Wednesday, May 13, 2026

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.
On today’s edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses what to watch for as President Trump goes to Beijing, Chinese spies in U.S. political offices, the theater of international diplomacy, and the end of Dr. Marty Makary’s tenure as FDA Commissioner.
Part I (00:13 – 12:57)
Statecraft on the World Stage: What to Watch For as President Trump Goes to Beijing
Part II (12:57 – 18:19)
Chinese Spies in U.S. Political Offices: China is Seeking to Subvert the American System, Which Includes Infiltrating America With Its Own Agents

• California Mayor Will Plead Guilty to Working as Agent of China by The New York Times (Pooja Salhotra)
• He Offered a Lawmaker’s Aide Quick Cash. Was He Spying for China? by The New York Times (Dustin Volz)

Part III (18:19 – 22:27)
Diplomatic Security and President Trump’s Visit to China: Honor, Dignity, and the Deeply Serious (and Sometimes Absurd) Theater of International Diplomacy

• How to Avoid Fistfights and Poisonings at a World Leaders Summit by The Wall Street Journal (Lingling Wei)

Part IV (22:27 – 25:43)
Dr. Marty Makary Spends His Ninth Political Life: Dr. Makary is Out as FDA Commissioner – This Could Be a Big Win for the Pro-Life Movement

• Hawley Statement on Resignation of FDA Commissioner Makary by U.S. Senator for Missouri (Sen. Joshua Hawley)

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