[inaudible conversations] good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Atlantic Council, thank you for joining us. Im president ceo of the Atlantic Council. Madame hi, representative. Sellout crowd and bursting out the doors and this underscores both recognition that we face historic moment in history for europe, the transalantic relationship and long before the november elections and that people are eager to here what report you can give us from your trip thus far and also answer their questions and then my questions as moderator on broader issues in the transalantic relationship which we in the Atlantic Council believe is the cornerstone for all u. S. Engagement in the world. The Atlantic Council, we would like to think of ourselves for the home of europe and washington, d. C. Im honored to represent the European Union for Security Affairs and Vice President of the European Commission federica mgherini. We had a fascinating last month in davus that we are facing a particularly important time and thus very interesting to hear your comments and enter in discussion with you. Im also very pleased to welcome embassador Christian Silverberg who will introduce our next guest. Former u. S. Embassador you should george w. Bush, she brings special insight to the important dialogue. Without further due, the floor is yours. Its a great honor to introduce federica. As fred mentioned ms. Megherini is visiting and would be challenging for even for the most transparency atlanticist. But i believe that our shared interest and values will prove durable particularly if we can demonstrate to skeptical voters on both sides of the atlantic that we can concretely address challenges together. The threat of terrorism, the catastrophe in syria, the risks that iran will pursue, a patient pathway to a nuclear weapon. Ms. Megherini addresses in her role in the European Union. Fred and high representative, the floor is yours. [applause] it is a lot of people. It is a lot of people and not a few cameras. I need not say we are on the record. So madame, hi, representative, you said your mission for this trip was to identify Common Ground. We heard comments from the administration and during the campaign that questions at times existence of the European Union but also we at the Atlantic Council have heard quite the opposite in dealings with people within the administration. After your meetings here in washington, d. C. Over the last two days, impressive, seven senators, rex tillerson, mike flynn, and others which, i think, underscores the importance that the leaders of this administration but i wasnt in the meetings so it would be interesting for us to know the take aways, what did you hear, are you return to go europe changed in any of your views, more optimistic, less so, i would love to hear your trip report. Thank you, well, first of all, thank you for the invitation and its really like being home. I was afraid you were going to say my home away from home and as im confused, my home is now rome or brussels, thats been a challenge in and of itself but for me it is home. I was just remembering the first time i came to the Atlantic Council i was still a member of the parliament in the assembly and this was already my home away from europe, so its great to be here and thanks for having me here and thanks all of you for coming. I came here can optimism already so i dont have to change my mind on that. I said i was coming, first of all, to show that on the european side there is a strong and across the atlantic we are friends. Our people are friends, they also do a lot of things together from trade and investments to Foreign Policy and Security Work and also to early stage with the new administration and also with congress and thats why so many meetings on the hill because seems to me that the moanlts we need to talk to the different in the institutions. I come back in the trip with positive impression. You were not in the meetings but they were very good. My meetings were excellent. Great attention from tillerson in washington and a clear message we want to continue working together. All good. So the wasnt name i failed to mention in listening to your meetings, kushner, hes also taking quite a bit of responsibility for the middle east, dont expect you to reveal private conversations but in these meetings, did you get a feeling of what priorities would be for the administration and any of the individuals you talked to in the eu relationship if you were tiering them . Well, first of all, one of the purposes of this meetings were also for my side to make clear which priorities we have in europe and that was, i think, important to do at an early stage because it seems to me that policies in washington in this moment are still in the making and that we have space for early snaij a pragmatic manner in which we will have common approach and priority and we might have a different approach. All meetings were good and all messages were good and i would not pretend we do not have different views on some issues. What i can tell you is where european ground and where we can find different approaches. I see first of all Common Ground in the strong intention to Work Together. If i have to believe in all the messages that i heard in the meetings, thats clear to me. Continue cooperation, strong u. S. Eu cooperation and work. Understanding well, i think, i hope i contributed to the understanding in the next two days that the European Union is not an institution, its 28 Member States. Second some Common Ground on some of our priorities that are common priorities, fight against terrorism solving some of the crisis around us, situation in ukraine, syria terrorism not only in the middle east but also spreading in some parts of africa. We have for sure work that we can do together there we have on the european side Top Priorities where we might find some different views across the atlantic today. How we save the middle east process, i think there we share the priority, we might have some differences on how we fix them and as you see im very open and and not hiding any of the difficulties and we might have some other issues where we see as europeans, we need to put this issue as a priority and maybe here not so much. Climate change, free trade, free and fair trades and International Global system of trade. Maybe some un rights issues but its not for me to define the american agenda that i understand is still in the making. What i can do is to bring the european agenda and put it on the table and a very pragmatic open constructive, friendly maybe transactional approach see where we can Work Together, where we might have differences and how we make the most out of this partnership. Among the things on which we might have different views, theres the global approach to immigration and refugees. Again, the list can continue, i see space for Common Ground, i see space for common work and i understand that many policies are still in the making, i forgot to mention one very important thing on which i found some Common Ground which is the nuclear deal with iran, for me that was a priority that is a priority to preserve the deal, have strong u. S. Commitments to its full implementation which meant strict and implementation is either in place or not, so 100 and on this i come back with some reassurances. Now, i saw you tweet that earlier. I also tweet and i also do it myself. [laughter] so even more room for Common Ground. Definitely so. [laughter] even if im considering starting to make my team check my tweets before they go out. [laughter] i wont comment on the maybe you can talk a little bit about the iran version, what did you hear there that you found reassuring . I heard the intention to make sure that the deal is 100 implemented. This requires all parties which means mainly iran on its nuclear commitment but also the International Community to fulfill the commitments that are agreed in the agreement, in the deal and for me personally this is a very important thing to do because i still have special institutional role in sharing the joint commission that overviews the implementation of the deal, thats not a bilateral deal thats belonging to the community and as european, it was important for me to pass here the message that was clearly understood that its key for our security as we are in the same region to see the deal implemented as it is now, one year after the implementation they would have had four ia reports on its full implementation on the nuclearrelated commitments of iran. This is important for europe. This is essential for europe. Then there are other issues where we share concerns with the u. S. Administration and with many others in the world that are not related to the Nuclear Program of iran starting from yemen or syria, support terrorist activities, missile tests and things like that. I would add as european human rights in that, maybe its a different story here but for us its really an important part and as intuchans we europeans we do have sanctions in place, we also are concerned about some of the things. But what is clear to us as europeans or together and what i also convey here in my meetings is that europe feels an interest and a responsibility to engage with iran specially as long as the nuclear deal is fully implemented on their side, on the nuclear commitments, we will continue to engage with iran being it in economic relations, being it in dialogues and cooperations we have started. I know its not the u. S. Policy, this is the european policy and this will continue. We have a one side full implementation of the gcp02. And where we have different policies but that was the case also with the previous administration, the european way has always been with the case with iran is one of engagements and that we continue and i think its very important that iranians, the iranian citizens hear from europe in these days. Thank you for that. On russia, we heard different statements at different times from the administration, from the president , administration most recently signaled the u. S. Sanctions against russia would remain in place. On the other hand, there seems to be a desire to cig naisk significantly improve relationship with russia. Where do you see commonality with russia and in particular in ukraine . Its quite weird. If i can have a reflection and thinking loud, its the first time i come to russia rather than being questioned about the eu positions i am questioned to u. S. Position. Can you tell what you say the u. S. Position . Im not sure i can. [laughter] no, some things im not sure its proper for me thats an interesting thing. Its also the first time that the main focus of my visit to washington is bilateral relations and this is telling us the new era where we are answering it. On russia, first of all, for europeans its clear we have a twotrack policy with russia. There are five on which we work very well with russia, the iran deal was an example of that, process, israelpalestine is another example where the europeans and russians work well together within. We have similar views. Other issues where we work a lot and well together. So this perception that europe doesnt talk to russia is is a misperception and by the way, a couple of years ago we were asked if we were not talking too much to the russians so things changed in an interesting manner. We have a strong policy and principle policy when it comes to ukraine. This is very serious to us. Not only for the situation in the east of ukraine itself and in crimea, but also because for us europeans its essential to understand each other, specially across atlantic on the basic vital principle that you do not change borders by force. And this for us is a must of our cooperation, across the atlantic this has never been put into question and i believe this is related not only to the principles of International Law, which is, but also its a matter of security for europe. And i believe that many of my european fellow citizens in the east of our continent are potentially a bit nervous about question marks that could be put here on this approach. Also this, my meetings were positive and in particular we agreed that as long as the agreements are not fully implemented, sanctions would remain in place. But i dont know if this is going to be the consolidated policy and as you were not in my meetings, i was not in the oval office when President Trump called president putin. For us this is an essential point and i believe that this is not not only Central Point for europeans but i think for congress this is an essential point as well. And if there is a thought of some sort in relationships between u. S. And russia which is a possibility even if sanctions should remain in place, do you foresee the eu members will have resolve today stay firm on sanctions under the current set of circumstances where crimea is still occupied. I think europeans will continue to be united on that. I dont know if americans will be united on that. But europeans will. For us, i want to be clear also on this. For us the sanctions are not a policy in itself, its not something we take particular pleasure in having, for us its an instrument to put pressure and achieve results. For us the result is solving conflict in ukraine so we also discussed specially with secretary tillerson how we can better support or help the full implementation of the agreements and this is perfectly fine because the real objective is this, to achieve peace in east of ukraine, respect of International Law and also in crimea. So, again, the european position is clear on this. Im confident it will continue to be clear in unity because all those that over years have thats on european divide themselves on this have been wrong and i think this will continue to be the case, but i cannot answer for u. S. I can say i was receiving messages but i dont know if there will be divisions in the u. S. Because of this, i hope not. Thank you for that. Im going to ask one or two more questions and then go to the audience. Youve said that the eu is ready for a tractional way of working with the United States and also today. I guess at the Atlantic Council the notion of a trance actional relationship with the transalantic partners would seem a step backwards, do you think this is sufficient and what do you mean a transactional way . Which is sad, i agree. I prefer to have a partnership, friendship based on this reflect we had in the last years of turning to each other and agreeing things to do naturally. But if there is the need to recall, the need for a friendship to be in place, the added value of the European Union to america then we are ready to do so and i will just mention a couple of very basic things that here in the Atlantic Council are quite evident but maybe we need to stress them again. One is the economic relation we have. 80 of investments in the u. S. Come from europe, come from European Union. I think we are bringing a couple of million more with European Investments and i think you cannot find many states in the United States that are not having 300, 40 million jobs created in europe for america. If theres a transactional way of doing things, i dont know. But we need each other and its not europe that needs america only its america that needs europe. And we better recognize that, to have a serious conversation. The other thing is security. And even europe, the European Union is not nato and we do not we cannot make the two organizations overlap, there is a big elephant in the room that is the investment in our Common Security. And in europe we started well before the november elections, last summer to work very seriously on strengthening the European Defense within the European Union and to me it was very strange because i spent month from july to october even november reassuring washington and the other side of brussels, which means nato headquarters that this was not to undermine nato, not in competition with nato but to strengthen nato and now im passing this other explaining that its good to strengthen nado. I put this in the transactional box. Europeans have carried the burden for our common commitments to security in the work through nato but also through other means, the European Union is a security provider, its also a hard power even if its not perceived too much here. We have 16 military missions, we are training military sources where the threat is present, we are operating off africa, piracy that has disappeared basically from the region. Also saving lives, we are also military power and if people are serious on the needs to have european Member States investing not only more but also better on defense, this can be done with the support of the European Union. I give you an example. I think i mention that had to you in dallas a couple of weeks ago. In europe we invest 50 of what is invested in america for defense but the output of our European Investment is 15 . Why . Because we are not working together at the economy of scale that is needed. So here comes the value of the European Union, we are proposing plans to incentivize Member States of the European Union to Work Together in cooperation to develop capabilities, investing and research and innovation, strengthening their defense. This can happen with the support of the European Union, without that Single Member state will continue in manner and the burden sharing of our Common Security across atlantic will continue the way it is. Not just getting the nato target of 2 for all the nato members but actually spending the money better via plans. One last question for me and then i will turn it over to the audience. You were talking about europe, the impression from here and also among many european friends there is that the eu is facing existential potential challenges, you have brexit, political challenges and then the elections this year, france, holland, germany and so on. How do you view the state of europe from that standpoint. How serious do you think challenges are and even more importantly what is the u. S. Contribution or what could the u. S. Contribution or Trump Administration contribution be at this point in this scenario . For good or for bad . Lets look at worst Case Scenario and best Case Scenario. I think the state of our union is strong and good. I i recently said that the European Union, europe in general is a little bit like 16 years old, beautiful girl that looks herself in the mirror and finds herself ugly and life is awful and everything is going wrong. We are going to celebrate the anniversary in the end of march. The press u. S. Administration used to tell us very often that europe should believe in itself as much as america believes in america and i think this sentence is worth keeping in our memory very strongly at least in europe because we are much more powerful, much stronger than sometimes we perceive ourselves to be. And, you know, think about european existential crisis. Take brexit. Eight months after the referendum the uk has not even formally notified the willingness to stop negotiations. So for sure the decision is taken but they dont seem particularly in a hurry to get out. I think this is telling a lot and by the way, i take this chance to stress the fact that not only the uk is still a member state but it will continue to be the case for another couple of years, many months. So this has to be taken into consideration because i chair three european council, still 28 around the table and we will continue to be 28 around the table. Not only i do not see others following but at the moment i have still 28 Foreign Ministers to deal with and we take decisions and important thing to stress, not because we are a prison but because Member States see this as their own interest as long as youre a member state trade agreements are negotiated by the European Union, not one Single Member state including the uk for at least a couple of years ago, can negotiate by bilateral state agreements. I think its important to understand here as our british friends did, i dont know privately but for sure its the case, this is continuing to be the case n. The in the tractional approach theres also the trade part of the relevance of the European Union being the first markets in the world and also for mesh goods and the economic power in the world. I leave toyota you. And the u. S. Contribution, worst case what you would hope, best case and worst case. I only have one case because we would not accept [laughter] sorry. Yeah. No interference. No interference. We do not interfere on u. S. Domestic politics and theres plenty of u. S. Domestic politics these days, the its not for me to comment on that not on political decisions, not on decisions of the courts, thats for the u. S. Its democracy, its a great democracy, strong institutions, strong people, elect people, its not for me or for any other european to comment on domestic political choices or decisions in the u. S. The same goes with europe. No interference, by the way, we dont see elections as a major challenge, elections are part of democratic life and europeans can take political decisions lightly. I have full confidence in the european democracies and i have the impression that theres quite enough here to do and maybe free time to dedicate to european politics its not that much. Maybe America First means also that you have to deal with America First. That seems like a minimalist approach as you think of americas role in the post World War Ii History of europe, but you would be satisfied with that, let europe go toward the way it will go forward, you dont really need im saying no interference because i am hearing and seeing messages from time to time not in my meetings here and this reassures me very much but im hearing rumors around or seeing people around inviting europeans to do one thing or the other, inviting Member States to do one thing or the other and i think we have to make clear that theres a certain european pride we are grateful to america. Im italian and i stop here. Its clear, its clear. We built our freedom, our democracies, our economies together but we are grown up, we are turning 60 this year as a union, we are a global power. We are responsible for ourselves. I wish we could have a friendship that continues to be a National Friendship in which we can help each other strengthen our economies, our democracies, democracy is always in the making. Its never perfect. Thats the best Case Scenario. Thats clear. Weve never had such a strong and fruitful transalantic partnership as we had in the two years and a half that we have been in office. That has been ideal. For me and for us all europeans this can continue and we would be perfectly happy with that. As i hear sometimes voices saying, you know, the European Union is not necessarily a good idea, inviting to dismantle what we have managed to build and that has brought us not only peace but also economic strength and i hear you. As with the position you start with doing no harm. Yeah. [laughter] then if we can do much better than this, im only happy. This is the way in which we work in the last two years and a half. Excellent. Questions . I see one here and then here. So, please. Thank you, madame. My question has to do with whether engaging your american had discussion issues of migration, diversion and pluralism across the atlantic, thank you, including refugees . You did hint that there may be difference of opinions in migrations and refugees. Yeah, again, i would not its not for me to comment on decision that is are taken here and specially in a moment when we see that theres institutional divergence around that. I do not comment on Court Decisions or in my own country, imagine here. Thats a good rule for any politician, i believe. So its for the United States to find their own way on how to manage migration. What i can say is the european way and we struggle quite a lot to find our own way because last year the year before was quite a pain full and being and italian i have been struggling for years when i was in my own country to have a common European Response to a challenge that was seen in the previous years only as a national one, but finally we got as europeans in the European Union to a common approach that is based on partnership and cooperation with countries of origin transits, work to dismantle the criminal organizations, saving lives at sea and in the deserts, thats the main place where people are dying in our routes, investing in local developments in communities from where the float starts, protecting peoples rights, human rights, respect for the dignity of human beings, whoever they are, whatever they are and whatever backgrounds they have. This is the european way. We struggle a lot together, yes, indeed. Is it still sometimes controversial within the European Public scene, yes, it is, but this is the common policy we are putting in place and this is starting to get us some results. We think that theres no way in which you can feed the illusion that migration can be stopped. Migration can be managed and has to be managed and between between the illusion of stopping flow of people with walls and saying that everybody can come, there is a reasonable sensible, respectful manner to manage rationally and this is our way, this is the european way and this is by the way, the way that the National Community agreed in new york when we decided together altogether to accomplish Global Compact for refugees and migration and we are committed to that, partnership with the ium, and special focus and respect in human rights of people. The history of europe is also such that, you know, we tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to walls and the symbolism of that is strong. We came to celebrate when walls come down and we are quite skeptical to say so. When it comes to the idea that walls can stop people or things, they empower smugglers, normally. They close you in uncircled area, maybe thats because europe has always been a continent of immigration, how many italians you know that have key roles here in the United States . I guess the mayor of the city of the president and not only the current one, a few others, giuliani to others. America has always been great because it has been made up of many people coming from different places. Europe doesnt have that tradition, but we know what it means to move around because youre going out of a place because of war or because you simply looking for a better place. Again, this doesnt mean that open borders, everybody can come, not at all, it means that theres a rational humane way of managing managing this, and by the way, sorry its been long but thats quite an issue. You know, i dont know for america, but i guess for sure for europe, if we were to imagine that tomorrow all migrants disappear from our countries, our economies would collapse immediately. So the cost on no migration for our economies and not only for our societies would be big, again, this doesnt mean it doesnt have to be managed, it has to be managed in a sustainable manner, but i guess we have a different approach. Not to say youre wrong, to say we are doing in different manner. Thank you for that and turning to the embassador, if you could introduce yourself, also since you were speaking of italianamericans or italians, sitting next to our member franco, two most dieb amic places in washington coffee milano, so [laughter] strong position. [inaudible] good to see you. You spoke about common priorities, i wanted to ask you whether you think your meeting in washington, you mentioned having related issues. [inaudible] also im very happy to hear that you said that voters should not change i hope its equally polite for the countries. And i will add more to your question as well. We the issue of energy security, which is very relevant issue for europe, the diversification of our sources and who is part of our Security Strategy was not central to my in my talks here. This doesnt mean that it will not be and i had excellent opportunity monday meeting with your president to reinstate our strong support to the south corridor and that will continue to be the case. By the way, i think that youre hosting in the coming weeks the the meeting. Last year i was present together to show our common supports. On the european side, this is going to continue. Thank you. Please. Hi, i am from melvanian services. I will bring you back to your region now. I have a question to the justice reform, the judiciary reform in albania, the un and United States have invested heavily in having this reform approved in the country but already there have been, you know, concerns expressed by both representatives about issues with implementing the reform or sort of some efforts to deter the reforms, are you concerned about this and how do you see the future of implementation and if possible you talked about the plate full of opportunities between the u. S. And you to Work Together on international issues, with u. S. Adopting the stand of America First and this full plate, will the balkins get the first range, gracias. [speaking in native tongue] first in judicial reform in albania, i had the honor to address parliaments and unanimous vote on judicial reform and that was a historic step for the country. Obviously for us whats important is now the same unity and the same determination is shown in the implementation of the reform and im confident that the country can find this strength in the institutions to do that because i know how much albanians, importance to this reform and i think this is also key, not only i think, we all think this is key to move forward on European Union path for the country. Thats an open path, you know, thats an open door. And i really hope that this will manage to be built in a sense of National Unity if i can say so. I know this is not the favorite sport in albania, but i think when it comes to the interest of the citizens this is a must. On the western baltics is part of the conversation to pass the message, indeed, that for us in the European Union the work with the western world is key, its priority, also because we refer to this region as on its way to europe, we dont realize its europe, its the heart of europe and for us in the European Union the Regional Cooperation and every single country moves to reform and finally Integration Union is essential and for that to happen we need continuous engagements from the region and i see the engagements. The project representative when Angela Merkel congratulated President Trump there was cooperation of the values. Hearing your comments today, is a more transactional approach. A difference in degree or what would be the balance between values, transaction or approach. Thank you. Grabbed the microphone, is reported. Thank you for your leadership. I am with the arms control association. It is reassuring to hear there is a commitment to implementation but as we approach some key deadline sanctions waiver, are you concerned that congress may initiate actions that iran might interpret to be violations, in other words sanctions that might have the same effect as the old Nuclear Related sanctions. Are you confident the deal will navigate through this two or three months. The most frequent question, plenty of reason to be concerned. What i can tell you is the European Union which means all europeans in a special role, we will monitor carefully and in a strict manner implementation of the deal. From all sides. That it is a clear shared interest to conserve the agreement. I dont know if confidence and optimism for foreignpolicy, i can tell you the determination to make sure the deal is preserved and implemented and strictly implemented by all, on the previous question i can tell you one thing. There is no distinction in the european attitude toward the United States. Not because i read it somewhere but exactly one week ago, last friday, i was in malta for the summit for the European Union that was just back from washington to share assessments of the visit and have a conversation with Francois Hollande and 28 on our approach to the Transatlantic Partnership so i dont like the transactional for the first time here. Talk about a diplomatic approach on the values that we assume are common values, and things for ourselves of u European Values and european interests with a sense of friendship and also a clear sense of priorities when it comes to making clear that some European Values and interests are not under discussion. So friendship doesnt change i wouldnt be here. And i wouldnt be looking forward to welcoming in a sense in brussels the official visit so friendship, operation on the presence of values and the basis of our interests but also with clear ideas on what cannot be in doubt when it comes to our priorities. We know you have to go out to another meeting. I would ask as i think you for people to stay in their seats so you can get to the meeting as expeditiously as possible. Let me say a couple things in closing, first of all this is an important time for you to be in the United States which we hope you come freely. I will come next month. Whenever you are here in the Atlantic Council assistance we would love you to do it but your voice is an important one and in my lifetime, not sure the transatlantic relationship played as important a role for the future as it does or any more important role, on behalf of the audience and everybody listening online and elsewhere thank you for taking the time, thank you for this very timely trip. [applause] latest gentlemen, please. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the Heritage Foundation taking a look at the Iran Nuclear Agreement and whether it is the worst deal ever negotiated as stated by President Trump. Analysts will look at the deal and we will have live coverage of their discussion at noon eastern time and with congress on break, booktv in prime time, programs normally seen only on weekends on cspan2. Tonight authors on National Security, starting with James Mitchell on interrogations, the author of the drone memos, National Security council and elliott collins, arthur of the big stick all tonight starting at 8 00 eastern. In case you missed it here are some clips of cspans programming last week. Kentucky senator rand paul spoke of the republican healthcare News Conference about the gop plan to replace the Affordable Care act. It is going to legalize the sale of inexpensive insurance, it is going to expand Health Savings accounts so people can save their insurance, their deductible or their premiums, vitamins, weight loss, you name it. Exercise. It also allows individuals to join an association so they are not left in the cold by themselves to buy insurance in a small insurance pool. Ashton kutcher shared his insight on modern slavery with the Senate Foreign relations committee. I have been on fbi raids where i have seen things no person should ever seen. I have seen video content of a child the same age as mine being raped by an american man that was a tourist in cambodia and this child was so conditioned by her environment that she thought she was engaging in play. Reporter from the senate floor, senator Charles Grassley on background checks for mentally ill citizens. The government is essentially saying that a person with a disability such as an eating disorder is more likely to be violent and should no longer be allowed to own a gun. There is no evidence to support that general idea. At a News Conference nancy pelosi spoke out against President Trumps policy agenda. Hardworking, lawabiding immigrants and embraces vladimir putin. The disgraceful new ice raids targeting immigrant families are deeply upsetting, cruel and designed to spread fear. Makes america less safe, less strong and more fearful. Reporter nominee for administrator for the centers for medicare and Medicaid Services at her confirmation hearing. Im extremely humbled at first generation american to be sitting before this committee after being nominated by the president of the United States. It is a testament to the fact that the American Dream is very much alive for those willing to work for it. Reporter all cspan programs are available on cspan. Org, on our homepage researching the video library. Next a look with chinas military strength and us Defense Strategy in the asiapacific with the president and ceo of the center for strategic and budgetary assessments. He also addressed South China Sea military security and future of us china relations. This is about an hour. Good morning and welcome to the center for strategic and budgetary assessments. My name is Jamie Graybill and we were discussed originally released report reinforcing the front line. Defense strategy for the rise of china. This is the first of three regional reports that fit