This is CBS. I on the world. I'm John Batchel. The Indo-Pacific, Oceania, the vast part of our planet,

where sovereign states and states attached to the United States and our allies are at risk.

I've learned from Cleo Pascal of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy,

at risk from the People's Republic of China, its predation includes influence pedaling,

purchasing, airports, making promises, corrupting legislatures. And that was the story before

the Trump administration stepped up,

and we're anticipating that parts of the Trump administration,

that would be state, interior, NSC, and the DOD,

will be actively engaged in the Pacific,

not just kinetic warfare, but diplomacy or financing.

Cleo has guided me through all of this.

It's a vast canvas. There's no particular place more important than any other. So we begin with Cleo's conversation in Washington these last days at the Heritage Foundation entitled The Pacific Pivot,

a discussion on American strategy for the Pacific Islands.

Cleo, a very good evening to you. Thank you for this. I feel educated on islands that were always a challenge to me.

For example, you taught me how to say Kiribati and not as it's spelled, Kiribati.

I have also learned that the Northern Pacific, the Central Pacific, and the Southern Pacific

have distinct profiles that are necessary to apply ourselves.

First of all, I'd like a general remark about your measure of the Trump administration

coming in and members of Congress who are educated in these matters.

Are you looking to more success in the new year? Good evening to you, Cleo.

Good evening. There are people who are associated with the previous Trump administration

who I hope if they come back in are extremely good on this file. And there's a deep bench, especially if you're looking at China, once you start to see the

...