During a diplomatic mission to Taiwan on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis cautioned the island nation against underestimating China’s territorial ambitions, citing Hong Kong’s experience as a cautionary tale.
The Republican senator’s comments came as part of discussions surrounding Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s stalled $40 billion defense budget proposal, which has U.S. backing but faces opposition in Taiwan’s parliament.
President Lai argues the additional military funding is essential to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses against China, which considers the island part of its territory. However, opposition lawmakers, while supporting defense investments generally, refuse to approve what they call “blank cheques.”
Speaking to reporters as part of a bipartisan Senate delegation, Tillis emphasized that Hong Kong’s fate should serve as a clear warning to Taiwan about Chinese intentions.
Hong Kong transitioned from British control to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 with promises of maintaining certain freedoms, but Beijing implemented strict national security legislation in 2020 that opponents argue has eliminated many liberties. Chinese officials defend the law as necessary for restoring order following prolonged civil unrest.
“And I think my biggest worry for Taiwan is that they underestimate the intentions of China, which I think were made very, very clear by what happened to Hong Kong. And so, yes, we would love peace, but please don’t be naive,” Tillis stated.
“You have a perfect example right in front of you of the intentions of China. And let’s make sure what happened to Hong Kong doesn’t happen here to Taiwan,” he continued.
The senator was joined by other lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who serves as ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The delegation met with President Lai on Monday.
Coinciding with the U.S. visit, China extended an invitation to Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang party, to visit Beijing. Cheng accepted the invitation and plans to travel next week on what she describes as a peace mission.
Taiwan’s government responded to Cheng’s planned Beijing trip by stating that China’s goals to “annex” Taiwan remain unchanged.
“While we may have ideals about peace, we should not harbour illusions,” declared Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, the agency responsible for cross-strait policy, in an official statement.
