Senate Hearing on Maritime Security in the Asia-Pacific Region
January 1, 2016
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The Frame
This hearing outlines the U.S. government's strategic posture toward China, which directly influences defense spending, regional military deployments, and international trade policies affecting the $5 trillion in annual ship-borne trade passing through the South China Sea.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
U.S. Department of Defense
The agency is responsible for implementing the maritime security strategy and managing military responses to regional developments.
International shipping and trade industries
These entities rely on the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea for the movement of $5 trillion in annual trade.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2016.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- China has reclaimed nearly 3,000 acres of land in the South China Sea.
- China is building military infrastructure on reclaimed land, including garrisons, harbors, surveillance systems, and at least three airstrips.
- Approximately $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes through the South China Sea annually.
- China established an air defense identification zone over parts of the East China Sea in 2013.
- The U.S. government attributes recent cyber attacks, including the Office of Personnel Management breach, to China.
- The hearing took place on September 17, 2015, in the Hart Senate Office Building.
- The committee received testimony regarding the U.S. goal to maintain a balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
Why It Matters
This hearing outlines the U.S. government's strategic posture toward China, which directly influences defense spending, regional military deployments, and international trade policies affecting the $5 trillion in annual ship-borne trade passing through the South China Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern regarding China's activities in the South China Sea?
How does the U.S. view the South China Sea in terms of trade?
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Shift in U.S.-China Relations
The hearing marks a transition from a policy of engagement to one of heightened concern regarding China's military expansion and cyber activities.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment20Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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