Should the US Increase Military Presence Due to China’s Nuclear-Armed Submarine Near Taiwan?

Should the US Increase Military Presence Due to China’s Nuclear-Armed Submarine Near Taiwan?

Here’s The Scoop

China’s aggressive military posturing continues to escalate, marking a significant threat to global security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, an 11,000-ton Chinese submarine, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was seen surfacing in the Taiwan Strait, raising alarms.

This “Jin-class” vessel, known for its stealth and ability to store up to 12 nuclear missiles, appeared to be in distress, leading to a flurry of activity as additional Chinese warships quickly moved in to assist.

President Xi Jinping’s relentless expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal is deeply concerning. Reports indicate that China has added nearly 100 nuclear warheads in the past year alone, bringing their total to over 500. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is on track to have as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as the United States and Russia by 2030.

SIPRI’s Hans M. Kristensen highlighted that “China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country,” a chilling fact that underscores the urgency of this situation.

The implications of these developments are far-reaching. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has already expressed serious concerns about the rapid increase in China’s military capabilities, suggesting that more nuclear weapons might need to be put on standby as a deterrent.

Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity of maintaining a nuclear balance, stating, “A world where Russia, China, and North Korea have nuclear weapons, and NATO does not, is a more dangerous world.”

President Xi’s ambitions extend beyond mere military expansion; he has made it clear that he aims to transform the People’s Liberation Army into a world-class military force by 2049. A key component of this vision is the potential forcible reclamation of Taiwan, which Beijing views as a renegade province. The recent surfacing of the nuclear-armed submarine in the Taiwan Strait, coupled with large-scale military drills simulating an invasion of Taiwan, sends a clear and menacing message to the island’s self-governing authorities.

Taiwan’s sovereignty is essential not just for regional stability but also for the global balance of power. The United States must respond decisively to these provocations. Strengthening our military presence in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing alliances with regional partners, and ensuring Taiwan has the means to defend itself are crucial steps in countering China’s aggressive maneuvers.

Given China’s rapid military advancements and its blatant threats toward Taiwan, it is imperative that we take a strong stance.

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