The Ripon Advance: Kim leads bipartisan delegation to reinforce U.S. alliances in Indo-Pacific – Ripon Advance
U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation to South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan as part of an effort to reaffirm key U.S. alliances and strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
“From Seoul to Tokyo to Taipei, I saw firsthand that America’s alliances are our greatest strategic advantage and the foundation of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Rep. Kim said. “As China works to coerce our friends and rewrite the rules of the region, the United States must stand firmly with our partners to deter aggression, secure our supply chains, and deliver peace through strength.”
In South Korea, joined by U.S. Reps. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Kim toured the Joint Security Area along the Demilitarized Zone and met with U.S. Forces Korea leadership, Republic of Korea (ROK) officials, and National Assembly members.
The lawmakers visited Coupang to learn more about the company’s operations and discuss concerns about discriminatory regulatory treatment of U.S. businesses in South Korea.
They also discussed implementation of the $350 billion U.S.-ROK investment partnership with industry leaders in shipbuilding and semiconductors, according to Rep. Kim’s staff.
In Japan, the delegation received a U.S. 7th Fleet briefing at Yokosuka and met with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Economy, Trade, and Industry.
Members engaged government and industry leaders on securing supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors and aligning export controls to keep sensitive technology away from the Chinese military, staff said.
In Taiwan, Rep. Kim and her colleagues met with President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and defense and national security officials, and toured a drone production facility.
The lawmakers also reaffirmed America’s commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense and to bolstering deterrence across the Taiwan Strait.
“I will always fight to ensure America and our allies have the tools and resolve to keep this critical region free, open, and secure,” said Rep. Kim.
