Bruce Westerman actually said...

"It is imperative that we find ways to counter the PRC's malign influence and to protect U.S. interests in the region."

"The People's Republic of China is an existential threat to the United States."

"Is this a result of low U.S. engagement in the region, increasing efforts and resources by the PRC for its influence operations, or conditions in the FAS?"

"It's time to establish, perhaps in the National Security Council (NSC), a mechanism to pull together and coordinate all U. S. assets and concerns."