Ranking Member Adam Smith Opening Statement for House Armed Services Committee Hearing: "Defense Cooperation With Taiwan"

Statement

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to welcome each of our witnesses and to thank them for appearing today. I think it is important that today's panel is comprised of officials from the State Department and the Department of Defense. The assistance that the United States provides to Taiwan is not only administered by both departments; it is also a function of the United States' unique relationship with Taiwan, as expressed in law, maintained by sound foreign policy, and fortified by the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. policy with respect to Taiwan remains steadfast. It provides a foundation for maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and for deterring aggression on the part of the Chinese Communist Party. The United States continues to enable Taiwan's self-defense capabilities through the provision of defense articles and defense services in a manner consistent with the United States' one China policy and the Taiwan Relations Act. The United States provides this assistance through various authorities and mechanisms with the objective of strengthening deterrence and in ways that are responsive to evolving challenges. U.S. defense assistance to Taiwan has also been augmented by recent legislation. The Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, which was enacted last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, contains numerous provisions for assisting the sustainment of Taiwan's self-defense. I welcome the opportunity to work with the executive branch to optimize our assistance.

The United States also contributes to deterrence, per the Taiwan Relations Act, by maintaining its capacity "to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan." Through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and other measures, the Department of Defense is working to enhance the U.S. military presence, capabilities, and readiness across the region.

With respect to the cross-strait situation, we should continue to implement a multi-tool, deterrence strategy that affords every option for effectiveness. It is also important to emphasize that the National Defense Strategy states: "Conflict with the PRC is neither inevitable nor desirable." When facing challenges, U.S. efforts should be aimed toward easing tensions and maintaining stability in close coordination with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the United States should consistently engage with China in constructive dialogue, especially when it may lessen the risk of conflict or escalation by miscalculation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to receiving the panel's testimony."

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