Letter to the Editor: The Indo-Pacific as the World’s Center of Gravity: Why Guam Must Stay Engaged

BY VERA TOPASNA
Executive Director, Community Defense Liaison Office (CDLO)

As global defense priorities shift, the Indo-Pacific is increasingly recognized as the world’s new “center of gravity.” This was the central theme at the recent Honolulu Defense Forum, where I had the opportunity to engage with key defense leaders and policymakers on pressing security challenges and the role of regional communities—like ours on Guam—in shaping the future of this strategic region.

The forum, held on February 13, 2025, featured an insightful keynote address by Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. His remarks underscored what we on Guam have long understood: the Indo-Pacific is at the heart of global security concerns, and the stakes for our region have never been higher.

The Urgency of Collective Action
Admiral Paparo’s address highlighted the mounting challenges in the region, particularly China’s increasing military activities, tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, and the pressing need for modernized defense capabilities. He spoke candidly about the critical role of allies, industry partners, and local communities in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific—an approach that reinforces the necessity of Guam’s continued engagement in national security discussions.

We recognize that Guam is not just a strategic location; we are a people with a vested interest in the region’s stability, economic resilience, and security policies that directly affect our families, businesses, and way of life.

Guam’s Increasing Strategic Role in U.S. Defense
Guam’s importance to U.S. national defense has never been greater, as evidenced by the Department of Defense’s expanding initiatives on our island. The construction of the Guam Defense System—a comprehensive missile defense network—underscores Guam’s frontline role in U.S. homeland defense. At the same time, investments in cybersecurity enhancements reflect the growing importance of digital security in modern warfare, ensuring that Guam remains protected against cyber threats that could disrupt both civilian and military operations. Further demonstrating Guam’s critical role, the Department of Defense is supporting the construction of a biosafety level 2-3 laboratory with advanced analytical capabilities to detect and respond to biological threats, including potential bioterrorism acts against Guam and the mainland United States. Once completed, this laboratory will be part of the CDC Sentinel Laboratory Network, providing early warning and rapid response capabilities.

Strengthening Guam’s Voice in Defense Policy
At the Community Defense Liaison Office (CDLO), our mission is to engage with the Department of Defense in strategic planning and coordination on a wide range of DOD/Community activity covering current and new growth initiatives while at the same time advocating for policies that prioritize both national security and the well-being of our people—whether that’s in economic opportunities, workforce development, or disaster preparedness.

My participation in the Honolulu Defense Forum provided a platform to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Guam as a frontline U.S. territory. In discussions with senior defense leaders, I emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives that foster resilience, ensure economic sustainability, and create meaningful opportunities for Guam’s workforce within the evolving defense landscape.

The Path Forward
The Honolulu Defense Forum reinforced that collaboration is key—between the DOD, allies and partners, private industry, and, most importantly, the communities that call the Indo-Pacific home. Guam has a unique opportunity to leverage its strategic location not just as a military outpost but as a hub for economic growth, innovation, and regional leadership.

Through CDLO’s expanding role, we will continue to bridge the gap between defense policies and community priorities, ensuring that Guam’s interests remain an integral part of the Indo-Pacific strategy.

The world is watching our region.