US Territories, Allies Warn of CCP Subversion Threat to Security, Sovereignty

The Untold Stories of Guam: ⁢Surviving War and Facing China’s Threats

Irene Sgambelluri was just 10 ‌years‍ old⁣ on December 8, ​1941,‍ when ​Japanese forces seized Guam, igniting a war that still haunts the Pacific islands. Now, at 92 years old, she testified before the House Natural Resources Committee Indo-Pacific Task Force, sharing ⁢her agonizing memories of​ the ‍occupation and her determination to⁢ prevent⁤ history from repeating⁤ itself.

“War ripped⁢ my family apart and ⁣took ‌away every aspect of life ​I had⁣ known ‌up until that ‌point,” she said. Her father, a ​U.S. Navy pharmacist, ⁢was taken⁣ as a prisoner⁣ of war. “I never had a chance to say goodbye ​and I⁣ feared⁢ I ⁤would never see him⁣ again.”

Ms. Sgambelluri’s ⁤testimony was part‍ of a presentation‍ titled ‌”Peace Through Strength: The Strategic Importance of‍ the Pacific Islands to U.S.-led Global Security.” The hearing ‌featured stark testimony from territorial governors and‍ government officials about the growing ⁣coercion⁢ and threats from China.

China’s Aggression in the Pacific

China’s aggressive actions in the Pacific have raised concerns among leaders from Guam and ⁤other U.S. territories. They⁢ cited Chinese aircraft and‍ ships menacing their waters, illegal fishing, cyber-attacks,​ and ⁢attempts to ​subvert ‍governments and institutions through⁣ bribery and anti-American propaganda.

Guam Governor ‌Lourdes Leon⁢ Guerrero emphasized the importance of ⁢Guam’s⁣ strategic location and ‍its role in projecting power throughout ⁣the Indo-Pacific region. She expressed her determination to resist China’s attempts to gain control over Guam and the Pacific.

The Threat⁢ to American Democracy

Representative Bruce Westerman,⁢ Chair ⁣of the Indo-Pacific Task‌ Force, highlighted the threat posed by the⁢ Chinese Communist Party (CCP)​ to American democracy and values. He emphasized the need for increased U.S. ‌engagement in the region to⁢ counter‍ China’s aggressive ‌actions.

China’s influence in the Pacific extends beyond military and economic ​tactics. The CCP has been reshaping narratives​ and retelling history to align with its ‍own interests. Representative Melanie Stansbury emphasized the importance of Ms. Sgambelluri’s ​testimony, ‍which serves‍ as a reminder of the ⁣painful history that ⁤warns against⁤ letting democracy ⁣slip away.

The Vulnerability ⁣of Guam

Guam, ‌the largest and most ⁢populous island in the Mariana⁣ Archipelago, is a ⁢critical military nexus‌ and ​trade corridor. It is also a⁣ prime target for China. With its strategic military installations‌ and proximity to Taiwan, Guam would be at the forefront of‌ any U.S.⁣ response‌ to a Chinese⁢ invasion⁢ or blockade.

Retired​ U.S. Army Brigadier General Roderick ‌Leon Guerrero⁢ expressed concerns⁢ about Guam’s vulnerability ‍and the need for proactive measures to protect its⁣ citizens. He urged⁤ the United States to learn from past experiences and not ⁣wait until a crisis occurs‌ to take action.

China’s Coercion in ‌the Northern⁢ Marianas

The Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), another U.S. territory, has also experienced China’s aggressive⁢ tactics. Chinese ‌investments in infrastructure, tourism, and ​gambling have raised concerns about the erosion‍ of American influence ​and security in the region.

CNMI Governor ​Arnold Palacios highlighted the ⁢challenges faced by the⁢ commonwealth, ‍including​ economic ‌struggles ⁣and vulnerabilities to Chinese​ influence. He emphasized the need to pivot away from⁢ over-reliance on Chinese investment and strengthen⁣ relationships with ‌U.S. federal partners ⁣and⁣ allies in the region.

Del. ⁣Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan echoed these ⁣concerns,‍ emphasizing the erosive nature of ​Chinese pressure and its impact on America’s‍ influence and security in the Pacific.

The hearing shed light on the untold‌ stories of Guam and the⁤ Pacific islands, highlighting the lasting scars ‌of war and ‍the ongoing threats‌ from China. It⁣ serves as a reminder ​of the importance ⁣of​ protecting American interests and democracy in the ⁣region.