Political Quotes

“I come before the Senate this afternoon to discuss the U.S. Navy's ability to deter conflict in the Pacific. As China's navy has grown, ours has shrunk, and we are running out of time to tilt the balance of power back toward the United States and ensure that deterrence does not fail in the Western Pacific. For centuries, American naval power has proven the decisive factor in our security and prosperity. The U.S. Navy secured our victory in the American Revolution during the 18th century. It enabled our transformation into a world power in the 19th century. It defeated adversaries in two world wars in the 20th century, and it will decide our success or failure this century. China's rising strength on the seas is a direct threat to international peace and security. Their ability to exercise total control of the major sea lanes strikes at the heart of free and market- based economies in Asia and around the globe. For a few minutes today, I will outline the threat, our lack of preparedness, and what it will take for us to deter China from acting in an irresponsible way. The Chinese Communist Party understands a truth that 19th century American CAPT Alfred Thayer Mahan summarized when he said, ``Whoever rules the waves rules the world.'' Beijing knows a great navy is a necessary step in their march for regional dominance. And so, while our own shipyards were closing and downsizing and our shipbuilding budgets shrank, China went to sea.…”