Ukraine invasion: Pentagon officials say Russia’s attack shows need for US to safeguard Indo-Pacific
- ‘The international community coming together around this kind of aggression is an important signal to potential aggressors in the Pacific,’ congressional panel is told
- Threats discussed included possible Chinese attacks on Taiwan and Guam; North Korea’s missile programme; and a Russian submarine presence in the region
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the need to increase US military vigilance in the Indo-Pacific given the risk that Beijing might decide to attack Taiwan, top US defence officials told Congress on Wednesday.
Lessons from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion include the need for Taiwan to bolster its own defence, the vital role global outrage has played and the effective way that sanctions raised the cost for the authoritarian state, said Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs.
“The international community coming together around this kind of aggression is an important signal to potential aggressors in the Pacific,” Ratner told the House Armed Services Committee during a three-hour hearing.
Ratner added that Washington was encouraged by Taipei’s US$2.37 billion order for 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, slated for delivery in 2025.
“I wish they were arriving there yesterday,” he said, adding that the US continued to be guided by the one-China policy. “We are turning over every rock to see how we can accelerate the provision of these capabilities.”
US lawmakers overseeing defence issues said that China’s rapid economic, diplomatic and military build-up – particularly during President Xi Jinping’s tenure – has challenged the Pentagon to become more efficient, adaptable and adept at using technology.