TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US must strengthen its partnership with Taiwan, US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a Newsweek opinion article published Thursday.
Standing with Taiwan would help deter a cross-strait conflict, which is in America’s interest, Krishnamoorthi said. “Taiwan's democracy serves as a counterweight to the rising authoritarianism of the Chinese Communist Party,” he wrote.
He noted that the military balance in the Taiwan Strait has shifted in China’s favor. Beijing has a significantly larger military and regularly conducts exercises to prepare for “amphibious invasions, missile strikes, and blockades.”
Krishnamoorthi called on the US to speed up arms deliveries to Taiwan, including anti-ship missiles and drones. He also urged Washington to help Taiwan secure food and energy reserves, bolster military and disaster response training, and strengthen economic cooperation.
“The future of our prosperity, our security, and our democratic values is deeply tied to the future of Taiwan,” he said.
He noted that Taiwan is the US’ seventh-largest trading partner, and Taiwanese companies such as TSMC are investing in semiconductor fabs in the US.
“Taiwan remains one of our best friends. It's time we treated it that way,” Krishnamoorthi said.
