Episode 2

Taiwan becomes a dangerous flashpoint as the battle for supremacy ramps up. Trump’s first term ends with relations with China at their lowest point for years as both countries deal with the devastating consequences of the Covid pandemic – or, as Trump called it, ‘the China plague.’

Xi’s government have high hopes for Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, but these are dashed after a frosty meeting in Alaska. Biden sparks further anger in Beijing when he signs a nuclear submarine deal with Australia and the UK, and takes on China over tech – before speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan brings the two superpowers closer than ever to military confrontation. Tensions remain high as Donald Trump takes over for his second term, throwing world politics into disarray.

Top interviewees include US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, UK prime minister Boris Johnson, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and Taiwan’s foreign minister David Lee, as well as top Chinese academics who give the inside track from Beijing.