Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, presided over a hearing in Washington focused on force posture and budget needs within the Indo-Pacific region and U.S. Forces Korea. The hearing featured testimonies from Admiral Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), and General Xavier Brunson, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, concerning force and budgetary requirements in the region.

Chairman Wicker underscored several strategic concerns, starting with the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party towards Taiwan, as well as the joint actions of Russia and North Korea. "Our underinvestment in INDOPACOM has allowed the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to contest our ability to gain air superiority in a conflict in East Asia," he stated. Wicker also noted the implications of reducing the U.S. military presence in South Korea, which he argued would "undermine deterrence of both North Korea and China."

In his opening statement, Wicker drew attention to shifts in the balance of power within the Indo-Pacific, noting China's escalating military exercises concerning Taiwan. He highlighted recent exercises such as "Strait Thunder 2025A," which demonstrated China's potential to enforce a maritime blockade and missile strikes against Taiwan. He also referred to China's increased harassment of Philippine allies, particularly involving the Second Thomas Shoal. Wicker commended Secretary Hegseth's visit to the region, reaffirming the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.

Wicker elaborated on the broader threat posed by China’s military expansion. He stated, "Xi Jinping has steadily modernized his military," adding that China now has "the world’s largest navy" and an air force that challenges U.S. air superiority in key areas. He mentioned the U.S.-China nuclear arms race, noting an accelerated buildup of China's nuclear capabilities compared to the United States.

Beyond China, Wicker also addressed North Korea's military advancements and its cooperation with Russia amid global tensions. He critiqued the Biden administration for how it has handled North Korea, which he said had allowed Kim Jong Un to expand his nuclear programme. The alignment of Russia, China, and North Korea, according to Wicker, "should be of great concern to all in the West."

Lastly, Wicker reiterated the importance of boosting U.S. military capabilities to counter these emerging challenges, emphasizing "a generational investment in our national security" as outlined in his earlier report. He pointed out the substantial unmet financial needs of INDOPACOM and called for significant growth in the FY26 budget request and a comprehensive defense reconciliation package.

The hearing concluded with the anticipation of constructive discussions on how Congress could address these issues in the coming year.