Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi have written an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal discussing their recent trip to the Indo-Pacific region. Both senators are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, with Wicker serving as chairman.

During their August visit, Fischer and Wicker met with leaders in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Palau to evaluate U.S. military readiness and strengthen relationships with regional allies. In Taiwan, they spoke with President Lai Ching-tse and other officials about defense measures against potential threats from China. "They understand the gravity of the threat and are responding with urgency to meet it. Mr. Lai has committed to increasing defense spending and mobilizing the public behind a resilience plan," the senators wrote.

In Manila, discussions were held with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has prioritized strengthening ties with the United States and other regional partners such as Japan, Australia, and Taiwan. The senators noted China's attempts to assert control over the South China Sea but highlighted that "Manila has stood firm."

The visit to Palau included meetings with President Surangel Whipps Jr., whose government faces economic pressure from China. According to Fischer and Wicker, "Palau is allied with the U.S., and Mr. Whipps refuses to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing."

Fischer and Wicker emphasized that support from the United States is critical for these allies as they resist Chinese influence in the region. They pointed out that American military installations in Guam, Palau, Hawaii, and the Philippines form a key logistics network for regional security.

The senators referenced ongoing collaboration with Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, aimed at overcoming bureaucratic delays for key investments in Western Pacific defense infrastructure. They highlighted new legislation intended to boost capabilities relevant for countering China by expanding munitions production lines and investing in space technology, logistics systems, and low-cost weapons.

Additionally, Fischer and Wicker said that recent laws will improve operational capacity from Guam while speeding up construction projects at military bases in Palau and the Philippines. These efforts are supported by increased funding for economic competition strategies against China.

"A strategy based on peace through strength is the best approach for deterring China, Russia and Iran—the axis of aggression," they stated. The senators argued that sustained defense spending at 5% of gross domestic product is necessary for national security: "Some have said this is too costly—but we can’t afford an underresourced military."

Both senators concluded that facing global threats requires a comprehensive strategy supported by sufficient resources.