Today, Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on China sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The letter expresses strong support for the AUKUS partnership amid Beijing's growing military aggression.
"The People’s Republic of China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear, conventional, cyber, and space capabilities—many specifically designed to target the armed forces of the United States and our allies—threatens U.S. interests and jeopardizes the security of our partners," states the letter. "AUKUS is essential to strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and advancing the undersea capabilities that will be central to ensuring peace and stability."
The letter highlights moves by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), including deploying both Chinese aircraft carriers to the western Pacific and conducting naval live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. These actions indicate Beijing’s ambitions to project military power into the southern Pacific near New Zealand.
Additionally, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi praised Australia’s $3 billion investment in the U.S. submarine industrial base. They reaffirmed Pillars I and II of AUKUS—cooperation on submarine production and advanced technology development.
"We are stronger together under the AUKUS framework," they write. "With an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, appropriate resourcing, and relentless problem solving, we can deliver on the mission of the agreement, strengthen our partnerships, and enhance our shared security interests."
The letter emphasizes bipartisan commitment to bolstering U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific while maintaining leadership in deterring CCP behavior.
