Putting America First in the Indo-Pacific

In the global competition for power, China is our greatest adversary. That's why combating the Chinese Communist Party's malign agenda is one of my top priorities in Congress and as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

This week, I wrapped up a bipartisan trip I led to the Philippines and Australia — two of our most important allies in the fight against communist China.

In the Philippines, I met with President BongBong Marcos to discuss how our nations can work together to combat China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Given that China is right around the corner, the Philippines will receive aid from the national security supplemental bill passed earlier this year, which will help the nation enhance its defense capabilities.

The United States also has a rotational force presence in the Philippines to protect the free and open waters and keep China at bay. President Marcos and I discussed our joint military efforts.

At the end of our meeting, I gifted him a pair of cowboy boots to symbolize the strength and friendship between the U.S. and the Philippines.

McCaul with Philippine President BongBong Marcos

In addition, my delegation met with their speaker of the House, secretary of defense, and coast guard commandant to discuss the CCP's aggressive military tactics in the Indo-Pacific, specifically in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard is the primary agency facing China’s aggression on the water. Just this week, a Chinese ship collided with a Philippine ship in the area, significantly damaging it. We discussed how U.S. aid will help the Philippine Coast Guard — which struggles with a chronic lack of resources — to deter these aggressive CCP actions in the South China Sea, leading to a safer world.

My committee recently passed a bipartisan resolution condemning China’s behavior in the South China Sea and reinforcing our commitment to the Philippines, which I was also proud to share with the Coast Guard commandant and other guard members.

McCaul with Philippine Secretary of Defense Teodoro

McCaul with members of the Philippine Coast Guard

We also visited the Manila American Cemetery, the final resting place of 16,859 American servicemembers, most of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. While there, we laid a wreath in memory of those who perished defending the freedoms we have today.

McCaul at Manila American Cemetery

While in Australia, we met with the Australian deputy prime minister, foreign minister, speaker of the House, and many other leaders to discuss how to strengthen AUKUS, a partnership between our closest allies, the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

Our close cooperation with Australia and the U.K. will define our ability to succeed in any conflict with China.

That's why last year, I championed the passage of several AUKUS-related bills, including a bill to authorize the sale of U.S. submarines to Australia.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration has undermined the intent behind those bills by refusing to follow Congress’s explicit directives and continuing to restrain the partnership with red tape.

My bipartisan group reaffirmed that the U.S. is committed to standing with Australia—despite the administration's actions—and pushing back on CCP aggression together.

McCaul's delegation at the Australian Parliament with Speaker of the House Milton Dick

My delegation and I met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to receive an update on the AUKUS partnership. I expressed the importance of enhancing our relations to increase deterrence and future aggression by the CCP.

McCaul's delegation after a meeting with the Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

Next on my visit, we met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. China is encroaching on the Pacific Islands and threatening their security. The United States and Australia must work together to increase our engagement with these nations and limit the CCP's malign influence.

McCaul with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong after their meeting

We had the opportunity to meet with Australian Director-General of National Intelligence Andrew Shearer to discuss the national security threats facing our nation and how best to combat these shared risks.

The delegation with Australian Director-General of National Intelligence Andrew Shearer following their meeting

I was also incredibly humbled to participate in and attend the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. This service honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom and democracy around the world. I will always honor their memory and dedication to their country.

McCaul and his delegation participated in the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial

As the Chinese Communist Party continues to ramp up its aggression, the United States must ensure that we have the necessary defense technology to challenge our adversaries.

America's defense industrial base is a symbol of strength and maintains peace around the world. During our visit, we met with executives from Anduril Industries, an American defense company that manufactures unmanned equipment.

We received updates on their technology that deters China in the Indo-Pacific. Recently, Anduril partnered with the Australian Defense Forces to design the Ghost Shark. This American-designed, unmanned submarine will support naval missions around the world.

It is imperative that the United States and our allies have the equipment they need to rise to the challenge of an increasingly dangerous world.

McCaul and his delegation with American defense manufacturers

It was an honor to represent Texas and the United States on the world stage this week, to share America's priorities with other leaders, and to stand up to China once again.

Whether at home or abroad, I will always put America first.

ICYMI: Rep. McCaul Interview from Sydney, Australia

"AUKUS — this alliance between the United States, U.K., and Australia — is probably the thing that keeps Chairman Xi [of China] up the most at night. It's the thing that really scares him. And when you have that, you have deterrence. And if you have deterrence, you don't have war."