Thank you, Mr. Chairman for calling this important hearing and thank you to all of the witnesses for agreeing to testify this morning.

This hearing could not come at a more critical time as the North Korean regime has engaged in an aggressive schedule of tests for its nuclear and missile programs.  I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on whether they believe China can, and will, exert sufficient pressure on the regime to denuclearize the peninsula. If not, what are the alternatives?  Is a military strike something we should consider given the uncertainty regarding the possible scope and nature of retaliation from the regime?  I would also like to hear whether there are feasible military options on the table, and how we should coordinate those options with our allies in the region. 

We have also heard concern from our allies and partners in the region that this Administration has not yet articulated a comprehensive Asia Pacific strategy.  For example, what is the Administration’s maritime strategy to deal with excessive and unlawful maritime claims?  How will it balance our military presence with economic engagement to counter the narrative that China is the “economic partner of choice”?  And most important, how will it balance cooperation and competition with China, especially given the importance of China’s cooperation in issues ranging from North Korea to terrorism?

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for holding this important hearing and I look forward to hearing the testimony of the witnesses on all of these issues.