It is imperative that our NATO allies increase their defense spend and take efforts to revitalize their own industrial base.

In order for the United States to be seen as a credible, reliable partner and provide an alternate choice to the PRC, we need to at least be showing up.

I think one of the reasons that China is addressing this issue is not just because we have asked but Congress has been deeply engaged as well.

In order for the United States to be seen as a credible, reliable partner and provide an alternate choice to the PRC, we need to at least be showing up.

But we need to do more, and we have to contest China's actions not only in terms of their forward basing strategy but their desire to go after Africa's rare earths that will be critical for our industrial and technological capabilities.

Africa and the Americas--32 of the 35 youngest countries in the world are in Africa, and the population growth there as well as a whole lot of other factors make it a really important area of strategic focus.

we have to own the absence of confirmed ambassadors, more than 20 openings in the Americas and in Africa.

I will also just indicate that for me the greatest vehicle for building the partnerships that are going to be necessary is to advance partnerships around technology.

I think one of the reasons that China is addressing this issue is not just because we have asked but Congress has been deeply engaged as well.

If you look at the statement of NATO, this was the most far reaching statement of concerns of European partners about what China is doing in Europe.

I just got back from Laos and Vietnam where I was the first U.S. Senator to visit Laos in 15 years.

I found a country hungry for U.S. presence, and I found a country littered with debt trap infrastructure projects that they will never be able to pay back.

In Virginia, there is 100,000 electric vehicles on the road in my Commonwealth of eight plus million people.

I share deeply the concern that China's support to Russia--Russia's defense industrial base--has not only changed the context of the conflict in Ukraine, but it will be a long term security challenge to the Indo-Pacific.

In the last ten days, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $208 million investment through the Inflation Reduction Act.

We need to have some advances in charging.

It is imperative that our NATO allies increase their defense spend and take efforts to revitalize their own industrial base.

we have to own the absence of confirmed ambassadors, more than 20 openings in the Americas and in Africa.