Cleo Paskal

United States

Columnist at Sunday Guardian Live

Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Just reporting.

Articles

At Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, China-Pacific Islands Relations Steam Ahead

5 days ago | fdd.org | Reagan Easter |Cleo Paskal

The China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China from May 28 to 29. All Pacific Island Countries (PICs) that don’t recognize Taiwan were in attendance. In a traditional Pacific Islands context, the highest-ranking attendee was the crown prince of the Kingdom of Tonga, who is also Tonga’s foreign minister. This was a strong symbol to the region that relations with China are acceptable.
Why does the PRC seek to dominate the Federated States of Micronesia?

5 days ago | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Cleo Paskal

June 2, 2025 | The John Batchelor Show Why does the PRC seek to dominate the Federated States of Micronesia?
At Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, China-Pacific Islands Relations Steam Ahead

5 days ago | thediplomat.com | Cleo Paskal

While not groundbreaking, the meeting indicated steady progress towards China’s goal of a “shared future” with Pacific Island countries – including using them as strategic outposts. Subscribe for ads-free reading The China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that place in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China from May28 to 29. All Pacific Island Countries (PICs) that don’t recognize Taiwan were in attendance.
China is reviving World War II airfield in America's backyard

5 days ago | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Cleo Paskal

June 2, 2025 | Bannon's War Room China is reviving World War II airfield in America’s backyard
China Hosts Pacific Islands Nations' Foreign Ministers Meeting

1 week ago | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Cleo Paskal

Cleo joins TaiwanPlus to discuss China's expanding influence in the Pacific Islands.
FSM breaks ground on China-led airport reconstruction project in Woleai

1 week ago | fdd.org | Reagan Easter |Cleo Paskal

Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina officiated the May 26 groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Woleai airport runway. The work is being done by China’s Shandong Hengyue Municipal Engineering Co. Approximately 30 workers are on site, with the project expected to last around nine months. A cargo ship with smaller tenders is anchored offshore. It brought construction equipment and materials for the job from China.
China Reviving World War II Airfield in America's Backyard

1 week ago | fdd.org | Reagan Easter |Cleo Paskal

May 27, 2025 | Newsweek China Reviving World War II Airfield in America’s Backyard
India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire

3 weeks ago | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Cleo Paskal

Cleo joins Fox LiveNOW to discuss the agreement by India and Pakistan to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal
Why China wants to control the Pacific Island of Palau

1 month ago | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Cleo Paskal

Cleo joins Taiwan Talks to discuss Beijing's influence in Palau and why the Pacific Island is critical to securing Taiwan.
Palau deports Chinese criminals, reinforces Indo-Pacific security

2 months ago | asiatimes.com | Cleo Paskal

In the last three months, the Pacific island country of Palau has executed a master class in how to quietly, professionally and effectively rid itself of serious national security threats – including striking a powerful blow against some major Chinese bad guys (and gals). Given Palau’s location, and who it has as allies, this is having an outsized effect on Indo-Pacific security.