There are times when the purpose to which money is to be put is more revealing than the sum. This is such a time. And there are times when a trip to Moscow is more about China than it is about Russia. This is such a time. A time when a president of the United States has finally recognized that for years China has been waging, unanswered, a war to drive the United States out of the Asia-Pacific region, and to displace it as the world’s leading militarily and economic power.

President Trump had Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announce a $113,000,000 “strategic investment in deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific” region. A paltry sum, especially when measured against the $1,000,000,000, or more, China is prepared to spend on its Belt and Road Initiative. But the fund’s significance exceeds its amount. Donald Trump has recognized that he is not the only world leader who plans to make his country great again.