Part 2/16:
The program begins by examining recent U.S. cabinet nominations, which signal a deliberate toughening stance towards Beijing. Notably, Senator Marco Rubio has been touted as a potential Secretary of State, emphasizing a more confrontational posture with China, especially regarding human rights abuses and military aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Similarly, Scott Bessent, a billionaire investor and tariffs advocate, is expected to champion economic measures reminiscent of former President Trump’s approach — notably, punitive tariffs aimed at curbing unfair trade practices.