On November 8th, 2015, Burma is scheduled to hold its first openly contested election in 25 years with hopes that it will be credible, transparent and inclusive. The ultimate success of Burma's political transition remains uncertain. How should the U.S. Congress judge a systematically manipulated democratic transition in light of what may be a credible, transparent and inclusive election process on November 8th? If the odds are intentionally in the ruling party's favor but they have a clean election, how should the U.S. respond? The election is not the end-all be-all for Burma. We will watch...

History has proven that North Korea has every intention to continue advancing its nuclear program. In an effort to strengthen both domestic and international positions, the United States has shown a willingness to negotiate with North Korea if it is simply willing to first take steps toward denuclearization. North Korea has shown no interest in doing so, but it has successfully extracted food assistance and other foreign assistance from us by threatening nuclear activity. This is an unacceptable cycle that cannot continue. Due to North Korea's nuclear threat and proximity to our allies, South...

The U.S.-India relationship can be characterized as one of enormous potential. It is in the interest of this subcommittee and the United States to see democratic societies prosper, and it is because of this view that India is a natural partner for the United States. The 1.3-billion-person nation has become the focus of U.S. trade and business opportunity. As a growing military power, India is also a critical global security partner with the potential to help avert military confrontation and conflict in the Indo-Pacific region. Both the United States and India recognize the potential...

The Pacific Island region, a cluster of 14 sovereign states with a population of only 9 million, far from both the mainland United States and the core of Asia, is perhaps the most overlooked region of the Asia-Pacific. The Pacific Islands deserve the United States' attention for the important roles that they play in regional security. Many remember the Pacific Island countries for the role they played during World War II. The Pacific Island states are also of economic interest, especially for the U.S. fishing industry, as the South Pacific supplies roughly one-third of the world's tuna....

Violent attacks in Europe and expanding jihadist networks in Northern Africa have provided tragic and senseless reminders of the threat that terrorism and extremism pose to the world. When the global fight against the threat of terrorism is discussed, Southeast Asia is rarely the first thought. This vibrant region, home to nearly 40 percent of the world's Muslim population, is also a crucial part of the global war on terror. Southeast Asia has porous borders, persistent governance challenges and development needs. Militant Islamic separatists and terrorists have operated in the region for...

In September 2016], North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date. This latest provocation coming just weeks after they fired off three additional missiles during the G-20 summit in China. While U.S. and United Nations sanctions have undoubtedly hurt the North Korean economy, Kim Jong-un continues to willingly and belligerently defy U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as international norms. Clearly, he is not fazed by the Obama administration's so-called plan of strategic patience, and so continues with behavior that endangers the world. As good as the...

Sri Lanka's lengthy and tortuous civil war between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils of the north and east ended in 2009 but the country remains challenged by deep divisions. Sri Lanka's prior leader, President Rajapaksa, steered the country in an authoritarian direction which included allegations of pervasive human rights abuses, rampant corruption and the failure to follow the rule of law. In 2015, the Sri Lankan people chose a new path with the election of President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. Relations between the U.S. and Sri Lanka under the Rajapaksa...

Taiwan's free and fair elections, vibrant free market economy and open society set an example for the region and for the world. President-elect Tsai Ing-wen will be Taiwan's first female President. This third peaceful transfer of executive power is an indication of the maturation of Taiwan's democracy. The recent election presents the United States with more opportunities to improve our political security and economic relationship with Taiwan. The cross-Strait relationship with China has been relatively stable under the sitting Kuomintang President Ma Ying-jeou, but a steady stream of threats...

Maritime and territorial disputes in the South China Sea are universally recognized as a long-term security challenge and a potential short-term flashpoint. Conflicting claims to the strategic waterways which connect maritime Asia endanger trade, transportation, commerce and energy flows, creating the risk of conflict. China has taken the riskiest and most dangerous actions of any of any party to the disputes, seizing territory far from its shores, fielding huge fleets of Coast Guard and fishing vessels to bolster its claims and constructing military outposts throughout contested zones to...