Springfield Standard

Recently, Senator Eric Schmitt joined a bipartisan group of Senators on a Congressional Delegation to Asia, specifically Japan and South Korea, to better understand how the United States can continue to work with partners in the Indo-Pacific. This comes as China becomes an increasing threat to those countries and the United States.

“Congressional delegations allow me to gain valuable insight, particularly as we continue to counter the growing threat of China and the continuing threats from North Korea. Meeting with leaders in Japan and South Korea gave us all a frontline view of what is needed in the region and how the United States can continue to be a strong ally in the Indo-Pacific. My colleagues and I will take what we learned from these critical meetings back to Washington as we continue to address China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and toward the United States,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

During this bipartisan CODEL, Senator Schmitt met with multiple government and business leaders in Japan and South Korea to further strengthen America’s alliances with both countries. He also heard directly from these leaders regarding ongoing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region amidst China’s and North Korea’s continued aggressions.

In Japan, Senator Schmitt met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and Takeo Akiba, Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat. In South Korea, he met with President Yoon Suk Yeol, SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and MOTIE Minister Ahn Duk-geun.

The Chinese Communist Party remains the United States’ top geopolitical adversary both militarily and economically. America must continue to project strength not only to send a message to its adversaries but also to reassure its allies in the Indo-Pacific of its commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The People’s Republic of China poses a significant threat not just to the United States but also to its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. must make clear that it will take necessary measures to defend itself from a position of strength. China's aggressive actions challenge allies' sovereignty and maritime rights as countries like Russia and North Korea align more closely with Beijing.

It was reported on August 26th, 2024, that Chinese military aircraft trespassed into Japan’s airspace. “Meanwhile, he U.S. Navy and Marine Corps kicked off drills with South Korea on Monday while in Guam on Saturday, the U.S. Navy began exercise Pacific Vanguard 2024 with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).”

Earlier this year, The Financial Times reported that the United States and Japan announced their biggest military upgrade in over 60 years. Japan has raised concerns over Beijing’s military aggression toward Taiwan as well as China's cooperation with adversaries like Russia.

Pictures from Senator Schmitt's visit can be found here.