The United States Navy has been steadily increasing its missions in the South China Sea in recent months, making headlines to rival competitors in the region. In a recent development, Rep. Mike Gallagher, the newly appointed Chair of the China Task Force of the House Armed Services Committee, has proposed a deterrence strategy to challenge China’s naval activity near Taiwan.
Gallagher’s proposed strategy calls for the United States to deploy naval assets continuously in the South China Sea, and launch additional naval exercises between Taiwan and the United States, Australia, Japan, and India. Gallagher believes this strategy is necessary to deter Chinese provocations while providing reassurance to Taiwan.
In order to carry out this strategy, Gallagher is calling on the Pentagon to present a classified briefing on the strategy to him and other members of the Task Force. The briefing would consider other potential deterrence strategies, while also detailing the logistical and financial requirements necessary to carry out Gallagher’s proposal.
The deployment in the South China Sea and increased naval exercises are intended to send a message to China that its provocations in the region will not be tolerated. As noted by Gallagher in a statement, “The United States must provide Taiwan with necessary resources and assistance to defend itself. The South China Sea and Taiwan Strait offer an opportunity to demonstrate America’s unwavering commitment to the principle of freedom of the seas.”
Gallagher’s proposal is seen as a significant development in the ongoing South China Sea dispute. With a detailed briefing from the Pentagon, Gallagher and the rest of the China Task Force can get a better understanding of exactly what their next steps should be to achieve real deterrence in the region.
Ultimately, the goal of this strategy is to send a clear message to China that any provocations taken near Taiwan will be met with a swift and decisive response from the United States. Gallagher’s proposed deterrence strategy could prove to be a major step forward in ensuring the safety and security of Taiwan.