In a bid to deter China from invading Taiwan, Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain, GOP conference chairwoman, has introduced legislation that would target top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials. The bill aims to expose any illegal assets held by these officials and prevent them from using U.S. banking systems in the event of a Taiwan invasion.
The proposed legislation would require the Treasury secretary to disclose details about the assets of Chinese officials and make this information public. McClain emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on China, highlighting the risks posed to critical U.S. supply chains by a potential invasion of Taiwan.
President Donald Trump's recent announcement of additional tariffs on Chinese goods further escalates tensions between the U.S. and China. The ongoing trade war has also seen tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico, with Trump citing concerns about drug trafficking from these countries.
China has responded to U.S. actions by warning against a trade war, asserting its efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis as a gesture of goodwill towards the U.S. Chinese officials have emphasized their cooperation in addressing drug trafficking and have provided information to U.S. authorities on online platforms involved in fentanyl trade.
Amidst these trade tensions, U.S. intelligence officials have projected that China could possess the capability to launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Recent displays of force by China near Taiwanese waters have raised concerns, with Taiwan responding by deploying its military forces.
China's calls for 'reunification' efforts and its claims over Taiwan as a rebel territory have further strained relations between the two nations. Recent incidents, such as the detention of a Chinese crew suspected of damaging an undersea fiber optic cable, underscore the ongoing tensions in the region.
