US lawmakers demand urgent action to counter Chinese missile threat in Pacific

A group of American lawmakers has raised concerns over the vulnerability of US bases and aircraft in the Pacific region to Chinese missile threats, urging immediate action from the Pentagon to address the issue.

In a letter addressed to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, 13 members of Congress highlighted the pressing need for defensive measures to counter China’s formidable missile force.

The lawmakers, including Representative John Moolenaar, Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, flagged the urgency of adopting passive defenses such as hardened aircraft shelters and the dispersal of forces.

According to the letter, China possesses a significant missile arsenal with the capability to target all US bases in the Pacific, posing a serious threat to American service members and assets in the region. The lawmakers warned that these vulnerabilities could severely hamper US military response in the event of a conflict.

Many US bases in the Pacific remain unhardened, leaving aircraft and assets exposed to missile strikes. The letter pointed out the need for passive defenses and sufficient capabilities to mitigate the impact of such attacks, including hardened shelters, underground bunkers, and rapid runway repair capabilities.

Preliminary information shared in the letter highlighted a significant disparity between the number of Chinese and US hardened aircraft shelters in the Pacific, with China having constructed over 400 shelters compared to just 22 by the US. The absence of US shelters in Guam, home to Andersen Air Force Base, was particularly concerning.

While acknowledging that no defense measures can provide complete protection from Chinese missiles, the lawmakers highlighted the importance of upgrading defenses to increase survivability and deter Chinese aggression. They criticised the lack of urgency in pursuing base hardening projects in the Pacific and highlighted the absence of such projects in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

The assessment underscores the growing recognition of China as a “pacing challenge” for the US and the need for enhanced readiness to counter potential conflict. Despite efforts to adapt to the evolving threat posed by China’s military build-up, experts and analysts caution that more work is needed, particularly in defending against Chinese missiles.