Very honored to be part of the task force and moderator for the first US-China Youth Expo co-hosted by @uscsso and @OneroInstitute. We featured the former US Ambassador to Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, Dr. David Shinn, and had an excellent conversation about US-China in Africa.
If only Trump treating Taiwan like a bargaining chip were something new. But I am old enough to remember when Bush II declared he defend Taiwan to the end, then a few years later we had an arms freeze. Then Obama stopped arms sales when they needed the PRC for the climate... etc
Taiwan’s recently approved supplementary defense budget is an important investment in deterrence and stability in the Taiwan Strait—and shows that Taiwan takes its self-defense seriously and stands ready to purchase defense systems from the United States.
Approving the $14 billion arms sale package honors America’s well-established commitments to Taiwan and will help safeguard our national and economic security.
“The U.S. has provided defensive arms to Taiwan on a bipartisan basis for over forty years. That aid is not a bargaining chip — it is required by law and essential to preserving peace and deterring China.” -@SenatorShaheen
https://t.co/sr8XOuG4Ts
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan aren't negotiating chips – they're required by law under the Taiwan Relations Act. More than that, they're central to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and our own national and economic security.
While I'm glad that Taiwan has passed a supplemental budget and demonstrated its commitment to its defense, I'm disappointed that it leaves out domestic production and other key investments. These are crucial for burden-sharing, and I hope the remainder of the originally proposed package is funded ASAP.
Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Wellington Koo, disclosed the abnormal PLAN activity to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan hours before the MND published surveillance photos.
He stated that multiple PLAN vessels had been detected southwest of Penghu, conducting exercises “in coordination” with PLA air forces in recent days.
Hours later, Taiwan's MND reported two PLAN vessels entered the waters southwest of Penghu, and that they had dispatched forces to collect intelligence and respond.
Through its “united front” system, China has built a network of more than 2,000 organizations across democracies, including over 900 in the U.S., spanning business groups, student orgs, cultural associations, and media outlets.
They cultivate relationships, influence policy debates (including opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan), and can even create pathways for illicit tech transfer, like efforts to export advanced chips to Chinese military-linked entities.
Most remain unregistered under FARA. Transparency without enforcement isn’t enough, we need real oversight to defend our institutions.
https://t.co/rGTdLwW44q
Taiwan’s President Lai was forced to suspend travel to Eswatini after Beijing coerced countries to revoke overflight status. Mauritius and other countries happily complied with Communist China’s request.
This outrageous incident reinforces that the UK can’t hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, home to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. It is further proof they are susceptible to Communist China’s pressure.
The UK cannot put American security at risk.
Lol. That was in 1991 preamble to added articles under one-party government. In '93 High Court struck down the idea that Constitution determined national territory, and in '05 Constitution was amended. National territory is what the ROC currently administers, and it is unified.
In Taiwan, @SenatorShaheen and a bipartisan Senate delegation:
1️⃣ Reaffirmed ironclad bipartisan support for Taiwan
2️⃣ Praised Pres. Lai's efforts to boost defense spending
3️⃣ Highlighted steps to strengthen resilience against PRC pressure
Full readout 👇https://t.co/tjjuVOUPey
I led a bipartisan CODEL to Taiwan to make one message very clear: There is strong bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, which is essential both for the American economy and our national security.
The United States' representative to Taiwan reiterated his support for the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39 billion) special defense budget proposed by the Cabinet in a recent TV interview.
https://t.co/8SO9AK7V71
Grateful to introduce this bill with @RepGregoryMeeks to protect our undersea fiber optic cables from the threat of sabotage by our adversaries Russia and China. This is the House companion of essential legislation which passed SFRC led by @SenatorShaheen and @SenJohnBarrasso.
A trade promotion office to be launched under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will serve as a platform to build public-private cooperation and create business opportunities with Taiwan's diplomatic allies, the diplomat in charge of the project said.
https://t.co/iBqbCUlcdo
Guatemala is a staunch ally of Taiwan and is under constant harassment from China. President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s focus on the western hemisphere is crucial to stopping China’s malign influence in the region.
Chairman @RepMoolenaar saw these challenges firsthand in Guatemala in January. @ChinaSelect will continue working with the @usembassyguate and new Charge D’Affaires in support of this goal.
https://t.co/00AzIUG0Vb
Having lived in Taiwan during the era of martial law, I saw firsthand a society striving for greater freedom. Over the past 30 years, Taiwan’s embrace of democratic elections has transformed it into one of the world’s most prosperous and innovative societies.
https://t.co/g1U4fQtDQD
Congratulations to the people of Taiwan on 30 years of democratic presidential elections!
This milestone is a testament to the strength of Taiwan’s democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the will of its people.
Taiwan’s success as a vibrant democracy and critical partner in the Indo-Pacific stands as an example to the world.
I look forward to continuing to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to support Taiwan’s security, prosperity, and meaningful participation on the world stage.
Congratulations to the people of Taiwan. Today marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct elections and the ongoing fight to maintain those democratic freedoms ever since. The U.S. has and will continue to support strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.https://t.co/nPuMVgKgoy