Xi Jinping Believes Taking Taiwan Is Essential

Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus discusses China's recent military drills in the Taiwan Strait and President Xi Jinping's belief that taking Taiwan is essential.

On Monday in Taipei, Taiwan, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul drew a parallel between China's hostility toward Taiwan and the tensions that led to World War II. McCaul emphasized the need for democracies to unite against aggression and tyranny.

McCaul led a bipartisan delegation of House lawmakers to Taiwan, meeting with newly elected President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu. The delegation discussed US support for Taiwan and the increasing threat posed by China under President Xi Jinping.

China recently conducted military drills around Taiwan, encircling the island with warships and planes. Beijing claimed these drills were a punishment for Lai's advocacy for a free and independent Taiwan.

McCaul condemned these drills as intimidation tactics to suppress democracy. He noted that Xi Jinping has repeatedly told former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen that democracy is dysfunctional and ineffective, reflecting the lack of freedom and democracy in China.

Despite China's threats, McCaul and other US lawmakers emphasized their bipartisan support for Taiwan. Foreign Minister Wu welcomed the delegation's visit, calling it a powerful display of US support.

President Lai expressed his commitment to enhancing national defense and bolstering Taiwan's determination to defend its homeland. He invoked former US President Reagan's policy of peace through strength.

During the meeting with Lai, McCaul presented him with an American-made Stetson hat as a gesture of goodwill. The two men shared a hug and handshake, demonstrating the camaraderie between US lawmakers and Taiwanese officials.

McCaul's trip to Taiwan underscored the growing concerns over China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The US and Taiwan reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and cooperation, while China continues to exert pressure on Taiwan. The situation remains fluid and tense, with potential implications for the entire region.