Last week Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced significant US investment and strategy for the Indo-Pacific Region. Academy Securities's Head of Geopolitical Strategy Major General James "Spider" Marks and Head of US Rates Sales and Trading Glen Capelo provide their thoughts onn this announcement in this episode. Geopolitical Strategy Associate Rachel Washburn moderates the discussion.
Table of Contents:
- Indo-Pacific Campaign: 00:00 - 4:23
Trade War Update: 4:24 - 10:04Allies in the Region: 10:05 – 25:35
Key Points:
- Secretary Pompeo’s announcement for the Indo-Pacific economic strategy:
Pompeo has put a spotlight on a long-term effort in the Indo-Pacific RegionThe US has never lost sight of the importance of this region, but the perceived negligence exists because the US has spent the last 17 years at war in the Middle East and SW AsiaIt is critical for the US to remain engaged in the Indo-PacificAny solution with North Korea runs through Beijing:China, Japan, and Russia are important partners in the Indo-PacificSecurity guarantees help incentivize economic growthEconomic effort, on the part of the Chinese, has been their primary element of power to achieve global influenceThey create dependency- the US needs to provide a legitimate alternativeNorth Korea and Indonesia showcase perfect opportunities for the US to compete with China for influence:China is not going to back away from their military presence in the South China SeaFriends in the region need to know that we remain committed to partnerships- a consistent partner and friendAny engagement with Chinese companies is an engagement with the Chinese intelligence collection apparatus
Market Impact:
- The market is digesting this information especially as it pertains to long-term challenges with trade:
China’s economic system can sustain a long-term trade war and President Xi is preparedThis is the beginning of something new:President Trump’s negotiation style is reflective of this new managementIt is a monumental turn that we have gotten North Korea to the table and opened a dialogueNo doubt that the trade war could have collateral damage on our progress with North KoreaEconomically, these issues will benefit our relationship with JapanWhen dealing with China, you are not only dealing with private companies but also with the state