In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt is joined by TAG Partner Rexon Ryu to welcome on General Dave Goldfein, recently-retired Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. General Goldfein shares his experiences guiding the 650,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel that make up the U.S. Air Force through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three also discuss the future of the Air Force in Asia, how the Air Force approaches technological innovation, the importance of nuclear deterrence, and concepts of teamwork and leadership in the military.
Podcasts
Recent Posts
Han Lin in The Straits Times: announcement of nuclear weapons testing at the Trump-Xi meeting was “bold and disruptive.’
October 31, 2025
Media Mentions
TAG China Country Director Han Lin noted, “He’s forcing the room to focus on US leverage amid the smiles. If ...
Han Lin in The Globe and Mail: Trump-Xi meeting ‘more of a tactical pause than strategic breakthrough.’
October 30, 2025
Media Mentions
TAG China Country Director Han Lin noted, “Yet though the core issues of the U.S.-China rivalry – such as technology ...
Alison Szalwinski in DW: ‘Washington’s tumultuous trade negotiations — from China to India to Korea — have left many of its Asian allies questioning whether the United States still sees economic integration as a strategic asset or a bargaining chip.’
October 30, 2025
Media Mentions
Szalwinski from The Asia Group said that countries have been hedging for some time by “doubling down on smaller, results-oriented ...
Han Lin in CNBC: ‘The U.S. decision to cut fentanyl-related tariffs to 10% addresses a key Chinese grievance.’
October 30, 2025
Media Mentions
TAG China Country Director Han Lin shared that “Beijing’s efforts to curb exports of fentanyl precursors, long unrecognized by Washington, ...