The Pacific Century

Taking a short break from Asia, Misha and John welcome back their friend and colleague H.R. McMaster, to remember his pivotal role in the Battle of 73 Easting in the Iraq War, on February 26, 1991—the last great tank battle of the 20th century.

Misha hosts the Royal Navy’s White Ensign, for a talk with Britain’s First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin. They discuss why the Royal Navy is returning to the Asia-Pacific, the upcoming deployment of the new HMS Queen Elizabeth to the South China Sea, the China challenge, and cooperation with the US Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Misha and John travel to Hong Kong to talk with Dominic Ziegler, longtime Asia correspondent for The Economist and the author of the paper’s “Banyan” column. They discuss whether there will be blood in Burma after the military coup last week, then they switch to talking about new Chinese threats to the South China Sea, what Asia fears about Joe Biden’s policies, and finally, the tragedy of Hong Kong under PRC rule.

Misha and John are joined by their Hoover colleague and director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, Peter Berkowitz, to discuss his major report on China.  Inspired by George Kennan’s famous Long Telegram, Peter discusses the sources of Chinese conduct and the challenge to US and global interests

This week, John and Misha talk with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the Trump Administration’s China policy.  What were their successes?  What more did he wish he could have done?  Most importantly, where does America go from here?  After visiting with the Secretary, Misha and John talk about China’s latest repression in Hong Kong, about threats to Taiwan, and about whether the US intelligence community is accurately analyzing China.

This week, John returns as Pacific Century visits London, to talk with Tom Tugendhat MP.  Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee in the House of Commons and head of the China Research Group, Tom discusses the China Research Group’s new report on dealing with a more assertive Chinese Communist Party.  He explains how the UK’s China policy has evolved over the past several years, including its turnaround on Huawei.  He also looks ahead at how London might work with the new Biden administration.

This week, Pacific Century talks to General Kenneth Wilsbach, the commander of Pacific Air Forces. General Wilsbach talks about the US Air Force’s role at the tip of the spear in the Indo-Pacific. A fighter pilot who has flown America’s most advanced jets, General Wilsbach discusses the Chinese air threat, North Korea’s nukes, the crucial alliance partners of the US, and the new technologies that will change aerial warfare.

China expert and CSIS China Chair Jude Blanchette joins the Pacific Century to lay bare the political workings of the CCP.  Jude explains what the recent Fifth Plenum was and why it’s important for China’s long-term planning.  Jude also discusses the CCP’s state capitalism policy and dissects both the strengths and weaknesses of the Leninist state in a new era of competition with the United States.

Misha and John welcome an American hero to Pacific Century. Former Secretary of State and current Hoover Distinguished Fellow George Shultz discusses how China’s shrinking labor force will reduce productivity and economic growth. He also gives insights into his dealings with the Chinese during the Reagan Administration. Then, John and Misha discuss the rebirth of the “Quad” among the US, Japan, Australia, and India, and whether the Europeans can play any role in the Indo-Pacific.

Misha and John discuss John’s new book, Defender-in-Chief: Donald Trump’s Fight for Presidential Power (St. Martin’s Press 2020). They discuss whether a Trump Doctrine exists and if so, what its core tenants are concerning the US and world power. Misha and John argue over whether Trump represents a sharp break in US foreign policy as well as what to expect concerning US relations with China in the coming years. Will the US/China relationship be the start of a new Cold War, a bump in the road, or something different?