President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet five times in roughly one year—an extraordinary stretch of U.S.-China diplomacy. But how much do Americans really know about the powerful Chinese leader sitting across the negotiating table?

In this Nation States with Yates update, Steve Yates previews Tuesday's deep dive into Xi Jinping's rise to power, the downfall of political rival Bo Xilai, and the Communist Party's transformation under Xi's leadership. Does a more powerful Xi mean a stronger China, or does his leadership create new vulnerabilities Washington can exploit?

Then, Thursday's episode examines the Iran war, its major turning points, and the lessons emerging after the 2026 midterm elections. Did America's military strategy achieve its objectives, and what did the conflict ultimately accomplish?

From Trump-Xi summits and Chinese Communist Party politics to Iran and American national security, Steve Yates breaks down the global challenges shaping America's future.

New episodes Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM Eastern. Subscribe, follow, and share Nation States with Yates.