Missed Milestones: Evaluating The Last Four Years in the EAP Region and Unseized Opportunities

2025-02-25

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Summary

The meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs evaluated the Biden administration's policy towards East Asia and the Pacific, focusing on successes, failures, and opportunities for future administrations to strengthen engagement in the region, particularly in response to China's growing influence and threats from North Korea[ 00:22:11-00:22:32 ]

. Participants discussed US strategy, economic engagement, and human rights, largely agreeing on the importance of robust engagement and alliances in the Indo-Pacific[ 00:23:00-00:23:11 ] [ 00:27:25-00:27:31 ] .

Themes

US Engagement and Alliances in East Asia

The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances with key partners like South Korea, Japan, the Quad members, ASEAN, and the Philippines[ 00:23:18-00:23:39 ]

. Speakers acknowledged progress under the Biden administration in elevating the Quad to leaders' level, improving the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral relationship, and re-engaging the Philippines through enhanced defense cooperation[ 00:27:39-00:28:04 ] . The AUKUS security partnership was also praised for establishing US naval superiority and strengthening defense capabilities in the region. Future opportunities include establishing an allied defense arsenal, boosting US energy exports to allies, and making a "big bet" on Indonesia as a counterweight to China. It was emphasized that the US needs to "show up" with consistent presence, persistence, and partnership to maintain its role as the preferred partner in the region.

Economic Strategy and Competition with China

There was a consensus that the US needs a more robust economic strategy beyond security partnerships to counter China's influence[ 00:23:59-00:24:06 ]

. While the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was seen as a starting point, it lacks market access, which partners in the region desire[ 00:24:09-00:24:11 ] . Alternative strategies proposed include bilateral trade deals, particularly with strategic partners like the Philippines, and sectoral agreements on digital trade or critical minerals. Concerns were raised about US reliance on China for critical minerals and the need to develop new markets and supply chains with allies like Australia and Indonesia. Outbound investment screening and export controls were advocated to prevent US capital and technology from fueling China's military modernization[ 00:36:53-00:37:05 ] .

Human Rights and Chinese Coercion

The discussion underscored the ongoing human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and North Korea, as well as the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) transnational repression tactics[ 00:24:22-00:24:35 ]

. The US commitment to human rights was highlighted as a top priority in foreign policy, with concerns that these issues have not been adequately addressed[ 00:24:22 ] . Speakers pointed out China's aggressive actions, such as spy balloons, hacking campaigns, and maritime assertiveness, often met with insufficient deterrence[ 00:35:04-00:35:22 ] . There was also significant concern about China's growing influence in the Pacific Islands through economic agreements and its attempts to undermine US aid and development programs.

Defense Capabilities and Security Partnerships

Strengthening the US defense industrial base was identified as crucial for long-term security in the region, including co-development and co-production with allies like Korea and Japan. The AUKUS agreement, particularly its second pillar focusing on advanced defense capabilities, was lauded as a significant step to enhance deterrence and maintain naval superiority against China. There was a call to accelerate the AUKUS Pillar 2 initiatives to demonstrate quick, visible wins and build momentum for broader technological cooperation. The role of the US Coast Guard was highlighted as vital for maritime domain awareness and countering illegal fishing in the EAP region, especially given its ability to cooperate with smaller navies of regional partners. Deterring North Korea's nuclear ambitions and addressing potential nuclear proliferation by South Korea were also raised as critical security challenges requiring renewed engagement.

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting maintained a largely bipartisan and constructive tone, particularly in recognizing the strategic importance of the East Asia and Pacific region[ 00:28:40 ]

. While acknowledging achievements of past administrations, there was a palpable sense of urgency and concern regarding China's expanding influence and the need for a coherent, sustained US strategy. Speakers emphasized the necessity for continuity in policy despite domestic political changes, and expressed worry about potential disruptions to aid programs and alliances[ 01:23:52-01:24:01 ] . The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to American interests and values in the region, with strong calls for enhanced collaboration with allies.