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Dec. 16, 2022, 10:35 a.m.

Indo-Pacific Commander discusses rising tensions with China

Summary

Watch the video and answer the questions below. The U.S. government labels China as one of its greatest challenges, even more so now as Beijing flexes its military prowess with an unprecedented build-up. Admiral John Aquilino is the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Nick Schifrin traveled to Hawaii and sat down with the commander to discuss rising tensions with China and an uncertain future in the region. Follow along with the transcript here .

Five Facts

  • Who are the individuals and groups featured in this story
  • What recent events have taken place in the Indo-Pacific between the U.S., China and Taiwan?
  • Where are China, Taiwan, North Korea and Hong Kong located?
  • When did China start to build up militarily in the Indo-Pacific?
  • Why did China start to build up its military presence in the Indo-Pacific in recent years?
  • How does the relationship between China and Russia and the war in Ukraine figure into all of this?

Focus Questions

What do you think is the most significant part of the story and why? Media literacy : What other perspectives would you like to hear in this story?

For More

What student can do: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says that the U.S. faces pivotal times concerning China's rise. Why do you think he said this? Learn about some of the governmental departments and agencies involved in U.S. foreign affairs, including the Defense Department. Austin served on the board of Raytheon, a weapons manufacturer, before taking his position in government. Do you think this creates a conflict of interest? Explain.
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