China panel urges US to increase missiles and troops in Taiwan.

The United States must take action to prevent an invasion of Taiwan by China’s communist regime, according to a report by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The committee has approved a tranche of 10 policy recommendations that it says will help deter the CCP from invading Taiwan, if adopted by Congress.

Training and Missiles

The report most notably recommends sending U.S. troops to Taiwan to train local forces and implement wide-ranging mechanisms for defense coordination and cooperation between the two powers. The report also recommends that Congress move to streamline the process for approving and delivering extant weapons systems to Taiwan, given the fact that some $14-19 billion in missiles and other weapons bought by Taiwan.

Urgent Need for Action

Select Committee Chair Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) said the results of a committee wargame last month demonstrated the urgent need to better fortify Taiwan against Chinese communist predation. “80,000 [Chinese] troops on Taiwan. U.S. warplanes vaporized. Global trade frozen. At the Select Committee’s wargame, members saw the terrifying result of what happens when deterrence fails,” Gallagher said in a statement shortly after the vote.

Strengthening Deterrence

The CCP claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, though the regime has never actually controlled the island. CCP leadership has likewise vowed to unite Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary, and its frequent acts of military intimidation against the democratic island have drawn international condemnation. As such, the Select Committee recommends that Congress move to vastly expand the NDAA’s mandate to create training programs for the Taiwanese military, as well as to integrate military planning across both nations’ forces.

Shared Tactics and Procedures

“This expanded training should build towards shared tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as improved communications and data sharing,” the document says. “A combined planning group would improve the ability of the United States to understand Taiwan’s defense needs and build familiarity between the two militaries. Standing up this type of liaison group prior to any crisis would allow U.S. and Taiwanese planners to build trust and develop procedures for working together.”

International Support

The report’s recommendations come as Taiwan faces increasing pressure from China, with the CCP ramping up its military presence in the region. The international community has expressed support for Taiwan’s sovereignty, with the United States and other nations sending warships through the Taiwan Strait in a show of support.

Conclusion

The Select Committee’s recommendations aim to strengthen deterrence and prevent a CCP invasion of Taiwan. With the international community standing behind Taiwan, it is hoped that these measures will help to ensure peace and stability in the region.