This is John Batcher, conversation with Cleo Pascal of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy,

about a success from Congress signing a compact with three independent states in the Central Pacific, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau,

this ends a drama where they were underfunded for a long time and being bribed, bullied, enticed by the People's Republic of China,

bringing them over to their side in the anticipation of a

participation in the Pacific, these three island states are the stepping stones between Hawaii, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan,

critical to the defense of Oceania.

However, the compact has now been signed and there are reasons

to celebrate. At the same time, Cleo analyzes why China does not give up.

What's next?

Cleop Pascal, Foundation for the Defense of democracies.

We'll be able to get the services that, health services that they require in their in their countries or be brought to probably Hawaii for treatment.

So the the benefits will start to become evident. But the PRC doesn't care of course about truth.

They just care about putting across their message.

So if this doesn't work now now they'll find something else that they think might work next

more of this later thank you