Roger Robinson offers opening statement to the U.S. House Select Committee on CCP and discusses leveling the playing field and how to counter China's economic aggression.

China's reticence to participate in military-to-military communication with the U.S. across senior and working levels is a longstanding tradition, and one on display last week when Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's request for a face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart at the annual Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore was rejected. A reason for that hesitancy, sources and experts say, is that the Chinese government sees military communication between the countries as dominated by the Taiwan issue -- a matter where Beijing sees virtual zero room for compromise, and thus, little need for conversation.

"It is estimated that 90% of the Congo's mining exports go to China, but its contribution to GDP does not exceed 30%,"

"Our democratic values are the foundation of our ties. Our relations are based on mutual trust and respect. The Indian community in Australia is a living bridge between our countries."

We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization activities in the region.

The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday, seen as a key victory in the competition with China for strategic influence.

In Xian, China rolled out the red carpet and treated the Central Asian guests to a lavish feast.

Rishi Sunak said China posed "the greatest challenge of our age" in regards to global security and prosperity, and that it was "increasingly authoritarian at home and abroad".

The U.S. is trying to counter China’s militarization of the Pacific by strengthening alliances and negotiating access to new military bases near Taiwan and the South China Sea. Closer ties with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has helped the U.S. establish more major bases in the area.