On the Record On Congress’s Approach to China
Jan 30, 2026
Pete Ricketts, U.S. senator from Nebraska and chair of an East Asia and cybersecurity subcommittee, offers a lawmaker’s take on deterrence and Taiwan security. He discusses bipartisan trips to the region and how firsthand observation shaped assessments. He covers supply-chain levers beyond chips, allied coordination on tech controls, and legislative tools to speed Taiwan’s defenses.
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Taiwan's Improved Defense Posture
- Coons contrasted his earlier, pessimistic view of Taiwan's readiness with later briefings showing improved doctrine and investments.
- He now views Taiwan as increasingly committed to sustainable self-defense and resilience.
Equip Taiwan For Resilient Defense
- Do equip Taiwan for defense-in-depth: rifles, flak vests, helmets, and reserve battalions to delay an invader.
- Prepare Taiwan to hold long enough for international response and deterrence to work.
Prepare Taiwan Against Energy Embargoes
- Do pass the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act to prepare for an energy quarantine.
- Include measures like insurance backstops for foreign-flagged tankers to keep supplies flowing.