Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware is currently in Taiwan as part of a bipartisan congressional trip to Asia. Senator Coons, known for challenging China's economic policies and stance on human rights, emphasizes the importance of a sustained American strategy towards China.
During the trip, Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-chair of President Biden's reelection campaign, is in Taipei with a bipartisan and bicameral delegation to show support for Taiwan. The delegation met with Taiwan's newly inaugurated President Lai and other key officials to reinforce the message of support.
China recently conducted military drills around Taiwan, displaying a show of force to intimidate the Taiwanese people. In response, Senator Coons and the delegation aim to counterbalance this by demonstrating solidarity with Taiwan and advocating for effective deterrence against potential escalation.
When asked about the risk of escalation in Taiwan, Senator Coons highlighted the importance of providing deterrence and showing a united front against aggression. He noted that the situation in Ukraine, where Russia's aggression could embolden China to take similar actions against Taiwan, underscores the need for resolute support from democratic nations in the region.
The recent supplemental appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden is seen as a crucial step in demonstrating determination and support for Taiwan. By showing solidarity with Taiwan and other democracies in the region, there is optimism that the possibility of open aggression by China can be deterred.
