Hearing Of The House Armed Services Committee - China: Recent Security Developments

Statement

Chairman Ike Skelton Opening Statement

"Good morning. Today we have with us Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command; the Honorable Chip Gregson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs; and David Shear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Welcome gentlemen, to your first hearing before this committee. We're pleased you could join us today to testify on recent security developments involving China. This is a very important and timely hearing.

"I've stressed for some time now the critical significance of developments in China to our national security. In recent years, while we've been heavily focused on events in the Middle East and South Asia, China's influence has grown in Asia and beyond.

"I'm pleased that the Obama Administration has prioritized the U.S.-China security relationship, and was encouraged by the Joint Statement that resulted from the President's recent visit to China. I welcome the Administration's efforts to increase U.S.-China security cooperation in areas of common interest ranging from counter-terrorism and nonproliferation to energy security.

"We must work together with China for the settlement of conflicts and reduction of tensions that contribute to global and regional instability, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, and the situation in South Asia. I particularly welcome the Administration's support for increasing military-to-military contacts. I've long viewed such contacts as an essential part of efforts to promote understanding, build trust, prevent conflict, and foster cooperation. Given my own visits to China in recent years, I know how important these relationships are.

"Looking back at U.S.-China security cooperation under the previous Administration, there were some positive steps. But there is still much progress to be achieved. And the new Administration will continue to face plenty of challenges. I remain concerned by trends and ambiguities regarding China's military modernization, including China's missile buildup across from Taiwan and the steady increase of China's power projection capabilities.

"Moreover, China's military budget continues a trend of double-digit increases, at a time when China provides more and more of the loans that support the American economy. China's transparency on defense matters is still limited. And questions remain regarding China's strategic intentions. This was highlighted just days ago, following China's concerning missile intercept event.

"At the same time, the reduction of tensions across the Taiwan Strait is a positive development and I hope to see further progress in this area, including meaningful action by China to reduce its military presence directly opposite Taiwan. I am also encouraged by China's recent involvement in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. This demonstrates a responsible use of China's military power, in line with its international responsibilities, of which I hope to see more.

"I continue to believe China is not necessarily destined to be a threat to the United States. But there are trends and ambiguities that concern us. And I continue to believe that the United States must demonstrate our own interests in the Asia-Pacific region including our ability to project power effectively there. At the same time, we must also acknowledge China's limitations and recognize that China's choices may well be shaped by our own actions.

"So I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about the actions that DOD and the Department of State are undertaking, and hope they will help us better understand recent security developments involving China. I also look forward to receiving the 2010 DOD annual report on this subject, which is due to the committee this March.

"However, before we begin testimony, I turn to my friend from California, Buck McKeon, for any statement he may wish to make."

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