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Beyond the Waves: China’s Actions and Ambitions in the Pacific
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Beyond the Waves: China’s Actions and Ambitions in the Pacific

Beyond the Waves: China’s Actions and Ambitions in the Pacific

Dr. Steven Sheffield will explore China’s growing strategic influence in the Pacific Island nations, examining its approach to great power competition through the DIME-FIL framework—Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic, Financial, Intelligence, and Law Enforcement. This talk will cover China’s diplomatic engagement, economic investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, military expansion, and efforts to reshape regional governance. Dr. Sheffield will also address China’s use of information operations, cyber tools, and financial strategies like debt diplomacy. The discussion will assess the implications for U.S. and allied forces and propose responses such as enhanced security partnerships and regional diplomatic engagement.
Date & Time May 13, 2025 12:00 PM
- 1:30 PM
Location: Greenville Water Community Room (On the Corner - 517 West Washington)
407 W Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601
Guest Speaker: Dr. Steven Sheffield
Lunch Option: Catered All boxed lunches include a choice of 6" Deli sandwiches with American Cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Includes Groucho's Formula 45 Sauce, pickles, chips, cookies & bottled water | Caterer: Groucho's Deli | $14 per person

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Steven Sheffield
Dr. Steven Sheffield
Steven Sheffield is a seasoned intelligence professional with over 20 years of experience in special operations, targeting, and open-source intelligence (OSINT). He has held leadership roles at 3GIMBALS and Dunami, where he advanced intelligence tools and research. Steven served as an Intelligence Officer with the US Air Force and worked on counter-radicalization efforts with the Dutch National Police. He is currently a PhD candidate at Clemson University, focusing on disinformation, and holds a Master’s in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

More About this Event

Topic Questions about Discussion:

Dr. Steven Sheffield will discuss China’s rising influence in the Pacific Island nations through the lens of the DIME-FIL framework—Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic, Financial, Intelligence, and Law Enforcement. The talk will address China’s coordinated multi-domain competition in this critical region, exploring its diplomatic, military, and economic strategies. Key questions for discussion include:

  • How is China leveraging diplomatic engagement and economic investments to expand its influence in the Pacific?
  • What role do military expansion and strategic port access play in China’s regional ambitions?
  • How does China use information operations, cyber tools, and financial strategies to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific?
  • What strategic responses can the U.S. and its allies consider to counterbalance China’s growing presence in the region?

 

Beyond the Headlines is a Lunch and Learn speaker series that presents fact-based information on today’s most pressing global issues. Events will have academic or research institution thought leaders as speakers, giving background and remarks on the topic before allowing audience members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Providing a non-political-based platform for sensitive topics will enable people to broaden their horizons and ask questions that facilitate growth on the subject matter.  The series is free without lunch and open to the community.