Representative Mark Green (R-Tenn.) underscored the importance of countering China's assertiveness, especially in light of President Xi Jinping's recent declaration of his intention to reclaim Taiwan. This announcement was made during Xi's New Year's address earlier this week.
In a firm statement, Green said, "We must push back against the tightening grip of China’s iron fist."
China has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, a contention rooted in historical events that date back to 1949 when the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan after losing a civil war against Mao Zedong's communists, who subsequently established the People's Republic of China (PRC). Recently, Xi Jinping reiterated his ambition to regain control over Taiwan, which is officially still known as the Republic of China. These discussions surrounding Xi's aspirations align with the upcoming Jan. 13 presidential and other elections in Taiwan, as reported by Reuters.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Republic of China, Xi stated in his New Year's address: "We will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in harnessing their distinctive strengths, better integrating themselves into China's overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability. China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Our goal is both inspiring and simple."
American lawmakers have voiced concerns about China's heightened aggression towards Taiwan. They point out that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has escalated aggressive actions not only in the Indo-Pacific but also globally. This includes employing "military and economic coercion" to instill fear among neighboring countries, jeopardize maritime conditions, and foster instability in regions surrounding the PRC, according to information from the U.S. Department of State.
The Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), recently forwarded defense recommendations to the Pentagon in light of potential threats from China to Taiwan. These suggestions emerged from war games conducted by the Select Committee, simulating a hypothetical 2027 invasion of Taiwan by the CCP, which revealed potential vulnerabilities in U.S. preparedness. Gallagher sent his recommendations in a letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, outlining steps to bolster the United States' readiness for a possible Taiwan invasion. This response was triggered by Xi's directive for the Chinese military to be prepared for such an invasion, according to a press release from the Select Committee on the CCP.
Representative Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who has been serving Tennessee's 7th Congressional District since 2019 and is currently seeking re-election, had previously served in the Tennessee State Senate from 2012 to 2018, representing District 22. Green holds a bachelor's degree in quantitative business management and a master's certificate in information systems. He also has professional experience as president of Emergency Services Network and CEO of Align MD Foundation. Presently, he is a member of both the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Armed Services, according to Ballotpedia.
