WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX), joined by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Ken Buck (R-CO), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), and Daniel Webster (R-FL), sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting he utilize existing authorities to counter Chinese expansion in the Indo-Pacific.

Rep. Lance Gooden said, “China’s military expansion threatens to destabilize the Pacific region and poses a significant threat to both the United States and our allies. The Biden Administration cannot continue their policy of appeasement and must take clear and decisive action to counter China now before an escalation or conflict occurs.” 

In recent months, China’s foreign minister has visited several Indo-Pacific countries to explore expanding China’s military footprint. Gooden’s letter requests the Secretary of State review existing agreements and treaties to determine if additional U.S. military outposts in the Indo-Pacific should be established or if China’s expansion would violate any existing agreements. Additionally, the letter requests the Biden Administration warn our regional partners that agreements with China will damage our current relationship.

You can read the full text of the letter here.