In stark contrast to the deepening authoritarianism and repression in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan has proven a possible alternative to the Chinese Communist Party, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs told a Senate committee today. Ta.
Ely Ratner testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the future of U.S. policy on Taiwan.
“Unfortunately, although China has publicly advocated peaceful unification with Taiwan, leaders in Beijing have never renounced military aggression,” he told senators. “actual, [The People’s Liberation Army] It is likely preparing for the contingency of unifying Taiwan with the People’s Republic of China by force, while at the same time attempting to deter, delay, or deny intervention by third parties on Taiwan’s behalf. ”
However, China’s threats to Taiwan are not limited to invasion and blockade, he noted, adding that the People’s Liberation Army is carrying out extensive coercive operations in the air and sea domains around Taiwan. “These operations are destabilizing and intentionally provocative, increasing the likelihood of miscalculation,” Ratner said.
Nevertheless, the PLA’s actions are real and risky, and while the PLA’s modernization is unlikely to abate, Taiwan’s own defense, partnership with the United States, and support from like-minded democracies It remains possible that a combination of increased support could deter the People’s Republic of China, he added. .
Ratner said that through smart investments and major reforms, Taiwan can send a clear signal that its society and military are committed and ready to defend Taiwan. “There is no doubt that doing so is an urgent task and a key feature of Taiwan.” Deterrent power. ”
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China is prioritizing the development of asymmetric capabilities for Taiwan’s self-defense that are reliable, resilient, mobile, decentralized and cost-effective, he said. It pointed out. “However, asymmetric capabilities are only one part of the deterrence equation. Taiwan is building on these critical capabilities with a similar focus on strengthening resilience, supporting civil-military integration, and building a strategy that includes defense in depth.” It must complement investment in
In addition to providing defense, arms, and services to Taiwan, the Department of Defense remains committed to maintaining the United States’ ability to resist force or other forms of coercion that could endanger the safety of the Taiwanese people. , he said. “I want to be clear that this is an absolute priority,” he said.
Ratner said China is a pacing challenge for the Pentagon, and the Taiwan contingency is a pacing scenario. “We are modernizing our capabilities, updating our military posture, and developing new operational concepts accordingly. [The] The department’s efforts to deter Chinese aggression and strengthen Taiwan’s defenses are not isolated. Countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond recognize that China’s aggression against Taiwan seriously affects their interests, and our concerns about China’s coercion and potential aggression against Taiwan are increasingly expressed. has been done.
“As evidenced by a number of recent multilateral operations and exercises, the Department is committed to strengthening regional cooperation as a means of strengthening deterrence.”
