OPINION:
We are living in an increasingly dangerous time, as hostile nation states such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are threatening the global balance of power.
As we face this generational challenge to maintain the rules-based order, now, more than ever, our allies are critical, as they are often the first line of defense against growing authoritarianism.
One of the most important U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific is South Korea, and this year marks the 70-year anniversary of the U.S. South Korea relationship. Born out of a security-focused relationship after the Korean War hostilities ceased in 1953, this partnership has flourished and become one of mutual benefit and strategic importance.
South Korea’s security environment is increasingly complex with persistent nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, and an increasingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party. In response, South Korea released a new Indo-Pacific strategy, which details these threats and outlines South Korea’s important role in the world.
Given this new strategy, I encourage the Yoon administration to put action behind its words and support democratic nations such as Ukraine and Taiwan that are under threat from aggressive, authoritarian neighbors.
I recently returned from a trip to Northeast Asia, where I led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to South Korea to hold meetings with President Yoon, Foreign Minister Park Jin, and several National Assembly members, as well as U.S. Ambassador Goldberg. I also had the pleasure of confirming to President Yoon that he would be invited to speak to a Joint Meeting of Congress on April 27th.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Celebrating 70 Years: The United States & South Korea Alliance
During our meetings, we had very candid discussions regarding the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party in the region, and the need for all U.S. security allies, including South Korea, to ensure that Taiwan remains a free, democratic nation. We also discussed the need to stand together against economic coercion, for instance in critical minerals and essential technologies such as semiconductors.
Semiconductors are a foundational technology, powering everything from your phone to common household appliances, and everything in between. They power the weapons systems that keep Americans safe and process the data that runs the global economy. Currently, 90% of these advanced semiconductor chips are made in Taiwan and a disruption in the supply chain from Communist China would have devastating global consequences.
The growing threats from an increasingly hostile Communist China and a belligerent North Korea are not going away and we must strengthen our bilateral relationships to counter these malign provocations, and to provide the deterrence necessary to avoid an increase in hostilities.
As the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I believe it is critical to have these bipartisan Congressional Delegations to meet face to face with our allies and partners to discuss our mutual interests and reiterate our commitment to both regional and global security.
This trip to the region has crystallized the importance of our bilateral relationship and South Korea’s vital role in the region. South Korea is the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Asia.
The United States and its partners do not seek conflict - but only through strength and partnerships can we provide the deterrence necessary to secure peace in the region, and around the globe. Weakness only emboldens our enemies and invites aggression.
• U.S. Representative Michael McCaul is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is also the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional High Tech Caucus and the Cybersecurity Caucus. Prior to Congress, he served as Chief of Counter Terrorism and National Security in the U.S. Attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. Currently serving his 10th term in the U.S. House, he represents the 10th Congressional District of Texas.
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