This week, an existential question is being asked of Congress: do we stand with our allies to deter aggression, or do we cede the global stage to the likes of Russia, Iran and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)?
That’s exactly what the upcoming vote on the Biden administration’s national security supplemental is about.
Recent polling shows that a majority of American voters think there is a 50-50 chance of war with China. From the same study, almost 80 percent believe we should focus more on avoiding war with China, not preparing for one.
Let’s not mince words: Voting for the supplemental means averting war. Voting against the supplemental means a world of emboldened authoritarianism and diminished U.S. leadership on the global stage, inviting further armed conflict initiated by aggressors from Tehran to Beijing.
Funding the supplemental prevents war with the CCP in three ways. First, it directly provides deterrent articles to our Indo-Pacific partners. Second, it locks in historic new relations with diplomatic friends. And third, it shows our resolve to support Ukraine, which Taiwan and the CCP are watching under a microscope.
First, the supplemental has real substance to combat CCP aggression and ensure the CCP does not dangerously miscalculate.
The proposed $2 billion in foreign military financing for the Indo-Pacific and $1.9 billion to replenish weapons and provide training to Taiwan are particularly important to deter the CCP’s aggression. The bill also provides billions toward our historic AUKUS relationship with Australia and the UK. These funds will directly contribute to the free world’s extended deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Each of these components are part and parcel of effective deterrence and standing shoulder-by-shoulder with our Indo-Pacific partners in the face of CCP aggression. Funding the supplemental is a crucial, actionable step.
Second, the House’s consideration of the national security supplemental comes at a time of immense potential for locking in our diplomatic partnerships, especially with Indo-Pacific nations facing CCP intimidation.
Just like us, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines are Pacific nations. On a daily basis these countries face destabilizing threats and intimidation from the CCP. The windshields of Philippine coast guard ships have been blown out by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) water cannons. Taiwan’s air defense identification zone is constantly buzzed by PLA jets. And Japanese officials have been threatened by the CCP for promising to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The Biden administration just held the first ever U.S.-Japan-Philippines leaders’ summit, where trilateral coast guard exercises and cybersecurity cooperation were announced. Congress also welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to deliver a joint session speech, in which he reaffirmed that “Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States. You are not alone. We are with you.”
It’s time the U.S. reaffirm our own commitments to our allies and partners—by passing the national security supplemental. We can’t just talk the talk. We must walk the walk.
And third, passing the national security maintains peace and stability implicitly. I recently returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan. Interestingly, the No. 1 question every person we met with was if we would pass aid to Ukraine. Why? Because they see it as vital to sending a message to Beijing to deter military aggression against Taiwan.
Standing with Ukraine means standing with our Indo-Pacific partners. We cannot be tough on the CCP and weak on defending Ukraine.
This national security supplemental is not just about Ukraine, Taiwan or any one democracy. It’s about deterring future conflict.
We cannot go it alone. Our strengths lie in our alliances, partnerships and friendships around the free world. And that starts with passing the national security supplemental in its entirety.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).