Randy Forbes: “I think it is clear that more is needed to defend our allies and our interests in the region.”

The security issues presented with North Korea and the entire Inda-Asia-Pacific region will continue to require more attention and resources from the United States.

This country, this committee, this Congress needs to move back to strategic thinking where we have a comprehensive strategic plan.

I believe, if we are to maintain our credibility in the region, if we are to sustain confidence in the rebalance to Asia, that it is extremely important for the Trans-Pacific Partnership to be ratified.

I do not see it as inevitable that we will have a confrontation with China in the South China Sea if we have the correct strategy to avoid such confrontation and potential conflict.