Military experts warn Congress that the United States has until 2027 to strengthen international alliances needed to deter China from invading Taiwan.
At a Glance
- Retired Gen. Charles Flynn and other experts emphasized the critical role of U.S. partnerships with countries like Japan and the Philippines in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan
- Chinese leadership has indicated 2027 as a potential timeline for action against Taiwan, coinciding with the end of the 119th U.S. Congress
- Experts recommend improved military training for Taiwan, establishing efficient land-based deterrence strategies, and better utilizing existing regional ports
- Concerns were raised about U.S. dependency on Chinese technology, particularly semiconductors, with calls for supply chain diversification
Strategic Alliance Building Essential to Counter Chinese Aggression
In testimony before a House committee, military and security experts highlighted the growing threat of Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, emphasizing that global partnerships are America’s key advantage in deterring conflict. Retired Gen. Charles Flynn, along with other defense experts, outlined how the United States must strengthen alliances with regional partners, particularly Japan and the Philippines, to effectively counter China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific region. These partnerships were described as providing crucial strategic positioning and military capabilities that could prove decisive in preventing a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
“What the Chinese military were doing 10 years ago compared to what they’re doing today is dramatically different. Are they rehearsing? Are they preparing? Absolutely. But I also think that we are in a very good position to be able to counter them because we have this advantage, and that advantage is the partnerships of the allies and partners in the region.”, said Retired Gen. Charles Flynn.
The experts identified 2027 as a critical deadline in preparations to defend Taiwan, noting this timeline aligns with statements from Chinese leadership about their military modernization goals. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the current Congress may be the last full legislative session with an opportunity to influence Chinese calculations before this deadline approaches. This timeline has created a sense of urgency among defense planners and lawmakers alike.
Concerns Over China-Russia Cooperation and Military Readiness
Kurt Campbell, a senior defense expert testifying before the committee, expressed significant concern about strengthening ties between China and Russia. The growing military cooperation between these nations poses additional challenges for U.S. defense planning, as Russia’s advanced military technologies could potentially enhance Chinese capabilities in areas like hypersonic weapons and submarine technology. These developments further complicate the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce the need for strong U.S. alliances.
“What China is doing to help Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine is truly concerning, but remember, it’s the reverse that’s going to affect us as well. Russia has capabilities, hypersonic capabilities, silencing of their submarines, things that they’re going to provide to China that are going to provide a real threat to us.”, said Kurt Campbell, former Deputy Secretary of State.
Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery recommended increasing U.S. military training teams in Taiwan to ensure they can effectively use the defense equipment provided by the United States. The experts also emphasized the importance of practicing escorts and reflagging operations to protect vital energy shipments to Taiwan, which would be vulnerable during a conflict. These practical military preparations were presented as essential components of a credible deterrence strategy against Chinese aggression.
Economic and Technological Dependencies Require Urgent Attention
The testimony highlighted significant vulnerabilities in U.S. economic and technological relationships with China that could impact American security. Experts expressed particular concern about U.S. dependency on Chinese technology, especially in the semiconductor industry. They emphasized the need to diversify supply chains away from China to reduce these vulnerabilities. The potential economic impact of a conflict with China was described as severe, underscoring the importance of addressing these dependencies before any conflict emerges.
A bipartisan bill has been introduced to codify the “six assurances” related to U.S.-Taiwan relations, which would strengthen America’s commitment to Taiwan’s security. The experts recommended that the United States maintain and formalize its support for Taiwan as a critical step in securing U.S. interests and regional stability. This legislative approach was presented as an important complement to military preparations and alliance-building efforts across the Indo-Pacific region.
— Ronald Reagan Institute (RRI) (@ReaganInstitute) September 26, 2024
