Washington, April 25: Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized to lawmakers that the Indo-Pacific is “the decisive strategic region of the 21st century.” He warned that Washington must maintain resistance in this area through alliances, forward military presence, and technological advantages to counter rising challenges.
During a congressional hearing this week, Paparo stated that the region’s resistance capability relies on continuous operations and coordination with allies, making it our utmost duty.
He remarked, “We develop resistance capabilities with dynamic combat power and conduct operations daily across all domains.”
Highlighting the growing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, he noted, “Our allies and partners enhance our combat capabilities and strengthen our resistance.”
Paparo pointed out that military ties with New Delhi are continuously strengthening. This remains a priority collaboration, reflecting Washington’s broader efforts to deepen relationships with key regional partners.
He warned that China’s approach goes far beyond traditional military expansion. He cited strategies such as “information operations,” pressure tactics, and legal maneuvers aimed at reshaping regional order without direct conflict. He stated, “These are all contingencies for which we plan very deeply.”
Paparo also stressed the rapid evolution of warfare, asserting that the U.S. must adapt to emerging technologies and battlefield realities. He referenced lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, stating, “We see the commercialization of cheap, distributed, and precise strike capabilities every day.”
The Admiral called for a mix of advanced and cost-effective capabilities. He said, “We need excellent tools to destroy excellent things, while we require cheaper tools to eliminate less critical targets.” He emphasized the need for investment in unmanned systems and scalable weapons.
Pentagon senior official John Noe reiterated the administration’s stance that the United States aims to “deter China through strength rather than confrontation,” ensuring that no single power dominates the region.
Noe clarified, “The goal is not to establish dominance over China or to humiliate it. Rather, it is to protect our vital national interests in the Indo-Pacific.”
Paparo also expressed concern over the growing ties between Russia and China, warning that Beijing supplies “90 percent of the semiconductors powering Russia’s war machine” and most critical industrial equipment. He described this relationship as “extremely concerning.”
In the second part of the hearing, representatives focused on the broader geopolitical pressures and their impact on U.S. strategy in Asia.
Representative Adam Smith stated that maintaining alliances is crucial for resistance but warned that ongoing conflicts elsewhere are straining U.S. resources. He noted, “Wars in the Middle East are also creating significant problems in the Indo-Pacific.”
He emphasized the importance of credibility with partners, stating, “We must show them that we stand with them and that they can trust us.”
Other representatives raised concerns about delays in arms supplies to Taiwan and the need to accelerate defense production. Paparo agreed on the urgency, stating that supplies should be delivered “not only on time but ahead of time.”
Despite concerns over resource mismanagement, Paparo affirmed that the U.S. military is prepared to deter aggression, highlighting mobility, logistics, and continuous presence as key elements.
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