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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

I also want to underscore this is a recommendation from Senator Coons.

Let us come together for the sense of our strategic competition with the PRC.

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.

The only way we are going to get to the finish line is if we generally work together, listen to each other, are willing to compromise.

I actually share very much what Senator Risch said here.

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.

That means we are not playing on a level playing field.

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.

Let us complete the task. Let us get it done.

In order for the United States to be seen as a credible, reliable partner and provide an alternate choice to the PRC...

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

The challenges we have at the border, the challenges with fentanyl, just everyday Americans' concerns about the globe often are issues related to the Americas and political instability there.

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.

We should be providing an alternative to the infrastructure development that the PRC offers.

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.