During a recent government meeting, officials underscored the critical importance of safeguarding national security, particularly in the context of intellectual property theft by foreign adversaries, specifically the People's Republic of China (PRC). One official emphasized that such theft should warrant the listing of entities involved, reflecting a strong stance on protecting sensitive information vital to national interests.

The discussions also highlighted concerns regarding the current state of the U.S. defense industrial base, which has been described as strained. Insights gained from travels in the Indo-Pacific region and participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue revealed a pressing need to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry. This call to action aims to bolster defense capabilities and ensure the United States remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.