House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer is investigating the Department of Defense’s efforts in deep-sea mineral mining to counteract China’s influence. Comer sent a letter to DoD Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing the need for U.S. innovation in this sector to maintain energy independence from China.
Chairman Comer expressed concern over the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) attempts to dominate seabed mineral resources and limit U.S. access. He requested a briefing on how the DoD is complying with President Trump’s executive order related to deep-sea exploration and mining technology development, which has implications for both commercial use and national security.
Comer noted that as China advances its DSM technology, it poses a threat to U.S. global leadership and defense capabilities. The CCP’s strategic partnerships are seen as a way for China to encroach on sovereign waters, particularly in the Pacific region.
“China is establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with small island nations around the globe,” wrote Chairman Comer, highlighting concerns about China’s military and commercial reach impacting smaller nations’ sovereignty.
The letter forms part of an ongoing investigation by the Oversight Committee into CCP influence both domestically and internationally.
