US Congress Members Strengthen Taiwan's Defense in Response to China's Military Drills

US lawmakers visited Taiwan on Monday and promised to enhance Taiwan’s defense against China. This visit comes shortly after China conducted large military exercises around the island. These drills were the biggest China has done in over a year and took place soon after Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who is not favored by Beijing, was sworn in. Lai Ching-te is known for advocating for Taiwan’s independence and unique identity.

During a press conference in Taipei, US Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the drills as a form of intimidation to target democracy. He promised to enhance Taiwan's defense by expediting the delivery of defensive weapons from the US.

McCaul highlighted the recent approval of foreign military financing for Taiwan by the US House and assured that he would ensure the swift delivery of the weapons purchased by Taiwan from the US.

"We are making progress on those weapons systems. I wish they were moving quicker, but they are on the way," he mentioned.

The US has a strong yet relaxed relationship with Taiwan and is obligated by law to provide the island with weapons for its defense. Despite this, Taiwan has expressed worries about the slow pace of weapon shipments from the US, especially following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

McCaul mentioned that he and President Lai often have serious and straightforward discussions about the threat posed by China to Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, even though it has never governed it, and has promised to use force to claim the island if required.

China’s military began two days of exercises last Thursday, with warships and fighter jets circling Taiwan and its outlying islands. The purpose was to show strength against Taiwan independence forces and test capabilities for taking control of the island.

Beijing has criticized Lai as a "dangerous separatist" and disapproved of his inauguration speech, where he urged China to stop intimidating Taiwan.

The majority of people in Taiwan do not want to be governed by China. However, under Xi Jinping, who is known as China's most authoritarian leader in recent times, Beijing has become more aggressive towards Taiwan in terms of diplomacy, economy, and military.

Support for Taiwan has become one of the few issues that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on in the divided atmosphere of Capitol Hill.

Chairman Xi has bold and aggressive ambitions, and it is important for us to show him that the risks are greater than the rewards. Providing deterrence through our presence today will help prevent this, according to McCaul, a Republican.

China's Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition to the visit and has made a formal complaint to the US.

It was suggested by the Chinese Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, during a news conference on Monday, that American lawmakers should refrain from using the "Taiwan card", meddling in China's internal affairs, backing Taiwan independence separatist groups, and jeopardizing the relationship between China and the US, as well as the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

US Representative Michael McCaul, Republican-Texas, has vowed to bolster Taiwan's deterrence against China.

US Representative Michael McCaul, Republican-Texas, has vowed to bolster Taiwan's deterrence against China.

Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA/AP

‘Gesture of solidarity’

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung called the visit by US lawmakers “a powerful display of the strong bipartisan support of Taiwan in the United States.”

Lin expressed gratitude for America's support towards democratic Taiwan, emphasizing the significance of solidarity. He pledged to strengthen the strong partnership between the two nations, as stated during the news conference with McCaul.

Regarding China's military drills, Lin mentioned that they were a reaction to President Lai, who was elected democratically by the Taiwanese people.

But he mentioned they had another goal in mind.

"I think the military exercises were also China's way of welcoming this delegation," he explained, referring to China's official name, the People's Republic of China.

The delegation had a meeting with Lai, Taiwan's new leader, on Monday morning.

Lai, referring to McCaul as "Taiwan's longtime friend," expressed gratitude to the delegation for their unwavering support for Taiwan. He pledged to strengthen collaboration with the US and other countries sharing similar values to uphold peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Lai expressed his admiration for former US President Ronald Reagan's idea of 'peace through strength.' He stated that he will work on reforming and strengthening national defense to demonstrate the Taiwanese people's commitment to protecting their country.

He also mentioned the importance of support from the public in order to encourage the US Congress to assist Taiwan in improving its self-defense capabilities. This, in turn, will help to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

McCaul congratulated Lai for becoming president, saying Taiwan has the right leader at the right moment.

He assured Lai that the United States is a dependable ally, and no threats will prevent congressional visits to Taiwan.

McCaul recently visited Taiwan in April 2023 and had a meeting with former President Tsai Ing-wen. In response, China displayed its military might and later enforced sanctions against McCaul.

Back in August 2022, China conducted extensive war drills near Taiwan to express its dissatisfaction with the visit of then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei. Beijing launched missiles into the surrounding waters and carried out a simulation of a blockade using fighter jets and warships, marking one of its most significant displays of force in years.

Editor's P/S:

The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, exacerbated by the recent visit of US lawmakers to the island, underscore the heightened risks in the region. China's military drills and assertive rhetoric demonstrate its determination to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, despite the island's aspirations for independence. The US's commitment to Taiwan's defense, while reassuring, also highlights the potential for conflict between the two superpowers.

It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy to avoid further escalation. The US should continue to support Taiwan's self-defense capabilities while respecting China's legitimate interests. China, in turn, should refrain from coercive measures that could destabilize the region. The peaceful resolution of this dispute is paramount for maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region and preventing a wider conflict.