KYIV: A senior US Senator, Lindsey Graham, cautioned that if the United States (US) does not provide sufficient support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, it will send a dangerous signal to China regarding its potential actions towards Taiwan.
Graham, a Republican, made the statement during a visit to Kyiv on Friday following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He urged US President Joe Biden to send additional weapons to Ukraine on top of the $35 billion worth of weaponry and military hardware already provided.
The US Congress, deeply divided on many issues, shares bipartisan support for taking a firm stance against China. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has conducted military exercises, launched missiles over Taiwan, and severed military contacts with Washington in response to visits by US officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to the self-governed island in August 2022.
US Senator Emphasizes Importance of Supporting Ukraine
Graham emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, stating, “There can be no backing off of helping Ukraine because if we fail here, there goes Taiwan.” He added that pulling support from Ukraine would make no sense for any presidential candidate, regardless of party affiliation, who aims to demonstrate strength against China.
Graham stressed the need for China to understand that invading a neighboring country is not as straightforward as it may seem, saying, “What I want the Chinese to see is that invading a neighbor is not as easy as it looks. The best way to protect Taiwan and world order is for Putin to lose.”
To ensure the success of a long-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive, Graham emphasized the necessity of providing Ukraine with additional and advanced weaponry, such as US-made F-16 fighter jets and longer-range weapons.
He urged the Biden administration to do more in terms of military support, acknowledging and appreciating the efforts made thus far.
