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Witnesses tell committee China is the pacing challenge; urge deterrent posture and stronger alliances
Summary
General Keane and Dr. Carlin testified that China poses the principal long‑term challenge, recommended prioritizing deterrence in the Indo‑Pacific, and urged closer cooperation with allies including through AUKUS and trilateral arrangements.
Witnesses told the House Armed Services Committee that China represents the pacing challenge for U.S. national defense and said deterrence—by denial, punishment and resilience—should guide U.S. strategy in the Indo‑Pacific.
General Jack Keane said that China ‘‘has largely negated The US military advantage in the Western Pacific’’ after two decades of focused investment, and he urged rebuilding readiness and capability. Keane identified submarines as an area where the United States retains advantage, but he said China’s numbers and quality in other categories have grown.
Dr. Mara Carlin called the present period an “age of comprehensive conflict” and argued that the United States should prioritize China while still addressing Russia, Iran and terrorism. She recommended investments in nuclear modernization, undersea platforms, uncrewed systems across domains, resilient space architecture, cyber and artificial intelligence.
Both witnesses emphasized allied cooperation as central to deterrence. Members and witnesses discussed AUKUS, NATO and trilateral cooperation among the U.S., Japan and South Korea. Dr. Carlin noted that AUKUS created new industrial cooperation, including allied labor and financial contributions to U.S. submarine industrial capacity; Representative Courtney described a $3 billion Australian investment in the U.S. submarine industrial base.
Witnesses urged a mix of capability, forward posture and regular allied exercises to make deterrence credible. Keane urged visible exercises and operational concepts that impose cost and complicate adversary planning; Carlin urged diplomatic engagement and talks with China on nuclear doctrine and escalation risks.
The committee examined options for strengthening partner production of key systems and noted that cooperation on research and development, force management and industrial integration would ease U.S. supply pressures.
