US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham believes that if Washington does not step up its support for Taiwan, war could break out. In his opinion, China may be preparing to blockade the island in the coming weeks or months. The senator suggested blocking oil supplies to Beijing and “returning nuclear missiles to US submarines.”
“I’m afraid that the Chinese may be preparing to blockade Taiwan in the coming months or weeks,” Mr. Graham said. Fox News. In his opinion, the US needs to “improve the game.” And if this does not happen, then “we will have a war.”
The senator suggested strengthening the American military presence in the region, stepping up arms supplies to Taiwan, and military training. He also believes that F-16 fighters should be sent. As another measure, Mr. Graham proposed blocking all ships coming to China from the Middle East. “Let them know: if you block Taiwan, we will cut off the oil,” he added.
Taiwan’s independence is recognized only by 12 countries; Honduras recently severed relations with the republic. The United States and many other countries adhere to the “One China” policy. At the same time, Beijing and Washington often clash over American politicians’ support for relations with representatives of the unrecognized republic. Thus, against the backdrop of the visit of the head of the Taiwanese administration Tsai Ing-wen to the United States, the Chinese army began this year’s largest joint sharp sword exercise, practicing actions for a complete blockade of Taiwan.
For more details, see Kommersant’s article “One Taiwan can be entered twice.”