In an assertive move to address the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in deep-sea mining (DSM), Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has directed his attention towards the Department of Defense (DoD) and its compliance with an executive order instated during President Trump's tenure. This order endorses the advancement of American offshore initiatives and the development of technology for deep-sea exploration to secure the nation's competitive edge against China. Chairman Comer has officially requested a staff-level briefing to assess the DoD's current actions in this strategic domain, as stated in a letter obtained by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's official website.
Chairman James Comer stated that technologies used for deep-sea mining have significant dual-use potential in both commercial and defense applications. He emphasized concerns over China’s advancements in this field, highlighting the importance of U.S. leadership in the sector. The Department of Defense is evaluating strategies to ensure continued technological and strategic competitiveness.
Chairman James Comer raised concerns about China’s Memorandums of Understanding with small Pacific island nations, warning of possible encroachments into sovereign waters. In a letter, he stated that some nations may feel pressured to engage with China despite lacking the means to protect their maritime territories. The remarks come amid growing U.S. scrutiny of China's maritime and resource-extraction activities in the Pacific region.
The Oversight Committee’s investigation into the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) global influence includes a focus on deep-sea mining (DSM) capabilities. The Committee is examining the national security implications of China's activities in the Pacific and how federal agencies might respond to ensure U.S. competitiveness in emerging maritime technologies.
