Westerman Returns From Historic CODEL Demonstrating U.S. Strength in the Indo-Pacific and Countering CCP Influence

Statement

"Nearly 80 years ago, countless Americans gave their lives to rid the Pacific of their oppressors, and now Communist China seeks to undo decades of economic prosperity and democratic growth across the region. We are indebted to the civilian and military leaders at the American territories and Freely Associated States who spoke frankly with our delegation and thank them for their time and hospitality. From our field hearing in Guam, to visiting our allies in Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic the Marshall Islands, our Indo-Pacific Task Force has gained valuable insight into the challenges our citizens and allies face from growing Chinese aggression. Ensuring a safe and prosperous Pacific requires a wholistic approach, and our partners in the Pacific serve an outsized role in detecting and deterring Chinese escalatory action and gray zone tactics."

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