US lawmaker visiting Taiwan says weapons are on the way after Chinese war drills in the region – JURIST

US Congressman Michael McCaul said at a news conference Monday in Taipei, saying the weapons ordered by Taiwan were on their way. The Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee told reporters that war drills in China on Monday were an “intimidation tactic” aimed at punishing democracy and that deterrence was key. He told Taiwanese officials that the United States would “provide you with the weapons you purchased as soon as possible.”

On Sunday, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te exhorted China to work with island to ensure regional stability, after China surrounded Taiwan with military ships. McCaul said this “armada of ships and planes” sent a “very strong message to the United States” and highlighted the “threat this island poses from its neighbor.”

A Chinese defense spokesperson said in a statement that:

The military exercises around Taiwan are aimed at suppressing the arrogance of the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and deterring interference and intervention by external forces, which are entirely reasonable, lawful, legitimate and necessary.

China has always asserted sovereignty over Taiwan and considers the island a breakaway province. In contrast, Taiwan sees itself as a separate, autonomous entity with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders. Last year, China increased its military presence around Taiwan, sparking international concern. This latest round of “war games” prompted the US State Department to issue a statement expressing concern and urging Beijing to “act with restraint”.

Last year, following a previous visit to Taiwan by McCaul, Beijing placed punishments on the congressman. In his speech on Monday, McCaul said the United States must strengthen the island's deterrence capabilities and “do everything in our power to impress upon him (Xi Jinping) that the risk outweighs the reward “. That the risk is too high. The deterrence we provide will help prevent this.