Rep. Maggie Goodlander Questions Military Official on Indo-Pacific Threats

Top Threat in the Indo-Pacific

• 🇨🇳 The People's Republic of China is identified as the primary threat to U.S. national security, freedom, and well-being in the Indo-Pacific region.
• 🇷🇺 Russia also poses a threat with its sizable Pacific fleet, increasing joint exercises with China.
• 🇰🇵 North Korea's threat is significant and growing, with increasing cooperation with other adversaries.
• ⚠️ Violent extremist groups are also acknowledged as a threat.

China's Growing Naval Capabilities

• 🚢 China is building six combatants per year, including aircraft carriers and nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
• 🚀 They are developing a next-generation nuclear-powered submarine in their Shang 3 series.
• 🌐 Addressing this threat requires a cross-domain approach involving the entire joint force, not just navy-on-navy.
• 🏭 Increasing shipmaking capability is crucial to pace China's build rates.

Allies and Deterrence

• 🤝 America's network of allies and partners is its most significant asymmetric advantage in the Indo-Pacific.
• 🇺🇦 Support for Ukraine has a direct bearing on the PRC's calculus, as they are watching Russian success or failure closely.
• 🌍 A global trade war against allies in the region could negatively impact national security.

South Korea's Stability

• ⚖️ The military in South Korea has acted as a stabilizing force during a constitutional crisis, allowing the system to function according to its rules and rule of law.
• 🛠️ The military has responded effectively to domestic incidents, providing time and space for constitutional processes to unfold.