,i #aacth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ddie ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,april #bh1 #bjad ,mr4 ,forbes 7for himself and ,ms4 ,hanabusa7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to strengthen the ,united ,states commitment to the security and stability of the ,asia-,pacific region1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,asia-,pacific ,region ,priority ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #c4 ,congressional defense committees4 ,title ,i--,matters relating to the ,department of ,defense ,sec4 #aja4 ,report on ,department of ,defense munitions strategy for ,united ,states ,pacific ,command4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,establishment of ,department of ,defense unmanned systems office4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,independent assessment on countering anti-access and area-denial capabilities in the ,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,assessment of the maritime balance of forces in the ,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,missile defense cooperation4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,department of ,defense ,space ,security and ,defense ,program4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,space situational awareness4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,sense of ,congress on access to training ranges within ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,sense of ,congress on ,pohakuloa ,training ,area in ,hawaii4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,special easement acquisition authority1 ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands1 ,kauai1 ,hawaii4 ,title ,,ii--,matters relating to foreign nations ,sec4 #bja4 ,statement of policy on maritime disputes in the ,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,sense of ,congress reaffirming security commitment to ,japan4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,report on opportunities to strengthen relationship between the ,united ,states and the ,republic of ,korea4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,maritime capabilities of ,taiwan and its contribution to regional peace and stability4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,modifications to annual report on military and security developments involving the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 #b4 ,sense of ,congress 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states has a national interest in maintaining the stability and security of the global commons in the ,asia-,pacific region4 7#b7 ,in ,october #bjaa1 ,secretary of ,state ,hillary ,clinton laid out an enduring vision for continued ,united ,states involvement in the ,asia-,pacific region throughout the coming century through strengthened security alliances1 deeper relations with emerging powers1 broader engagement with regional multilateral institutions1 greater trade and investment1 a broad-based security posture1 and the pursuit of democracy and protection of human rights4 7#c7 ,in ,november #bjaa1 ,president ,barack ,obama stated before the ,australian ,parliament that the ,united ,states will stand for security as the foundation of peace and prosperity1 the rights and responsibilities of all nations and people1 international law enforcing agreements and norms1 freedom of commerce and navigation1 integration of emerging powers into a regional security architecture1 and the peaceful resolution of disputes4 7#d7 ,in ,january #bjab1 the ,defense ,strategic ,guidance1 released by the ,department of ,defense1 emphasized the importance of the ,asia-,pacific region1 citing ,u4,s4 economic and security interests are inextricably linked to developments in the arc extending from the ,western ,pacific and ,east ,asia into the ,indian ,ocean region and ,south ,asia1 and accordingly1 we will of necessity rebalance toward the ,asia-,pacific region4 7#e7 ,in ,june #bjab1 ,secretary of ,defense ,leon ,panetta reaffirmed at the ,shangri-,la ,dialogue that the ,united ,states remains committed to the principles of open and free commerce1 a just international order that emphasizes rights and responsibilities of all nations and a fidelity to the rule of law1 open access by all to the shared domains of sea1 air1 space1 and cyberspace1 and the resolution of disputes without coercion or the use of force4 7#f7 ,the ,united ,states relationships with its treaty allies in the ,asia-,pacific region1 including ,japan1 the ,republic of ,korea1 ,australia1 the ,philippines1 and ,thailand1 are at the heart of ,united ,states policy and engagement in the region1 and these countries share a common approach to supporting peace and stability1 freedom of navigation1 and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the region4 7#g7 ,the ,united ,states continues to work with these and other regional countries on a range of transnational security and humanitarian issues1 including countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction1 encouraging the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes1 responding to and mitigating humanitarian disasters1 halting the illicit trafficking of people1 drugs1 and weapons1 coordinating to monitor and combat the risk of pandemic disease1 and fighting the disruptive activities of state and non-state actors for the betterment of regional stability and prosperity4 7#h7 ,the ,united ,states military continues to work closely with the armed forces of these and other regional countries to maintain vigilance against threats to the global commons and international order1 deter against acts of aggression1 and field capabilities to mitigate risks to allied and partner states in the ,asia-,pacific region4 7#i7 ,security shifts in the ,asia-,pacific region over the past decade have prompted a reassessment of the forces and capabilities necessary to provide domain awareness1 credible deterrence1 and effective defense in future decades to uphold the ,united ,states security commitments to the region and to maintain regional stability4 7#aj7 ,as provided in written testimony to the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives in ,march #bjad1 ,admiral ,samuel ,locklear1 ,commander of ,u4,s4 ,pacific ,command1 noted that1 ,north ,korea remains our most dangerous and enduring challenge ''' ,north ,korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles1 in contravention of its international obligations1 constitutes a significant threat to peace and security on the ,korean ,peninsula and in ,northeast ,asia44 7#aa7 ,as provided in written testimony to the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives in ,november #bjac1 ,dr4 ,larry ,wortzel1 ,commissioner1 ,united ,states-,china ,economic and ,security ,review ,commission1 noted that1 ,china's military1 the ,people's ,liberation ,army 7,,pla71 is undergoing an extensive modernization program that presents significant challenges to ,u4,s4 security interests in ,asia44 7#ab7 ,as ,under ,secretary of ,defense for ,acquisition1 ,technology and ,logistics1 ,mr4 ,frank ,kendall1 testified before the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives on ,january #bh1 #bjad1 ,anti-access aerial denial capabilities that concern us cover a range of conventional capabilities4 ,in the case of ,china in particular1 for example1 they include space control investments1 offense cyber capabilities1 conventional ballistic and cruise missiles with precision-seekers designed both fixed land installations and surface ships1 including aircraft carriers2 air-to-air capabilities1 including fifth-generation fighters1 long-range missiles with advance technologies seekers1 and electronic warfare systems44 7b7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the security1 stability1 and prosperity of the ,asia-,pacific region is vital to ,united ,states national interests2 7#b7 security and stability1 largely provided by ,united ,states forces and their forward presence1 underwrite ,united ,states national interests in the ,asia-,pacific region2 7#c7 the ,united ,states remains unwavering in its commitment and support for allies and partners in the ,asia-,pacific region2 7#d7 efforts by the ,department of ,defense to realign forces1 commit additional assets1 and increase investments to the ,asia-,pacific region are welcome signs of the ,united ,states continued commitment to the region2 7#e7 to counter anti-access and area-denial capabilities1 deter regional aggression1 assure allies and partners1 sustain military balance in the ,asia-,pacific region1 and enable more effective operations in contested and denied environments1 the ,department of ,defense will need to-- 7,a7 develop new concepts and initiatives1 such as ,air-,sea ,battle 7,,asb7 and the ,strategic ,capabilities ,office 7,,sco72 7,b7 invest in a new generation of military capabilities1 in areas such as undersea warfare1 power-projection1 munitions1 amphibious capabilities1 resilient space architectures1 and missile defenses2 and 7,c7 nurture technologies1 in areas such as electromagnetics1 directed energy1 hypersonics1 and electronic warfare2 and 7#f7 the development of regional institutions and bodies1 including the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7,,asean7 ,regional ,forum1 the ,,asean ,defense ,minister's ,meeting1 the ,east ,asia ,summit1 and the expanded ,,asean ,maritime ,forum1 should be supported to build practical cooperation in the ,asia-,pacific region and reinforce the role of international law4 #c4 ,congressional defense committees ,in this ,act1 the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section #aja7;a77#af7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,i ,matters relating to the ,department of ,defense #aja4 ,report on ,department of ,defense munitions strategy for ,united ,states ,pacific ,command 7a7 ,report required ,not later than ,april #a1 #bjae1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the munitions strategy for the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 including an identification of munitions requirements1 an assessment of munitions gaps and shortfalls1 and necessary munitions investments4 ,such strategy shall cover the #aj-year period beginning with #bjae4 7b7 ,elements ,the report on munitions strategy required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an identification of current and projected munitions requirements1 by class or type4 7#b7 ,an assessment of munitions gaps and shortfalls1 including a census of current munitions capabilities and programs1 not including ammunition4 7#c7 ,a description of current and planned munitions programs1 including with respect to procurement1 research1 development1 test and evaluation1 and deployment activities4 7#d7 ,schedules1 estimated costs1 and budget plans for current and planned munitions programs4 7#e7 ,identification of opportunities and limitations within the associated industrial base4 7#f7 ,identification and evaluation of technology needs and applicable emerging technologies1 including with respect to directed energy1 rail gun1 and cyber technologies4 7#g7 ,an assessment of how current and planned munitions programs1 and promising technologies1 may affect existing operational concepts and capabilities of the military departments or lead to new operational concepts and capabilities4 7#h7 ,an assessment of programs and capabilities by other countries to counter the munitions programs and capabilities of the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states1 not including with respect to ammunition1 and how such assessment affects the munitions strategy of each military department4 7#i7 ,any other matters the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,form ,the report under subsection 7a7 may be submitted in classified or unclassified form4 #ajb4 ,establishment of ,department of ,defense unmanned systems office 7a7 ,policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to maintain an independent organization within the ,department of ,defense to develop and coordinate the unmanned air1 land1 and sea capabilities of the ,united ,states to ensure unity of effort and the prudent allocation of resources in accordance with military needs4 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #d of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following next section3 #ade4 ,director of ,defense ,unmanned ,systems 7a7 ,appointment 7#a7 ,there is a ,director of ,defense ,unmanned ,systems in the ,office of the ,secretary of ,defense1 who shall be appointed by the ,secretary of ,defense and who shall report directly to the ,deputy ,secretary of ,defense4 7#b7 ,the ,director shall be a member of the ,senior ,executive ,service or a general officer or flag officer4 7b7 ,responsibilities ,the ,director of ,defense ,unmanned ,systems shall serve as-- 7#a7 the principal advisor to both the ,secretary of ,defense and ,deputy ,secretary of ,defense on matters relating to unmanned systems described in subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 the principal ,department of ,defense liaison to other ,federal agencies1 the defense industry1 and centers of research on such matters4 7c7 ,matters described ,the ,director shall advise the ,secretary and ,deputy ,secretary on1 at a minimum1 following3 7#a7 ,policy and oversight of all matters related to unmanned systems within the ,department of ,defense1 including the ,office of the ,secretary of ,defense1 the military departments1 the ,joint ,staff1 the combatant commands1 and the ,defense ,agencies4 7#b7 ,coordination of acquisition and research1 development1 technology1 and engineering efforts relating to the development1 experimentation1 and fielding of unmanned systems to ensure unity of effort and interagency awareness of emerging capabilities4 7#c7 ,recommendations regarding budget matters pertaining to unmanned systems programs and resources across the military departments4 7#d7 ,recommendations1 in collaboration with the ,joint ,staff and other strategic planning offices1 to integrate unmanned systems with existing operational concepts and determining new concepts enabled by advances in unmanned capabilities1 including-- 7,a7 advanced intelligence1 surveillance1 and reconnaissance opportunities2 7,b7 new or greater roles in power projection responsibilities2 7,c7 support for deterrence posture and capabilities2 7,d7 cost imposition strategies2 7,e7 force protection2 and 7,f7 compliance with the requirements set forth in #adb of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjf 7,public ,law #aji-afc2 #aai ,stat4 #cafd71 as amended by section #ada of the ,john ,warner ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjg 7,public ,law #aji-cfd2 #abj ,stat4 #baaf71 including the unmanned systems roadmap1 which includes a technology appendix clarifying key areas for ,department of ,defense research1 development1 testing1 and evaluation and areas to encourage independent research and development investment by private companies4 7d7 ,unmanned systems defined ,in this section1 the term unmanned systems means platforms without human occupants that are directed by some combination of human input or autonomous function and that are used in furtherance of military objectives4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #d of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #ade4 ,director of ,defense ,unmanned ,systems4 4 #ajc4 ,independent assessment on countering anti-access and area-denial capabilities in the ,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,assessment required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall enter into an agreement with an independent entity to conduct an assessment of anti-access and area-denial capabilities that pose a threat to the ,united ,states and its allies and partners in the ,asia-,pacific region and strategies to mitigate such threats4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the assessment required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 identification of anti-access and area-denial capabilities2 7,b7 assessment of gaps and shortfalls in the ability of the ,united ,states to address anti-access and area-denial capabilities identified under subparagraph 7,a7 and plans of the ,department of ,defense to address such gaps and shortfalls2 7,c7 assessment of ,department of ,defense strategies to effectively deter aggression in the ,asia-,pacific region2 and 7,d7 any other matters the independent entity determines to be appropriate4 7b7 ,report required 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjae1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the assessment and strategies required under subsection 7a7 and any other matters the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7#b7 ,form ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex if necessary4 7c7 ,department of defense support ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall provide the independent entity described in subsection 7a7 with timely access to appropriate information1 data1 and analysis so that the entity may conduct a thorough and independent assessment as required under subsection 7a74 #ajd4 ,assessment of the maritime balance of forces in the ,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,assessment required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,office of ,net ,assessment of the ,department of ,defense shall conduct an assessment of the maritime balance of forces in the ,asia-,pacific region for the #aj-year period beginning on the date of the initiation of the assessment1 with a focus on the ,chinese ,people's ,liberation ,army and ,state ,oceanic ,administration4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the assessment required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification and projection of maritime balance of forces in the ,asia-,pacific region based on-- 7i7 a thorough assessment of the military capabilities1 readiness1 and strategies of each assessed state2 and 7ii7 current and planned ,united ,states security initiatives and acquisition efforts1 in comparison with the efforts of regional states4 7,b7 ,the implications of pursuing such strategies for the ,united ,states defense posture1 to include capabilities1 force posture1 and the role of allies and partners4 7b7 ,report required 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjae1 the ,director of the ,office of ,net ,assessment shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the assessment required under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,form ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex if necessary4 #aje4 ,missile defense cooperation 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,admiral ,samuel ,locklear1 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 testified before the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives on ,march #e1 #bjad1 that in the spring of #bjac1 ,north ,korea conducted another underground nuclear test1 threatened the use of a nuclear weapon against the ,united ,states1 and concurrently conducted a mobile missile deployment of an ,intermediate ,range ,ballistic ,missile1 reportedly capable of ranging our western most ,u4,s4 territory in the ,pacific42 7#b7 ,general ,curtis ,scaparrotti1 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,forces ,korea1 testified before such committee on ,april #b1 #bjad1 that ,,cfc ,combined ,forces ,command is placing special emphasis on missile defense1 not only in terms of systems and capabilities1 but also with regard to implementing an ,alliance counter-missile strategy required for our combined defense42 and 7#c7 increased emphasis and cooperation on missile defense among the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and the ,republic of ,korea1 enhances the security of allies of the ,united ,states in ,northeast ,asia1 increases the defense of forward-based forces of the ,united ,states1 and enhances the protection of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,assessment ,required ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall conduct an assessment to identify opportunities for increasing missile defense cooperation among the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and the ,republic of ,korea1 and to evaluate options for short-range missile1 rocket1 and artillery defense capabilities4 7c7 ,elements ,the assessment under subsection 7b7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,candidate areas for increasing missile defense cooperation1 including greater information sharing1 systems integration1 and joint operations4 7#b7 ,potential challenges and limitations to enabling such cooperation and plans for mitigating such challenges and limitations4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the utility of short-range missile defense and counter-rocket1 artillery1 and mortar system capabilities1 including with respect to-- 7,a7 the requirements for such capabilities to meet operational and contingency plan requirements in ,northeast ,asia2 7,b7 cost1 schedule1 and availability2 7,c7 technology maturity and risk2 and 7,d7 consideration of alternatives4 7d7 ,briefing ,required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the assessment under subsection 7b74 #ajf4 ,department of ,defense ,space ,security and ,defense ,program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the ,sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 critical ,united ,states national security space systems are facing a serious growing foreign threat2 7#b7 the ,people's ,republic of ,china and the ,russian ,federation are both developing capabilities to disrupt the use of space by the ,united ,states in a conflict1 as recently outlined by the ,director of ,national ,intelligence in testimony before ,congress2 and 7#c7 a fully developed multi-faceted space security and defense program is needed to deter and defeat any adversaries' acts of space aggression4 7b7 ,report on ability of the ,united ,states ,to deter and defeat adversary space aggression ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing an assessment of the ability of the ,department of ,defense to deter and defeat any act of space aggression by an adversary4 7c7 ,study on alternative defense and deterrence strategies in response to foreign counterspace capabilities 7#a7 ,study required ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 acting through the ,office of ,net ,assessment1 shall conduct a study of potential alternative defense and deterrent strategies in response to the existing and projected counterspace capabilities of ,china and ,russia4 ,such study shall include an assessment of the congruence of such strategies with the current ,united ,states defense strategy and defense programs of record1 and the associated implications of pursuing such strategies4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees the results of the study required under paragraph 7#a74 #ajg4 ,space situational awareness 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,as ,general ,william ,shelton testified before the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives on ,april #c1 #bjad1 ,space ,situational ,awareness underpins everything we do in space4 7#b7 ,at the same hearing1 ,lieutenant ,general ,john ,raymond1 ,commander1 ,joint ,functional ,component ,command for ,space1 further testified that1 ,space ,situational ,awareness 7,,ssa7 is fundamental to effective operation and defense of our capabilities4 ,,ssa allows us to maintain the current and predictive knowledge of the space domain and the operational environment upon which space operations depend4 ,we rely on ,,ssa to provide timely and accurate warning to alert national and military leaders and our partners of impending threats and hostile actions44 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,defense #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae for research1 development1 test1 and evaluation1 ,air ,force1 for enhancing the space situational awareness capabilities of the ,air ,force4 ,such authorization is in addition to any other authorization of appropriations for the ,secretary for such fiscal year4 #ajh4 ,sense of ,congress on access to training ranges within ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,reliable access to military training ranges is an essential component of military readiness4 7#b7 ,the training opportunities provided by military training ranges are critical to maintaining the technical and operational superiority of the ,armed ,forces4 7#c7 ,the #bjad ,quadrennial ,defense ,review states that the operational readiness of the ,armed ,forces hinges on unimpeded access to land1 air1 and sea training and test space4 7#d7 ,a number of critical military training ranges are located within the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility4 7#e7 ,due to the tyranny of distance in the ,asia-,pacific region1 there are significant challenges in transporting equipment and personnel to the various military training ranges within the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility4 7#f7 ,the ,department of ,defense continues a number of efforts aimed at preserving military training ranges1 while also minimizing the environmental effects of training activities4 7#g7 ,the ,department of ,defense has a variety of authorities that may be used to mitigate encroachment on military testing and training missions4 7b7 ,sense of congress ,in light of the findings specified in subsection 7a71 it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,defense should-- 7#a7 ensure that members of the ,armed ,forces continue to have reliable access to military training ranges2 7#b7 optimize the use of multilateral1 joint training facilities overseas in order to increase readiness and interoperability with allies and partners of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 utilize a full range of assets1 including both air- and sea-based assets1 to improve accessibility to military training areas within the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility2 7#d7 provide stable budget authority for long-term investment in range and test center infrastructure1 prioritizing those within the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command area of responsibility2 and 7#e7 take appropriate action to identify and mitigate encroachment or other challenges that have the potential to impact access or operations on military training ranges4 #aji4 ,sense of ,congress on ,pohakuloa ,training ,area in ,hawaii 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the ,pohakuloa ,training ,area in ,hawaii is a premier military training area in the ,pacific region1 providing units from all ,united ,states military services1 as well as militaries of allies and partners with realistic joint and combined arms training opportunities not found elsewhere in the world4 7#b7 ,the #bjad ,quadrennial ,defense ,review states that ,united ,states forces in the ,asia-,pacific region will resume regular bilateral and multilateral training exercises1 pursue increased training opportunities to improve capabilities and capacity of partner nations1 as well as support humanitarian1 disaster relief1 counterterrorism1 and other operations that contribute to the stability of the region44 7#c7 ,there are significant challenges in transporting equipment and personnel to the ,pohakuloa ,training ,area from the ,island of ,oahu1 where all ,united ,states ,pacific ,command service components are permanently based4 7b7 ,sense of congress ,in light of the findings specified in subsection 7a71 it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,defense should-- 7#a7 maximize the use of the ,pohakuloa ,training ,area in ,hawaii by all ,armed ,forces components1 and increase its use for bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional allies and partners2 7#b7 utilize a full range of assets to improve access to the ,training ,center1 including both air- and sea-based assets such as inactive ,joint ,high ,speed ,vessels2 7#c7 invest in capabilities and modest improvements to lower the cost of access to the ,training ,center1 such as construction of a ,c-#ag capable runway2 and 7#d7 take appropriate action to leverage existing authorities and programs1 as well as work with the ,state of ,hawaii and municipalities to leverage their authorities1 to address any challenges that have the potential to impede future access to or operations on military training ranges4 #aaj4 ,special easement acquisition authority1 ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands1 ,kauai1 ,hawaii 7a7 ,easement acquisition authority ,subject to subsection 7d71 the ,secretary of the ,navy may use the authority provided by section #bfhd;a of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to acquire from willing sellers easements and other interests in real property in the vicinity of the ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands1 ,kauai1 ,hawaii1 for the purpose of-- 7#a7 limiting encroachments on military training1 testing1 and operations at that installation2 or 7#b7 facilitating such training1 testing1 and operations4 7b7 ,eligible entities ,notwithstanding subsection 7c7 of section #bfhd;a of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary may enter into an agreement authorized by such section with any private entity for the acquisition of an easement or other interest in real property in the vicinity of the ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands4 7c7 ,consideration ,as consideration for the acquisition of an easement or other interest in real property under this section1 the ,secretary of the ,navy may not pay an amount in excess of the fair market value of the interest to be acquired4 7d7 ,conditions on use of authority 7#a7 ,no use of condemnation ,an easement or other interest in real property may be acquired under this section only from a willing seller4 7#b7 ,no acquisition of complete title ,nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the ,secretary of the ,navy to use this section as authority to acquire all right1 title1 and interest in and to real property in the vicinity of the ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands4 7e7 ,vicinity defined ,in this section1 the term vicinity means the area within #cj miles of the boundaries of the ,pacific ,missile ,range ,facility1 ,barking ,sands4 ,,ii ,matters relating to foreign nations #bja4 ,statement of policy on maritime disputes in the ,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states has a national interest in maintaining freedom of navigation1 freedom of the seas1 respect for international law1 and unimpeded lawful commerce1 including in the ,east ,china and ,south ,china ,seas4 7#b7 ,there has been an unprecedented increase in aggressive actions by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china in the ,east ,china ,sea1 to include-- 7,a7 dangerous activities by ,chinese maritime agencies in areas near the ,senkaku islands1 including the intrusion of between #f and #be ,chinese ships into ,japanese administered territory in the ,east ,china ,sea each month since ,september #bjab1 between #bf and #abd ships into the contiguous zone in the same time period1 and #i ships into ,japanese administered territory and #cc ships into the contiguous zone in ,february #bjad2 and 7,b7 a unilateral declaration on ,november #bc1 #bjac1 without prior consultations with the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 the ,republic of ,korea1 or other nations of the ,asia-,pacific region1 of an ,air ,defense ,identification ,zone 7,,adiz7 in the ,east ,china ,sea4 7#c7 ,in recent years1 there have also been numerous dangerous and destabilizing incidents in the ,south ,china ,sea1 specifically in waters near the coasts of the ,philippines1 the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 ,malaysia1 and ,vietnam1 where the use of coercion1 intimidation1 and military force by claimants seeking to change the status quo have raised tensions in the region4 ,such unilateral actions include-- 7,a7 continued restrictions on access to ,scarborough ,reef and pressure on long-standing ,philippine presence at the ,second ,thomas ,shoal by the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 7,b7 establishing hydrocarbon blocks up for bid in areas that are under dispute2 7,c7 announcing administrative and military districts in contested areas in the ,south ,china ,sea2 and 7,d7 imposing new fishing regulations covering disputed areas4 7#d7 ,on ,december #e1 #bjac1 the ,,uss ,cowpens was lawfully operating in international waters in the ,south ,china ,sea when a ,people's ,liberation ,army ,navy vessel crossed its bow at a distance of less than #ejj yards and stopped in the water1 forcing the ,,uss ,cowpens to take evasive action to avoid a collision4 ,such action appears contrary to the international legal obligations of the ,people's ,republic of ,china under ,international ,regulations for ,preventing ,collisions at ,sea 7,c,o,l,r,e,gs74 7#e7 ,the increasing frequency and assertiveness of patrols and competing regulations over disputed territory and maritime areas and airspace in the ,south ,china ,sea and the ,east ,china ,sea are raising tensions and increasing the risk of miscalculation and confrontation4 7#f7 ,the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7,,asean7 has promoted multilateral talks on disputed areas without settling the issue of sovereignty1 and in #bjjb joined with the ,people's ,republic of ,china in signing a ,declaration on the ,conduct of ,parties in the ,south ,china ,sea that committed all parties to those territorial disputes to reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over flight above the ,south ,china ,sea as provided for by the universally recognized principles of international law and to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means1 without resorting to the threat or use of force4 7#g7 ,the ,united ,states ,government has a clear interest in the peaceful diplomatic resolution of disputed maritime claims in accordance with international law and is firmly opposed to coercion1 intimidation1 threats1 or the use of force4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 reaffirms its unwavering commitment and support for allies and partners in the ,asia-,pacific region1 and for the longstanding ,united ,states policy that ,article ,v of the ,united ,states-,japan ,mutual ,defense ,treaty applies to the ,japanese-administered ,senkaku ,islands2 7#b7 opposes claims that impinge on the rights1 freedoms1 and lawful use of the sea that belong to all nations and urges all parties to refrain from engaging in destabilizing activities1 including illegal occupation or efforts to unlawfully assert administration over disputed claims2 7#c7 supports the development of regional institutions and bodies1 including the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7,,asean7 ,regional ,forum1 the ,,asean ,defense ,minister's ,meeting ,plus1 the ,east ,asia ,summit1 and the expanded ,,asean ,maritime ,forum1 to increase regional cooperation and ensure that disputes are managed without intimidation1 coercion1 or force2 and 7#d7 continues ,united ,states military operations in1 and transit through1 international waters and airspace in the ,asia-,pacific region1 in accordance with established principles and practices of international law4 #bjb4 ,sense of ,congress reaffirming security commitment to ,japan ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states highly values its alliance with the ,government of ,japan as a cornerstone of peace and security in the region1 based on shared values of democracy1 the rule of law1 free and open markets1 and respect for human rights in order to promote peace1 security1 stability1 and economic prosperity in the ,asia-,pacific region2 7#b7 the ,united ,states welcomes ,japan's determination to contribute more proactively to regional and global peace and security2 7#c7 the ,united ,states supports recent increases in ,japanese defense funding1 adoption of a ,national ,security ,strategy1 formation of security institutions such as the ,japanese ,national ,security ,council1 re-examination of the legal basis for its security including the matter of exercising its right of collective self-defense and other moves that will enable ,japan to bear even greater alliance responsibilities2 7#d7 the ,united ,states and ,japan should continue to improve joint interoperability and collaborate on developing future capabilities with which to maintain regional stability in an increasingly uncertain security environment2 7#e7 the ,united ,states and ,japan should continue efforts to strengthen regional multilateral institutions that promote economic and security cooperation based on internationally accepted rules and norms2 7#f7 the ,united ,states acknowledges that the ,senkaku ,islands are under the administration of ,japan and opposes any unilateral actions that would seek to undermine such administration1 affirms that unilateral actions of a third party will not affect the ,united ,states acknowledgment of the administration of ,japan over the ,senkaku ,islands1 and remains committed under the ,treaty of ,mutual ,cooperation and ,security to respond to any armed attack in the territories under the administration of ,japan2 and 7#g7 the ,united ,states reaffirms its commitment to the ,government of ,japan under ,article ,v of the ,treaty of ,mutual ,cooperation and ,security that each ,party recognizes that an armed attack against either ,party in the territories under the administration of ,japan would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional provisions and processes4 #bjc4 ,report on opportunities to strengthen relationship between the ,united ,states and the ,republic of ,korea 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states and the ,republic of ,korea have forged a strong security alliance over the last #fj years2 7#b7 the alliance has been strengthened in joint missions to fight the global war on terror and has been further bolstered through a continuous trend of meaningful sales of ,united ,states military hardware to ,korea2 7#c7 the relationship between the two countries was further solidified in #bjaa through the ,united ,states-,korea ,free ,trade ,agreement which has led to growth in trade of goods and services2 and 7#d7 additional opportunities should be identified to ensure that this relationship continues to grow in the long term and more closely reflects ,united ,states relationships with other free trade agreement partner countries4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than ,october #a1 #bjad1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 a report on opportunities to further strengthen the relationship between the ,united ,states and the ,republic of ,korea with an emphasis on matters relating to security and trade4 #bjd4 ,maritime capabilities of ,taiwan and its contribution to regional peace and stability 7a7 ,report required ,not later than ,april #a1 #bjaf1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall1 in consultation with the ,chairman of the ,joint ,chiefs of ,staff1 submit to the congressional defense committees1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on-- 7#a7 the maritime balance of forces between the ,people's ,republic of ,china and ,taiwan2 and 7#b7 the posture and readiness of the navy of ,taiwan to respond to an attack or other contingency against the territory of ,taiwan4 7b7 ,elements ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a description and assessment of the posture and readiness of elements of the ,chinese ,people's ,liberation ,army expected or available to threaten the maritime or territorial security of ,taiwan1 including an assessment of-- 7,a7 the undersea and surface warfare capabilities of the ,people's ,liberation ,army ,navy in the littoral areas in and around the ,taiwan ,strait2 7,b7 the amphibious and heavy sealift capabilities of the ,people's ,liberation ,army ,navy2 7,c7 the capabilities of the ,people's ,liberation ,army ,air ,force to establish air dominance over ,taiwan2 and 7,d7 the capabilities of the ,people's ,liberation ,army ,second ,artillery ,corps to suppress or destroy the forces of ,taiwan necessary to defend the security of ,taiwan4 7#b7 ,a description and assessment of the posture and readiness of elements of the armed forces of ,taiwan expected or available to maintain the maritime or territorial security of ,taiwan1 including an assessment of-- 7,a7 the undersea and surface warfare capabilities of the navy of ,taiwan2 7,b7 the land-based anti-ship cruise missile capabilities of ,taiwan2 and 7,c7 other anti-access or area-denial capabilities1 such as mines1 that contribute to the deterrence of ,taiwan against actions taken to determine the future of ,taiwan by other than peaceful means4 7c7 ,form ,the report required by subsection 7a7 may be submitted in classified or unclassified form4 7d7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states1 in accordance with the ,taiwan ,relations ,act 7,public ,law #if-h71 should continue to make available to ,taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary to enable ,taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability2 7#b7 the growth and modernization of the ,people's ,liberation ,army1 including its focus on preparing for potential conflict in the ,taiwan ,strait which appears to remain the principal focus and primary driver of ,china's military investment1 as noted in the #bjac ,office of the ,secretary of ,defense ,annual ,report to ,congress3 ,military and ,security ,developments ,involving the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 requires greater attention to the needed defense capabilities of ,taiwan2 and 7#c7 the ,united ,states should consider opportunities to help enhance the maritime capabilities and nautical skills of the ,taiwanese navy that can contribute to ,taiwan's self-defense and to regional peace and stability1 in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations1 including extending an invitation to ,taiwan to participate in the #bjad ,rim of the ,pacific international maritime exercise4 #bje4 ,modifications to annual report on military and security developments involving the ,people's ,republic of ,china 7a7 ,matters ,to be included ,subsection 7b7 of section #abjb of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjj 7,public ,law #ajf-fe2 #aac ,stat4 #gha2 #aj ,u4,s4,c4 #aac note7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#aj7 through 7#bj7 as paragraphs 7#aa7 through 7#ba71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#i7 the following3 7#aj7 ,the developments in maritime law enforcement capabilities and organization of the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 focusing on activities in contested maritime areas in the ,south ,china ,sea and ,east ,china ,sea4 ,such analyses shall include an assessment of the nature of ,china's maritime law enforcement activities directed against ,united ,states allies and partners4 ,such maritime activities shall include activities originating or suspect of originating from ,china and shall include government and nongovernment activities that are believed to be sanctioned or supported by the ,chinese government4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act and apply with respect to reports required to be submitted under subsection 7a7 of section #abjb of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjj1 as so amended1 on or after that date4