Biden’s mental decline invites China’s aggression.

President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health has been a topic of concern lately, and it’s not just a matter of personal health. It’s a national security issue that has emboldened China to engage in increasingly aggressive behavior.

On Saturday, a U.S. destroyer was cut off by a Chinese naval vessel during a transit through the Taiwan Strait. According to Fox News, the USS Chung-Hoon was forced to slow down to avoid a collision with the Chinese vessel. The Chinese ship came within 150 yards of the U.S. destroyer, violating the maritime ‘Rules of the Road’ of safe passage in international waters.

U.S. Navy releases video showing a Chinese warship cutting across bow of USS Chung-Hoon in Taiwan Strait in “unsafe manner” June 3. pic.twitter.com/kelGl7LG8k

— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) June 5, 2023

This incident is just one of many aggressive actions taken by China in recent months. Two weeks ago, a Chinese fighter jet came within 400 feet of a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft while the latter was conducting a patrol of the South China Sea. These actions signify an alarming increase in the number of risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea by People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels, according to the Pentagon.

Biden’s Health and China’s Ambitions

Biden’s physical and cognitive weakness poses a major problem for America’s national security. Every public display of his fragility is another indication to Xi Jinping and the CCP that America lacks the effective leadership necessary to confront China’s growing ambitions.

Moreover, Biden’s domestic policies have crippled America’s national security and economic stability, while opening the door for antagonistic powers such as China and Russia to move towards a “multipolar world order” devoid of U.S. hegemony.

Absent a strong American leader to challenge the CCP, it’s not out of the question to think China will take advantage of the Biden presidency as an opportunity to take additional aggressive actions throughout the Indo-Pacific in order to further its regional (and ultimately global) objectives.

Biden’s Health Issues

Biden’s health issues have been on full display lately. On Thursday, the president tripped over a sandbag while handing out diplomas at the Air Force Academy’s 2023 graduation ceremony. When exiting Marine One later that same day, Biden hit his head on the helicopter’s door frame, later telling reporters he “got sandbagged,” in reference to his graduation fall.

In addition to falling numerous times, Biden has failed to recall basic facts while speaking at public events. For example, when asked by a child during a White House event in late April about the last country he visited, Biden completely blanked on the question until another kid had to remind him it was Ireland — where he had been only two weeks prior. Biden’s also had moments where he’s gotten lost on stage, forgotten the name of his defense secretary, confused President Donald Trump with President George W. Bush, and forgot what office he was running for, just to name a few.

Conclusion

Biden’s declining mental acuity is a national security issue that cannot be ignored. It’s time for America to have a strong leader who can confront China’s growing ambitions and protect our national security interests.

Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood