Committee on Armed Services House of Rep

The Challenge of Conventional and Hybrid Warfare in the Asia-Pacific Region Committee on Armed Services House of Rep

The Indo-Asia-Pacific region is critical to the national interests of the United States. Despite our best efforts in promoting growth and prosperity through our committed presence and engagement, the challenges that we face are no small task. North Korea's nuclear tests have openly defied the international call for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, and the regime uses hybrid and asymmetric warfare to reinforce its survivability and to exert undue influence. China continues to press its claims in the South China Sea, and their actions have shown that it too will resort to gray zone tactics short of open conflict to achieve foreign policy goals. We have resumed our freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, a waterway vital to America's prosperity, where $5.3 trillion in trade traverses each year. Instead of further provocation, China should abide by internationally accepted norms and contribute to a peaceful and equitable resolution to the disputed claims. A revanchist Russia is revitalizing its ability to execute long-range strategic patrols in the Pacific to include the basing of its newest strategic ballistic missile submarine and bomber flights around Japan. Recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh and Indonesia underscore the fact that violent Islamic extremism is a global concern that must be crushed. These developments emphasize the need for a persistent U. S. presence. We should continue to bolster collective security, help to peacefully address concerns, facilitate productive multilateral exchanges, encourage democratization efforts, and reinforce ties with our many allies and partners.