In a blistering congressional hearing, Representative Jill Tokuda issued a stark warning: the United States is “playing checkers“ while China masterfully executes “3D chess“ in its aggressive push toward Taiwan. Demanding immediate escalation of deterrence measures, she highlighted the risks of U.S. inaction amid looming trade talks, urging Congress to reaffirm unwavering support for Taiwan’s sovereignty before it’s too late.
Tokuda’s impassioned remarks came during a high-stakes session with experts, where she grilled witnesses on the perils of diplomatic missteps. “There needs to be no ambiguity that Taiwan is not a bargaining chip for trade,“ she declared, echoing growing fears in Washington that Beijing could exploit any perceived weakness. The hearing 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 deep concerns that without swift legislative action, China might twist outcomes to its advantage, potentially eroding U.S. global credibility.
Experts like Ambassador Hooper responded with urgency, outlining the dire consequences if Congress fails to act before April’s critical talks. “The concern is that Beijing will represent any silence as a concession,“ Hooper explained, warning that such misinterpretations could ripple across allied capitals, from Tokyo to Brussels. This could signal a shift in U.S. policy, even if unintended, fueling China’s narrative of dominance and undermining decades of strategic commitments since 1979.
Tokuda pressed further, seeking clear signals to monitor from the negotiations. Witnesses advised watching for phrases like “G2 arrangement“ or hints of a “great power condominium,“ terms that suggest secretive U.S.-China deals excluding allies. Such language, they cautioned, would not only isolate Taiwan but also fracture international trust, allowing Beijing to reshape global norms and institutions in its favor.
The best outcome, according to the experts, lies in maintaining the status quo with heightened U.S. support for Taiwan. This means accelerating arms sales, bolstering defense activities, and passing measures like the Porcupine Act to counter China’s gray-zone coercion. Tokuda emphasized that Congress must redouble efforts to fortify Taiwan’s resilience, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s ongoing struggles.
Shifting to the broader threat, Tokuda highlighted China’s hybrid warfare tactics, which blend economic leverage, disinformation, and constant pressure without overt conflict. “We’re losing the disinformation war,“ she said, pointing to how U.S. missteps—such as downgrading mentions of Taiwan in official documents—feed into Beijing’s propaganda machine. This has enabled China to gain influence in international organizations, isolating Taiwan and manipulating global narratives.
In response, witnesses urged a “whole of society“ defense approach, inspired by Ukraine’s transformation of its defense industry. “If Ukraine can innovate under fire, why can’t Taiwan?“ one expert asked, advocating for U.S. cooperation in boosting Taiwan’s industrial capabilities. This includes joint efforts on innovation, supply chain resilience, and countering economic coercion through tariffs and strategic alliances.
Tokuda’s analogy of “checkers versus 3D chess“ captured the essence of the imbalance, with China operating on multiple fronts simultaneously. She warned that the U.S. focus on traditional kinetic warfare overlooks these subtler threats, from economic manipulation to cyber operations. “We’re feeding them the words,“ she noted, referring to how official statements inadvertently bolster Beijing’s disinformation campaigns.
The hearing revealed a pressing need for leadership continuity in Taiwan, with experts stressing that figures like the president and vice president should avoid appearing together to thwart potential decapitation strikes. This recommendation underscores the real-time dangers posed by China’s aggressive posture, as it blurs the lines between peace and conflict.
As tensions escalate, Tokuda called for unified action from all branches of government. “We must work on resolutions to affirm our position,“ she said, pushing for a comprehensive strategy that addresses not just military deterrence but also economic and informational resilience. The implications are global, with allies watching closely for signs of U.S. resolve.
In the face of China’s unrelenting campaign for reunification, Tokuda’s demands resonate as a wake-up call. Failure to adapt could hand Beijing unprecedented leverage, reshaping the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Congress now faces a pivotal moment to strengthen ties with Taiwan and counter China’s multifaceted threats head-on.
Experts echoed the need for immediate investment in Taiwan’s defense, including enhanced command and control systems to ensure operational continuity during crises. This holistic approach, they argued, is essential to building a deterrent that matches China’s sophistication, preventing any erosion of democratic values in the region.
Tokuda’s forthright stance has ignited debate across Capitol Hill, with lawmakers from both parties acknowledging the urgency. “We’re not just defending Taiwan; we’re safeguarding the rules-based order,“ one colleague remarked, highlighting the broader stakes for international stability. As April’s talks approach, the pressure mounts for decisive U.S. leadership.
The transcript from the hearing paints a vivid picture of the challenges ahead, with witnesses detailing how China’s strategies exploit U.S. vulnerabilities. From economic entanglements to disinformation networks, Beijing’s playbook is multifaceted, demanding a similarly adaptive response from Washington.
In closing, Tokuda’s message is clear: complacency is not an option. With China’s influence expanding, the U.S. must pivot quickly to a more proactive stance, ensuring that Taiwan remains a symbol of resilience rather than a point of concession. The world is watching, and the time for action is now.