Visiting U.S. senators caution against China-led 'axis of aggression'

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) Two visiting U.S. senators on Friday pledged to strengthen deterrence against what they described as the "axis of aggression" led by China, in a rare news conference held in Taiwan's Presidential Office in Taipei.

"There is an axis of aggression that threatens the freedom of many people around the world," Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), who chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services, said shortly after a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

He was specifically referring to China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, whose leaders are reportedly gathering in Beijing next week for a military parade marking the end of World War II after Japan's surrender.

Wicker emphasized the need for the United States and its allies to build up deterrence against China, which he described as "the pacing threat," arguing that the Washington-led camp "are faced with the most dangerous security moment since World War II."

"War has come when we let our guard down, when we thought that peace would always remain, and [when] we did not pay attention to mounting threats," he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), who sits on the same committee, said that both Washington and Taipei must "invest wisely to strengthen deterrence and to ensure that our defenses are prepared for the threats of tomorrow."

Neither Wicker nor Fischer specified what sort of efforts are needed to more effectively deter China, other than citing enhanced cooperation between the militaries and defense industries.

"The importance of deterrence is to be able to have friends, partners [and] allies around the world who work together" to take on "aggressive [and] belligerent" nations, Fischer said.

"A stronger Taiwan means a stronger United States, and vice versa," she added, calling Beijing's increasing military threats and political pressure on Taiwan "unacceptable."

The two senators, who arrived in Taiwan earlier Friday for a two-day trip, did not disclose details of their meeting with Lai, saying only that the conversation was "meaningful" and "productive."

Their Taiwan visit is part of a broader trip that also included stops in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and the Philippines.

During the meeting, Lai stressed his administration's commitment to strengthening asymmetric capabilities through arms purchase from the U.S., and defense programs developed by Taiwan, while calling for joint R&D projects given the huge military gaps across the Taiwan Strait.

China's state media reported that the country's defense budget this year was an estimated US$249 billion, more than 10 times Taiwan's.

Despite that, Lai said Taiwanese people remain determined to safeguard the country. "We will not allow any encroachment on or annexation of our sovereignty," he said.