January 1, China’s War Drills Near Taiwan Alarm Lawmakers

Wyatt’s Take

• China’s military drills around Taiwan draw bipartisan warnings from Congress.
• Lawmakers say Beijing is flexing its muscles to scare Taiwan and the region.
• U.S. officials promise continued support for Taiwan’s security.

Lawmakers from both parties on the Select Committee for China are sounding the alarm after China carried out military exercises near Taiwan. They warn these actions are sparking fresh dangers in the region.

“As the world turns toward a new year, the People’s Liberation Army’s live-fire military exercises around Taiwan represent a deliberate escalation by Beijing,” said committee chairman Rep. John Moolenaar and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi in a press release.

China sent warships, jets, drones, and rockets around Taiwan in its largest drill to date. The move forced flight groundings and showed off its military power on all sides of Taiwan.

“These drills are intended to intimidate Taiwan and other democracies in the region and to undermine peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.”

The lawmakers believe Beijing uses these displays to push its influence outside its borders. The committee explained, “By rehearsing coercive military scenarios and projecting force beyond its borders, the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to reshape the regional order through aggression and intimidation.”

This is part of a longer pattern, as China has threatened Taiwan for years. President Trump said he was not worried by the latest show of force, adding he has a “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The statement from the panel made clear the U.S. will keep backing Taiwan. “The United States stands with Taiwan and fellow democracies and will continue to work with partners to preserve Taiwan’s security and uphold a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific,” read the statement.

Stay tuned for more straight talk on threats to America’s friends and interests.

Wyatt Matters

This kind of pressure from China reminds us why strong American leadership matters. Standing with those who value freedom keeps our communities safer and protects jobs and families right here at home.

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