2 chapters across the catalog
Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with representatives from the "Quad" (Japan, India, Australia) to discuss countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. The discussion also touches on President Trump's renewed interest in building an "Iron Dome" missile defense system over the United States, which the hosts characterize as a potential massive financial "boondoggle."
The Quad Alliance, China Influence in Southeast Asia
The "Quad"—comprising the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan—is actively working to contain China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India and Japan are specifically targeting ASEAN members like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines to counter Chinese "salami-slicing" tactics in the South Sea. Conversely, New Zealand is moving toward an upgraded free trade agreement with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, leading to calls for its removal from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
