Watch the complete hearing in the embedded video above. Wendy Cutler's opening remarks start at 11:58. Click here to see the full list of witnesses.

In her January 19 testimony before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, ASPI Vice President Wendy Cutler discussed the importance of a bold and impactful U.S. economic agenda for the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong digital economy component.

Cutler noted that regional partners remain eager to work with the United States on an affirmative economic initiative that fosters shared prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth. However, she flagged that these partners are concerned that whatever initiatives Washington proposes under the forthcoming Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, they will pale in comparison to China’s move to join the CPTPP.

“The onus is now on Washington to develop a credible alternative that will simultaneously serve U.S. economic interests and attract partners with tangible benefits for shared prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth,” said Cutler. “In my view, there is no better way to achieve these objectives than by proposing a bold, forward-leaning and detailed digital pillar as the centerpiece of the Framework.”