Today, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a staff research report entitled China’s Expanding Ability to Conduct Conventional Missile Strikes on Guam. The report highlights how China’s ability to conduct conventional cruise and ballistic missile strikes on Guam is growing, even as the island’s strategic importance to the United States is increasing.
The report also examines the reasons behind China’s development of new conventional weapons that can reach Guam, the array of forces it could employ against Guam in a potential conflict, and policy options for the United States to consider in response.
According to the report, accuracy limitations and platform vulnerabilities render the current risk to U.S. forces on Guam in a potential conflict relatively low, but China’s commitment to continuing to modernize its strike capabilities indicates the risk will likely grow going forward.
In response to the report, Representative Madeleine Bordallo (Guam), released the following statement:
“I thank the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission for releasing its report on potential threats to Guam from China. I have always appreciated the helpful information contained in USCC’s reports as it serves a guide post for Congressional action on China. The report that was recently released once again highlights the strategic role of Guam in the broader Asia-Pacific Rebalance Strategy, and the crucial importance of protecting the people, equipment, and facilities on our island.
“The report emphasizes the need for continued U.S. investments to update and modernize capabilities on Guam to deter and defend against aggression and keep our island, region and homeland safe. While recent actions by China in the East and South China Seas continue to undermine regional stability, I am confident that our current defensive capabilities, partnerships with our Asian and Pacific allies, and diplomatic engagement with China will continue to keep Guam safe. However, we must remain vigilant and ensure that we have the resources to respond to any acts of aggression, not only from China but from countries like North Korea that continue to act irresponsibly.”
[download id=”67458″]
