China has clearly articulated its objective: to become the dominant global power by 2049. The foundational stage for achieving this future lies at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
A bipartisan, bicameral delegation recently concluded a 10-day visit, engaging in extensive and candid discussions with partners in Australia and Pacific Island Countries. The trip marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Pacific during World War II and commemorated 50 years of bilateral relations with Papua New Guinea. Throughout the Pacific, evidence of Chinese economic pressure and military threats is widespread.
Despite these challenges, the delegation also observed allies and partners actively working towards a shared vision for an open, prosperous, free, and secure future, resilient against Chinese aggression.
At a time when Washington seeks increased contributions from its allies, the visit revealed the significant efforts already being made. Allies and partners are contributing training, personnel, access, and material support—elements crucial for victory in World War II and vital for reinforcing 21st-century deterrence. The countries visited—Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands—are not merely recipients of American support; instead, they are key sources of strength, enabling power projection beyond U.S. borders and safeguarding shared security, prosperity, and democratic values.
The delegation’s trip highlighted that effectively deterring, and if required, winning a future conflict in the Pacific necessitates recalling past lessons. Foremost among these is the critical role of geography. Both Americans and Australians once perceived themselves immune to attack due to vast oceans. This perception changed after Japanese carriers struck Pearl Harbor and, two months subsequently, launched Australia’s most extensive single attack. It is worth noting that just 12 days post-Pearl Harbor, General Dwight D. Eisenhower mandated the creation of an American military base in Australia, recognizing its strategic importance for U.S. security. Disregarding this historical understanding would be detrimental.
The second lesson underscores that military strength is dependent on substantial industrial capacity. Victory in the Second World War stemmed from acknowledging the immediate necessity. The U.S. economy’s patriotism, innovation, and immense capacity were harnessed to construct nearly 300,000 aircraft, a vast number of naval vessels, and millions of tanks and trucks. In 1944 alone, the U.S. manufactured more planes than Japan produced throughout the entire war, building 17 aircraft carriers compared to Japan’s six.
Presently, the U.S. confronts an adversary of even greater capability, possessing a production capacity significantly larger than its own. However, there is no need to confront or produce alone. This understanding prompted the U.S. to initiate one of history’s most ambitious defense endeavors in 2021: the AUKUS security pact. The delegation inspected the Osborne shipyard in Adelaide, witnessing the substantial progress. No existing U.S. weapon or platform is as vital for deterring Chinese aggression as advanced submarines on patrol in the Pacific. Australia has committed $3 billion to this project, explaining why AUKUS garners strong bipartisan backing within the U.S. Congress and among the American public.
The third lesson emphasizes the imperative of maintaining a technological advantage. Australia is significantly contributing in this area. During the visit, discussions covered advancements in partnerships concerning frontier technologies such as quantum computing and hypersonics. Australia is increasing its production of crucial munitions, addressing a major logistical weakness and enhancing overall capacity. A visit to a new production facility near Sydney, focused on advanced undersea autonomous vehicles, showcased Australia’s pioneering approach to defense innovation, involving collaboration with military, civil service, and innovative private sector entities.
Furthermore, Australia offers the U.S. even greater strategic partnership value, encompassing diverse critical minerals and rare earths, alongside advanced research in vital technologies like quantum computing and hypersonic missiles. Through intelligence sharing as a trusted ally, hosting U.S. forces for significant training maneuvers, or co-producing advanced munitions with American firms, Australia has consistently demonstrated its strategic importance to the U.S. and is expected to continue doing so.
The fourth lesson highlights that adversaries also influence outcomes. China is actively seeking to transform crucial regional nations, such as the Solomon Islands, into dependent states. This involves deploying police forces, investing billions in infrastructure and development, and cultivating relationships with corrupt officials, aiming to secure the reliance of Pacific Island Countries in any future contingency.
The delegation observed a region eager for American involvement, where even limited engagement yields significant impact. Australia is performing an essential role in this region, establishing embassies in all island nations, creating the Pacific Police Force as a counter to Chinese influence, and fostering the economic growth of these vital partners.
It is imperative to ensure the continuity of PEPFAR, America’s leading global HIV and AIDS relief initiative. Furthermore, sustained provision of critical disaster aid to this hurricane-vulnerable region is essential, as is assisting countries in developing necessary infrastructure, such as ports, to stimulate economic growth and create markets for American enterprises. Ratification of the crucial fisheries agreement is also necessary to support Pacific partners in combating Chinese illegal fishing.
The delegation comprised members from the Appropriations, Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Intelligence Committees. They engaged with a diverse group of high-ranking Australian officials, including the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, and Director of National Intelligence.
A consistent message emerged from all discussions: Australia’s unwavering commitment to investing in shared security, founded on common values. It became evident that regional allies are prepared to collaborate during this critical juncture in contemporary history, provided their partnership is fully embraced. Existing strains in the partnership, stemming from tariffs and the Pentagon’s AUKUS review, must be resolved.
It is essential to unequivocally reaffirm our commitment to partners, through both rhetoric and action. Our collective future may depend on this reinforcement.
