Advancing National Security through Commercial Diplomacy

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans held a hearing on advancing national security through commercial diplomacy, focusing on the integration of economic policy with foreign policy to strengthen American industry and national security. Under Secretary Jacob Hellberg testified about initiatives such as the PAX Silica coalition, which aims to secure supply chains and promote American AI technology globally, and efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from China. The discussion included oversight of the State Department's commercial diplomacy functions, coordination with other agencies like the US International Development Finance Corporation, and the challenges posed by China's economic practices and tariffs. Members raised concerns about tariffs' impact on American businesses, the need for interagency coordination, and the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to counter China's influence. The hearing also addressed issues related to AI export controls, supply chain security, and economic partnerships in regions like Africa, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East, emphasizing the role of commercial diplomacy in supporting U.S. economic and national security interests.