In a recent New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued an ominous warning regarding the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland, stating that it is a historical inevitability. This comes as Taiwan prepares for its upcoming presidential elections next weekend, which are being closely watched due to the potential implications for the island's autonomy and the delicate relationship between the United States and China.
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, speaking from snowy Alaska, expressed concern over the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay and the need to address the anti-military policies within universities. Senator Sullivan shared his experience advocating for the reinstatement of ROTC programs at Harvard and highlighted the time it took to achieve this goal. He emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to rectify the course of once-great universities.
Turning to China and Taiwan, Senator Sullivan acknowledged that the period leading up to Taiwan's elections on January 13th may be troublesome and dangerous. He stressed the need for the United States to protect Taiwan's democracy and enhance deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. Senator Sullivan highlighted the vulnerability of Xi Jinping's dictatorship, which is based on the premise of one person ruling over 1.4 billion people indefinitely. The existence of a self-governing entity like Taiwan that holds presidential elections challenges this model and poses a threat to Xi Jinping's regime.
Senator Sullivan also noted that all three contenders in the Taiwanese presidential race, including the Kuomintang (KMT) party, are moving away from accommodating Beijing. He pointed out that a majority of Taiwanese identify exclusively as Taiwanese, which further signifies a distancing from China. These developments increase Xi Jinping's vulnerability and fuel his fears of the mainland population questioning their own lack of democratic freedoms.
Regarding defense in the Pacific, Senator Sullivan expressed the need for increased support to Taiwan. He advocated for providing the necessary weapons systems and training to enhance Taiwan's ability to defend itself. The senator also called for stronger sanctions to be imposed in the event of a military invasion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a crucial element of deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.
In conclusion, as Taiwan's presidential elections draw near, tensions escalate between China and the United States. President Xi Jinping's warning of the inevitability of reunification with Taiwan adds to the already fraught situation. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan urges a firm stance in support of Taiwan's democracy and increased efforts to enhance deterrence against potential aggression from China. The outcome of the elections could have far-reaching implications for both the autonomy of Taiwan and the complex relationship between the United States and China.
