Source: United States Senator for Indiana Todd Young
“We cannot not permit Vladimir Putin’s reckless actions to undermine our long-term strategic imperatives in the Indo-Pacific.” – Sen. Young
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) questioned Biden-Harris Administration officials regarding their plans to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities. In the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Young called on the Administration to take concrete steps to ensure Taiwan is prepared in the event that China decides to follow Russia’s lead.
“I have seen reports in the press that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted a further delay and internal assessment of the much-anticipated National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. I recognize that realities often intervene in the policy planning process, but we must not permit Putin’s reckless actions to undermine our long-term strategic imperatives in the Indo-Pacific.
“Can you commit that changes to our strategy in Europe will not undermine both our commitments to Taiwan and our efforts to increase their resistance to the CCP’s pressure, including their defensive military capabilities?” Senator Young asked Mara Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities.
Assistant Secretary Karlin acknowledged that China is the “pacing challenge for the U.S. Department of Defense.” Additionally, the Assistant Secretary said, “It is absolutely a priority to ensure that Taiwan is getting the asymmetric capabilities that it needs.”
To watch the hearing, click here.