WASHINGTON – Recently, Senator Eric Schmitt joined a bipartisan group of Senators on a Congressional Delegation to Asia, specifically Japan and South Korea, to better understand how the United States can continue to work with partners in the Indo-Pacific, particularly as China continues to become an increasing threat to those countries and the United States:
“Congressional delegations allow me to gain valuable insight, particularly as we continue to counter the growing threat of China and the continuing threats from North Korea. Meeting with leaders in Japan and South Korea gave us all a frontline view of what is needed in the region and how the United States can continue to be a strong ally in the Indo-Pacific. My colleagues and I will take what we learned from these critical meetings back to Washington as we continue to address China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and toward the United States,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.
BACKGROUND:
- During this bipartisan CODEL, Senator Schmitt met with multiple government and business leaders in Japan and South Korea to further strengthen America’s strong and necessary alliances with both countries, as well as to hear directly from these leaders regarding the ongoing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst China’s and North Korea’s continued aggressions and escalating tensions.
- During his visit to Japan, Senator Schmitt was proud to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and Takeo Akiba, Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat.
- During the visit to South Korea, Senator Schmitt was proud to meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol, SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and MOTIE Minister Ahn Duk-geun.
- The Chinese Communist Party remains the United States’ top geopolitical adversary, both militarily and economically. America must continue to project strength, not only to send a message to our adversaries, but also to reassure our allies in the Indo-Pacific of the United States’ ability and commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
- The People’s Republic of China – with its growing military capabilities – poses a real and significant threat to not just the United States but also our allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States must always make clear that we will take the necessary measures to defend the American homeland from a position of strength, not weakness. The PRC’s aggressive and unlawful actions continue to pose a direct challenge to our allies’ sovereignty and maritime rights as countries like Russia and North Korea continue to ally themselves closer with Beijing.
- It was reportedon August 26th, 2024, that Chinese military aircraft brazenly trespassed into Japan’s airspace.
- “Meanwhile, he U.S. Navy and Marine Corps kicked off drills with South Korea on Monday while in Guam on Saturday, the U.S. Navy began exercise Pacific Vanguard 2024 with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).”
- Earlier this year, the United States and Japan announced the biggest military upgrade to both countries’ national security commitments in over 60 years, The Financial Timesreported in March. Japan has raised concern over Beijing’s military aggression toward Taiwan as well as China’s cooperation with adversaries like Russia.