washington u.s. president donald trump wednesday nominate philip bilden former military intelligence officer private equity executive broad experience asia particularly china civilian head u.s. navy trump vow build u.s. navy 350 ship current 290 move aid say aim counter china rapid rise military power asia-pacific trump administration monday raise prospect worsen tensions china vow prevent beijing take territory international water south china sea something chinese state media warn would require washington wage war bilden emerge recently favorite position navy secretary early front-runner former u.s. representative randy forbes lead critic china chair house arm service seapower subcommittee bilden nomination must confirm u.s. senate follow another businessman vincent viola army veteran founder high-speed trade firm secretary army neither bilden viola experience government white house statement describe bilden highly successful business leader former military intelligence officer naval war college cybersecurity leader say would bring strategic leadership investment discipline asia-pacific regional cyber expertise department navy maintain strength readiness capabilities maritime force critical national security bilden say white house statement confirm ensure sailors marines resources need defend interest around globe support ally commitment capability retire admiral jam stavridis former nato supreme commander say bilden excellent choice deeply knowledgeable china would say close china many time speak need take firm line south china sea tell reuters jam carafano heritage foundation think tank say bilden deep knowledge cyber threats understand threat pose rise naval power china administration statement say bilden serve u.s. army reserve intelligence officer 1986 1996. recently retire co-founding member harbourvest global private-equity firm establish asian presence hong kong director u.s. naval academy foundation trustee naval war college foundation chair center cyber conflict study trump nominate businessman asia background navy secretary