An eight-person team at the State Department, informally dubbed “the firm,” leads U.S. efforts to help countries targeted by China’s economic pressure. Originating from a 2021 conflict with China over Taiwan involving Lithuania, the group, led by senior adviser Melanie Hart, now aids over a dozen nations. They assess vulnerabilities and create responses for countries fearing loss of trade with China. The team’s initiatives are part of a broader U.S. strategy to counteract China’s global influence.
China has threatened trade with some countries after feuds. They’re calling ‘the firm’ for help
