NEW YORK -- The U.S. declared a "new era" in American commitment to the Indo-Pacific on Monday, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announcing a $113 million package aimed at developing the region's digital economy, energy sector and infrastructure.
Although Pompeo made no mention of China, experts say the plan is meant to defend U.S. interests in the region as China forges ahead with its own trade and infrastructure investment program, the Belt and Road Initiative.