Alvaro R. Smith is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia. In this role, he serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on all things China, Taiwan, and Mongolia and is the single hub for policy and strategy development, oversight, authorities review, and national-level interagency integration to align the Department's efforts on China, Taiwan, and Mongolia.

Prior to this role, Mr. Smith served as the second U.S. Secretary to the US-ROK SOFA Joint Committee at U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Headquarters. He managed a variety of subcommittees that involved complex negotiations and analysis with the Government of Republic of Korea and U.S. Forces Korea. In addition, he supported the USFK’s SOFA Secretariat’s efforts relating to the United Nations Command (UNC) and U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) to advance U.S. interest in Northeast Asia. This included a UNC delegation visit to Japan in March of 2025 for discussions with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Forces Japan, and United Nations Command-Rear. Mr. Smith received the Korean Civilian Service Medal for his superior performance.

Mr. Smith also served at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). In that role, he supported the Command’s legislative affairs efforts by advising on legislative matters and supporting Congressional travel and inquiries. Mr. Smith received the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award for his service at USINDOPACOM.

Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Smith served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Josh Hawley. In this capacity, he supported the Senator on matters pertaining to foreign policy and defense as it relates to the Asia-Pacific. He also participated in multiple visits into the Asia-Pacific region, including Taiwan, Hawaii, and Guam.

Mr. Smith is also a U.S. Army Reserve Transportation Officer. After his commission in 2018, Mr. Smith began as an Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. His most recent assignment was at the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) – PACIFIC out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. In that capacity, he served as a Sealift Coordination Officer at the US-ROK Combined Sealift Coordination Cell in Busan, South Korea during Freedom Shield 2024 and Ulchi Freedom Shield 2024.

He has a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College, and two Bachelor of Arts from Georgia Southern University in Anthropology and Modern Language (Chinese). He has traveled widely across the Asia-Pacific, including China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Guam, and Hawaii.