FIRST ON FOX: Infrastructure projects in Pacific Islands backed by Chinese funding might seem civilian at first glance, but they could allow Beijing to gain military access down the line, according to senior members of a bipartisan congressional advisory panel who spoke exclusively with Digital.
Top officials from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission noted that runways, ports, and other structures funded by the People’s Republic of China are frequently “dual-use” and fit into a larger strategic framework that combines economic investment with long-term security goals.
“If you look at the wider trend of militarization in the region… there are plenty of actions that indicate at least some security and military-related interests are at play,” said Randall Schriver, the commission’s chair. “Even if a project is stated to be for civilian use… its inherent nature makes it dual-use, meaning it could serve military functions.”
Schriver cautioned against viewing China’s Pacific investments in isolation. “We’re aware that China has significant ambitions. We also know that even civilian infrastructure projects often come with conditions attached,” he stated. “In numerous cases, those conditions include allowing access for the Chinese military.”
Commission Vice Chair Michael Kuiken stated that Beijing frequently pairs [ ] with financial leverage. “This is a cycle of debt diplomacy,” Kuiken explained. “China saddles these islands with debt, then exploits their vulnerable position to secure access—whether to build runways or carry out port-related activities.”
“This is a cycle we observe repeatedly,” he continued, describing it as “a debt diplomacy flywheel. It’s a harmful, repetitive cycle. Whether we’re talking about Taiwan, Palau, Micronesia, or the Solomon Islands, this is a strategy the Chinese rely on consistently.”
Schriver admitted that Washington was late to recognize the [ ] of China’s regional expansion.
“In short, yes,” he replied when questioned if the U.S. had responded too slowly.
He pointed out that this timing overlapped with major [ ] even as Chinese projects progressed in the surrounding area. “During this period, China was gaining a foothold in Pacific Islands close to Guam,” he stated, noting that Guam is a key hub for U.S. logistical and combat activities.
When asked about signs that would indicate a switch from civilian infrastructure to active military use, Schriver mentioned that several warning signs are already apparent.
“Cutting undersea cables is a highly provocative practice,” he stated, adding that such actions could be linked to military scenarios.
He further warned that obvious deployments of Chinese military planes to Pacific facilities would represent a significant escalation, referencing a pattern that has already been observed in the South China Sea.
“We’ve witnessed a specific pattern that we wouldn’t be surprised to see in other areas of Oceania,” Schriver commented.
Kuiken encouraged lawmakers to boost oversight and transparency. “The simplest step members can take is to request imagery and intelligence reports from the intelligence community… sound the alarm, shed light on the issue, and reveal these activities,” he advised.
Kuiken also disclosed a [ ] centered on undersea infrastructure and regional security risks.
“Data is the lifeblood of today’s global economy,” he noted. “Those cables are a critical source of information… and these actions are quite aggressive and need to be brought to light.”
The commission has put forward a more comprehensive U.S. response, which includes enhanced [ ] and greater support for Pacific Island countries to build resilience against security threats and economic pressures.
Schriver mentioned a recommendation for a “Pacific Island Security Initiative” that seeks to integrate economic, law enforcement, and defense efforts.
Kuiken compared the approach to “a layered cake.” “We want it to have a civilian component… a law enforcement element… and a [ ],” he explained. “You need to implement all of these to be truly effective and to counter Chinese influence in this area.”