Congresswoman Young Kim, chairman of the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concerns over China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean and South Asia during a Congressional hearing. Highlighting the significance of the Indian Ocean for global trade, with 80% of maritime oil trade and 40% of world trade passing through it, Kim emphasized that China’s activities at key choke points threaten the right to freely navigate these waters. She noted China’s ports in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, military installations in Djibouti, and infrastructure investments in the Maldives as threats to US national security and economic interests, as well as those of its allies.
Kim also pointed out the geopolitical challenges posed by China’s investments and military presence in South Asia. She mentioned that China’s activities include border conflicts along the Line of Control in India and regular deployment of submarines and warships in the Indian Ocean. Kim expressed particular concern about the Maldives, a key US security partner, which is heavily indebted to China due to significant investments, including $200 million for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.
The Congresswoman highlighted that China is a top trading partner for several South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, surrounding strategic partner India. She stressed the importance of US aid and cooperation to advance interests, enhance prosperity, and keep the region free and open. Kim warned that without greater US support, allies and friends in the region might be forced to accept more trade and investment from China, potentially falling into debt traps and facing coercion.
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, noted that the military relationship between the Maldives and China is still developing, presenting an opportunity for the US to influence this relationship through strategic competition. The hearing underscored the need for strong and sustained US engagement in South Asia to counter China’s growing influence and ensure regional stability.