By Yashwant Raj Washington 12th, August : The Taiwan visit last week of US lawmakers under the leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was intended to ensure that the same thing that happened in Ukraine which was which was invaded by Russia and occupied by Russia – wasn’t repeated with China invaded Taiwan as well, says Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the US House of Representatives.
In an exclusive interview Krishnamoorthi who been with Pelosi said that the Chinese “tried to interfere with our travel plans, even as we were in the air”.
The lawmaker who was born in Delhi Also, he said that there is a sense of discontent in the US with India’s inability to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine the situation can impact “our desire to collaborate closer with the Indians”.
Excerpts from the interview
Q: Glad to be back Congressman?
A: Yeah, thanks.
Q: How long were you in Taiwan?
A: less than 12 hours.Could be much shorter than that.I’ve forgotten.
Q Did you feel secure at all during the time when you were all there?
A Our experience was in the safe hands of the United States Air Force and US Navy personnel.
So I felt extremely satisfied with our security.
Do you think that the Chinese could be able to do something unlucky or foolish at any point?
A: I’m not able to go into details , but they certainly attempted to interfer with our travel plans even when we were in the air.However as I mentioned earlier that our United States Armed Forces personnel are extremely adept at dealing with this kind of trouble with the actions of the PRC and thus we were able to get there safely.
Q: Congressman What was the reason of this trip?
A Two reasons.One is, particularly in the light of the events we’ve witnessed in Ukraine to ensure that what occurred with Ukraine isn’t repeated with Taiwan.That’s a big reason to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends , partners as well as allies in their time of me when they are facing Chinese Communist Party aggression.The second reason we came was to strengthen our economic connections with these countries which includes Taiwan especially in the light of the passing of the CHIPS Act (it seeks to stimulate US manufacturing of semiconductors) which will encourage semiconductor production in the United States.It appears that these countries are very enthusiastic regarding this particular law.For example, Taiwan has already pledged to invest $20 billion in manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Q I’m not sure whether it was brought up on a trip to Taiwan or Asia however, in the same situation as you’re aware the Chinese have been extremely aggressive with regards to the LAC (Line of Actual Control) with India.Do you have any thoughts?
A: I believe that is another instance of Chinese Communist Party aggression.It’s throwing its arms militarily in the neighborhood.
We can see this in the South China Sea with regard to a variety of its neighbors regardless of whether it’s Philippines or Vietnam or Malaysia.Of course, we’re all aware about Taiwan.
And the same applies with the issue of India.And I believe that’s the main reason why we need to ensure that nations comply with an international order based on rules in which their disputes are.Solved peacefully, peacefully and not by using force.of force.
Q: The tensions between China and India along the LAC haven’t received the same focus in the US as Taiwan’s China issue.Do you think that more is required to be brought to the forefront?
A: Yes, already know I actually added words in the previous NDAA that was adopted into law and is the National Defense Authorization Act (US defense budget for 2021) in which I addressed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the violence which is being conducted towards India along the LAC.(The Act has expressed significant concerns about border conflicts and has urged India as well as Chin to settle their disagreements peacefully).
You’re right.I believe that the majority of people who are interested in the news believe that India is a very robust country, and is competent of handling with China.People’s Republic of China in the same way as like Taiwan is a small country of 23 million inhabitants compared to the 1.4 billion-strong PRC isn’t.It is well-positioned.
However I believe that what’s happening with the situation in India is part of the larger pattern of behavior that must be addressed with.I’m optimistic that over time, we’ll be in the right situation.
However, in between, I believe in that the Quad initiative with us -including Japan, Australia, United States and India together with the developments in our other projects with (South) Korea and Japan, ASEAN countries will yield results in decreasing tensions.
Q: Congressman, one last question.Do you think that India’s decision not to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine has sort of diminished its image in the US and its ability to seek assistance if, for instance, China were to get more aggressive.A majority of individuals in the US are somewhat unhappy with the situation (India’s attitude towards Ukraine)?
A I think that the short answer to your query is that I think that the actions India has done in relation to Ukraine influences people’s perceptions about the place India is in relation with countries that could be threatened by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or other dictators who are authoritarian.
In contrast, in the case of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Communist Party, I do not believe that their position on Ukraine is a hindrance to our desire to collaborate closer with the Indians and other countries in the region to combat with this aggression and stop it, and hopefully, as I mentioned that we will be in a better position, to create an international rules-based peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region as we would like in the whole world as it is vital for well-being and peace of the world.
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