Olszewski Reaffirms Commitment to Allies, Concern Over Chinese Influence, After Trip to East Pacific
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reaffirmed America’s commitment to its Pacific allies on a trip that included stops in New Zealand, Palau and Taiwan. Congressman Olszewski traveled with a bipartisan Congressional delegation amid growing tension in the region.
The trip was Olszewski’s first as a member on the subcommittee for East Asia and the Pacific, which is home to island nations that are critical to U.S. national and economic security.
“Our friendships with these East Pacific nations are rooted in a rich shared history and values,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Unfortunately, our allies are losing confidence in America’s commitment as the Trump Administration guts critical foreign aid funding and diplomatic programs. As our influence and global standing fades, China is filling the void. This should be deeply concerning to us all.”
The U.S. and New Zealand enjoy a strong strategic alliance that includes joint military exercises, intelligence sharing and collaboration on international challenges like terrorism and climate change. The partnership between the U.S. and Palau, in particular, is critical to stability in the region. The nations can develop joint-use military facilities under the Compact of Free Association of 1993, which also entitles the U.S. to conduct defense activities from Palau. Eligible Palau citizens are able to serve in the U.S. armed forces, and do so at a higher rate per capita than any U.S. state.
Congressman Olszewski met with embassy staff, lawmakers, defense and trade officials and visited historic World War II sites. He met twice with President Surangel Whipps of Palau, who, like Olszewski, is from Baltimore. On a brief layover in Taiwan, the delegation met with the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan and the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister, who thanked the lawmakers for their bipartisan support for Taiwan and its allies, including Palau.
“During our travels, we heard concern and confusion over President Trump’s off-again-on-again tariffs. We heard concern and confusion about cuts to USAID, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. But above all, we heard confusion and concern about why the United States is voluntarily ceding influence in the region to China,” Congressman Olszewski said. “We must do more to stand with our allies and, together, confront China’s expansionist policies.”
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