Congressmen Don Bacon and Pat Ryan Join U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander in Urgent Push for Defense Innovation and Strengthened Alliances

Honolulu, HI – February 13, 2025 – At the Honolulu Defense Forum (HDF) 2025, Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivered a stark warning on the growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that China, Russia, and North Korea are actively working to undermine regional stability and U.S. deterrence. He called for immediate action to address warfighting readiness, defense production challenges, and the integration of unmanned systems to maintain a strategic edge.

In a forceful keynote speech, Paparo described China’s aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan as rehearsals for forced unification, not mere military exercises. He also pointed to China’s militarization of the South China Sea, harassment of treaty allies, and coordination with Russia and North Korea as part of an emerging “axis of autocracy.” The PLA’s growing capabilities in multi-domain operations, from cyber to space warfare, demonstrate clear intent to challenge the U.S. and its allies.

Paparo’s remarks were reinforced by Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE) and Pat Ryan (D-NY), who led a bipartisan discussion on defense technology innovation. They warned that slow procurement and bureaucratic obstacles are putting U.S. national security at risk, urging faster adoption of emerging technologies and closer collaboration with the private sector.

Key Takeaways from HDF 2025:

✅ China’s Military Escalation – Paparo warned that the PLA’s actions around Taiwan are rehearsals for forced unification, not routine drills.
✅ The Axis of Autocracy – China, Russia, and North Korea are conducting joint military exercises, technology transfers, and coordinated cyber operations to weaken U.S. and allied deterrence.
✅ U.S. Readiness Challenges – Aging platforms, low munitions stockpiles, and contested logistics are weakening U.S. warfighting capability, requiring urgent reform.
✅ Unmanned Systems as a Force Multiplier – Paparo highlighted the need for autonomous systems to extend combat power, but stressed that they must be deployed at scale, not just in boutique programs.
✅ Bipartisan Congressional Push for Speed – Reps. Bacon and Ryan emphasized the need for rapid procurement reform, increased defense funding, and stronger industry partnerships to accelerate innovation.
✅ Global Engagement – Nearly 20 nations from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and North America, along with 50+ defense and technology companies, joined the discussion on deterrence, economic statecraft, and defense industrial resilience.

Press Resources

Journalists can access photos, Admiral Paparo’s full keynote address and transcript, and the Congressional discussion with Rep. Bacon and Rep. Ryan:

• Adm. Paparo’s Keynote Video
• Adm. Paparo’s Transcript
• Congressional discussion with Rep. Bacon and Rep. Ryan

For the full agenda and further details on the Honolulu Defense Forum, click HERE.

Media Contact:
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About Pacific Forum: 

Pacific Forum is a non-profit think tank fostering dialogue, cooperation, and policy shaping in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information, visit https://pacforum.org/.

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