The Trump administration has said it is strengthening alliances, expanding cooperation with India through the Quad, and diversifying critical mineral supply chains away from China as part of its America First approach to the Indo-Pacific.
Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre said the region is of vital strategic importance to the United States. He said the administration’s approach is centred on strengthening alliances and deepening cooperation through the Quad, as well as trilateral partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, and through key initiatives such as AUKUS.
DeSombre told lawmakers that Washington is focused on preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait, protecting freedom of navigation, strengthening maritime law enforcement, and reducing dependence on China for critical minerals.
Ranking Member Ami Bera highlighted India’s role in the Quad, saying the country plays a critical role in the Indo-Pacific through the grouping comprising the United States, Japan and Australia.