Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), issued the following statement, welcoming President Lai Ching-te’s announcement that Taiwan would be investing $40 billion to meet defense needs:

                “President Lai understands that cutting edge deterrence capabilities are needed to protect Taiwan—a democratic Chinese society free from tyranny, where the people are able to achieve both liberty and wealth.

                “Free and prosperous Taiwan presents a stark contrast to mainland China, which, under Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party, enjoys neither; people struggle under a forced labor regime and a ‘9-9-6 economy’ to simply make ends meet—while propping up the dictatorship.

                “I strongly encourage Taiwan’s legislature—and all political parties—to approve President Lai’s proposal and work with the President to advance other key measures to support Taiwan’s military and the men and woman who serve to defend their nation.

                “Taiwan is America’s frontline in the Pacific, and Taiwan’s security is America’s security. I urge my fellow Americans to stand firmly with Taiwan.”  

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