Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, delivered opening remarks at the joint Indo-Pacific Subcommittee and Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Watch her remarks HERE and read her opening remarks below.
“Thank you, Chairman Wilson, I am delighted that both the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa can work together to examine the FY25 budget for South and Central Asia.”
“This hearing presents an important opportunity for our subcommittees to shape the United States’ approach to such a critical region.”
“South Asia holds immense significance for our foreign policy and national security interests. The region faces a dynamic geopolitical landscape that presents challenges for U.S. policy objectives.”
“The Indian Ocean is a crucial channel for global trade. An estimated 80 percent of maritime oil trade and 40 percent of world trade passes through the Indian Ocean.”
“The CCP is making inroads into key chokepoints along these routes and obstructing the right to freely navigate the waters. In recent years, we have seen Chinese ports in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, military installations in Djibouti, and infrastructure investments in the Maldives, which threaten U.S. national security and economic interests and those of our friends and allies in the region.”
“Last month, my subcommittee held a hearing on the Indo-Pacific budget and CCP aggression in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.”
“We cannot forget the significance of “Indo” in Indo-Pacific. The CCP has sparked border conflicts along the Line of Control in India, and its submarines and warships regularly sail in the Indian Ocean.”
“I am particularly concerned about the Maldives, a key U.S. security partner in the Indian Ocean, and its growing relationship with the CCP. The Maldives, having received several large CCP investments, including $200 million for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, is 1.4 billion dollars in debt to the CCP. During the Maldives president’s visit with Xi Jinping in January, the two countries signed an additional 20 bilateral agreements.”
“The CCP is a top trading partner for Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, which surround our strategic partner, India. The PLA’s presence is also intensifying both along the Indian Border and in the Indian Ocean.”
“Aid and cooperation play a pivotal role not only in advancing U.S. interests in South Asia, but also in enhancing their prosperity and keeping the region free and open.
“Without greater U.S. support, our allies and friends could be forced to accept further trade and investment from the CCP.”
“As South Asia grapples with refugee crises that are the result of bitter wars and coups, increasing CCP coercion and debt trap diplomacy tactics, and terrorism and criminal drug networks, strong and sustained U.S. engagement is critical.”
“I look forward to hearing from the witnesses and Members of both Subcommittees. Thank you.”
