Members warn tariffs and aid cuts risk eroding alliances in Indo‑Pacific; DoD defers to State on trade
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Summary
Multiple committee members said recent tariff moves and cuts to foreign assistance risk undermining U.S. relationships in the Indo‑Pacific. Defense witnesses said trade policy and foreign aid fall under other agencies but acknowledged potential strategic effects and said they would follow up where appropriate.
Several members of the House Armed Services Committee told defense witnesses they are concerned that recent U.S. tariff actions and reductions in foreign aid could weaken partnerships that are vital to Indo‑Pacific deterrence.
Members from both parties recounted outreach from allies and partners — notably Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and several Southeast Asian nations — and warned that abrupt trade measures could push those countries toward closer economic ties with China or create political friction. Representative Courtney and others described an Australian contribution of $500 million toward AUKUS‑linked industrial investment and said the tariff move had blindsided Canberra.
Acting Assistant Secretary John Ngo and other DoD witnesses repeatedly said trade and foreign aid policy are outside the Department of Defense’s primary purview. Mr. Ngo told the committee that the State Department leads on foreign assistance and that DoD focuses on posture and security cooperation. At the same time, Admiral Paparo and General Brunson told lawmakers they remain attentive to the strategic effects of non‑defense policies and that allies have expressed concern in recent engagements.
Why it matters: Committee members said alliance cohesion is a strategic asset. Several lawmakers asked DoD officials to convey concerns to White House and interagency partners; witnesses said they would relay messages and provide classified follow‑ups where needed.