House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) warned of a tact China could use to conquer Taiwan without having to use military force.
McCaul stressed that China will likely attempt to meddle in the democratic island’s upcoming election, echoing concerns from military experts that 2024 could be pivotal in the quest to take over Taiwan.
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“I think the next elections in next January are going to be extremely important because I do believe with the former President Ma in China right now, China’s going to try to influence this next election and take over the island without a shot fired,” McCaul told NBC’s Meet the Press.
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“China’s going to try to influence this next election and take over the island without a shot fired.” pic.twitter.com/2MvgYeXTkK
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) April 9, 2023
Ma Ying-jeou is the former president of Taiwan who was in the position from 2008 to 2016 and was succeeded by current President Tsai Ing-wen. He recently embarked on a 12-day trip to China and warned that “our administration continues to lead Taiwan to danger,” Reuters reported. His party favors fostering stronger relations with China.
“Now there’s a political debate here, the two different parties. One party wants to talk to China. President Tsai’s party does not want to be a part of China,” McCaul added.
Taiwan’s election is slated for Jan. 13, 2024.
For well over seven decades, Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and demanded foreign nations adhere to its “One China” policy. Taiwan has its own independent government, currency, and military. A robust majority of countries, including the United States, do not officially recognize Taiwanese sovereignty.
McCaul recently led a bipartisan delegation to visit Taiwan and affirmed U.S. support for the island.
“They’re not where they need to be,” McCaul added about Taiwan’s military capabilities. “If we’re going to have deterrence for peace, we need to get these weapons into Taiwan.”
He also tied Taiwan’s fate to that of Ukraine as it squares off on the battlefield against a bloody Russian invasion.
“What’s happening in Ukraine will determine what happens in Taiwan and the Pacific,” he said. “I believe the best deterrence to Chairman Xi is a failure for Putin in Ukraine.”
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Recently a rift has emerged within the Republican Party over providing aid to Ukraine, leading some experts to wonder if the GOP will back military aid to Taiwan in the event of an invasion. McCaul underscored the importance of Taiwan to U.S. national interests.
“About 50% of international trade goes through the International straits, but I think more importantly is that TSMC manufactures 90% of the global supply of advanced semiconductor chips. If China invades and either owns or breaks this, we’re in a world of hurt globally,” he said.
