democrats to be leading, given how far under water Trump is.
But in fact, the two parties are tied. So Democrats should not be dotting their I's, crossing their T's just yet when it comes to the midterm
elections, because they still have some work to do, even though Donald Trump is historically unpopular when it comes to the economy.
But, Zain, you are historically popular when it comes to Harry J. Entens' book. Back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: Oh. He know -- he knows how to flatter, Harry Enten.
Still to come here on "One World," celebrating the joy of living at 108 years old. Susan Young Brown has seen it all. And she can't wait to see
more. Her story, coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:50:37]
ASHER: Keep moving. That is the mantra of retired U.S. teacher, Susan Young Browne, at 108 years old this month.
She's sharing with friends in the U.S., state of Delaware, and elsewhere where she's learned about living a long and healthy life. We are all ears.
Wakisha Bailey of KYW T.V. brings us her story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WAKISHA BAILEY, KYW REPORTER (voice-over): Ms. Susan Young Browne is a celebrity in her own way. One of the first members of Modern Maturity
Center. She's been coming here since 1973.
Inside the senior community center, Ms. Browne is likely the most senior.
SUSAN YOUNG BROWNE, RETIRED TEACHER CELEBRATES TURNING 108 YEARS OLD: I'm over a hundred, 108.
BAILEY (voice-over): Yes, she's 108 years old. She still joins group workouts three times a week.
And yes, she still drives.
BROWNE: They renewed my driver's license until 2033.
BAILEY (voice-over): She says the key to a healthy life is moving.
BROWNE: When I get up in the morning, I get down on the floor. I have an exercise routine. I think I've been doing it for the last 20 years.
BAILEY (voice-over): Born in 1918 in Houston, Delaware, Ms. Browne grew up during segregation, helping her family on a farm without running water or
electricity.
She later attended Delaware state college for colored students. And after graduating in 1945, spent 30 years teaching children across Delaware,
including in a one-room schoolhouse.
BROWNE: When I retired, I said, well, now I walked around that classroom for 30 years and I'm not going to sit down.
BAILEY (voice-over): She's been married twice and is known for her sense of humor.
BROWNE: I guess I'm not very good material for men.
BAILEY (voice-over): She has a son, a daughter, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren who are all lucky enough to enjoy her famous 7UP pound cake, but only on special occasions.
BROWNE: But butter in the pan.
BAILEY (voice-over): From her famous 7UP pound cake to her front row seat and 108th birthday party attended by more than 130 people, including
Governor Matt Meyer, Ms. Browne continues to make an entrance everywhere she goes.
BROWNE: I grow old gracefully.
BAILEY (voice-over): And for someone who's lived more than a century, the perfect birthday gift? Her very own reserved parking spot for drivers over
100.
[12:55:05]
BROWNE: See you later.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: I love that spring in her step. And by the way, I took notes. I am literally going to go for a run, as soon as the show is over. I'm inspired.
That does it for this hour of "One World." I'm Zain Asher. Thank you so much for watching. "Amanpour" is up next. I'm going for a run.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
