Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus discusses the growing threat from China and the need for democracies to stand together against aggression and tyranny.
In the wake of China's recent military drills around Taiwan, international observers are growing increasingly concerned about the fate of the island nation.
On Monday, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, visited Taipei and met with Taiwan's newly elected president, Lai Ching-tse. McCaul drew parallels between China's hostility toward Taiwan and the tensions that led to World War II.
"All democracies must stand together against aggression and tyranny, whether it's [Vladimir Putin] and Russia, the ayatollah of Iran, or Chairman Xi next door to us in China – an unholy alliance is eroding peace around the world," McCaul said.
Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., chair of the Foreign Affairs panel's Indo-Pacific subcommittee, emphasized the need for deterrence.
"In all of our conversations, one thing was made very clear. Nobody wants conflict in the Taiwan Strait," Kim said. "Our goal is not to think about an invasion or a potential conflict, our goal is to ensure there is that deterrence by providing Taiwan what they need to protect themselves and defend themselves."
Taiwanese President Lai expressed gratitude for the U.S. delegation's visit.
"In this critical time, it's a powerful gesture. It's a powerful display of the strong bipartisan support for Taiwan by the United States," Lai said.
China has been escalating its military activities around Taiwan in recent years. In August 2022, China encircled the island with dozens of warships and military planes as a "punishment" for Lai's advocacy for a free and independent Taiwan.
During McCaul's visit to Taiwan last year, China launched military drills around the island. McCaul quipped, "I’m starting to think it’s me they don’t like."
Despite China's intimidation tactics, Taiwan remains resolute in its defense and has been enhancing its military capabilities. President Lai has pledged to strengthen national defense and bolster reforms.
"Therefore moving forward, I will enhance reform and bolster national defense, showing the world the Taiwanese People's determination to defend their homeland," Lai said.
The United States and other democracies have expressed support for Taiwan's right to self-determination. The U.S. has provided Taiwan with defense assistance and has warned China against any attempts to invade the island.
Analysts warn that the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan could escalate further, leading to a potential conflict. They urge both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
The fate of Taiwan hangs in the balance as China's Xi Jinping intensifies his aggression. The international community must continue to stand with Taiwan and support its right to exist as a free and independent nation.
