US needs to strengthen force posture in Indo-Pacific: Defense official

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US needs to strengthen its military posture in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing effect in the region, a US defense official said Wednesday.

"We need to accelerate efforts to strengthen our force posture and increase operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, given China's historic and rapid military buildup and the urgent need to reestablish deterrence," John Noh, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, told the House Armed Services Committee.

China is undertaking an "unprecedented" military build-up, said Noh.

"To counter the growing threat from China, it is critical that we re-establish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific," he added.

Admr. Samuel Paparo, the head of US forces in the Indo-Pacific, said China's "unprecedented" military modernization poses a "real and serious threat to our homeland, to our allies and to our partners."

Russia's growing military cooperation with China is "another layer of complexity,” creating a challenge with the deepening cooperation between China, Russia and North Korea, said Paparo.

"China poses real and serious challenges to our military superiority, but this also presents opportunities for reform and for establishing enduring advantage," he said.

While the US Indo-Pacific Command faces "significant" challenges, Paparo said he is confident in the US deterrence posture and the ability to defend the country's interests and maintain regional stability.

"Though we face serious challenges, the joint force remains confident, resolute and determined to prevail. Deterrence remains our highest duty," he added.