Beijing is hyping up rhetoric that Taiwan is seeking independence to rationalize its ambition to annex Taiwan, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) told the Atlantic Council on Nov. 6.
Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, had a wide-ranging discussion during the event, including topics related to China and Taiwan, drawing on insights from his recent trip to China as head of a bipartisan congressional delegation.
“I don’t see the evidence that Taiwan is looking to be an independent nation and directly challenge China. I think China sort of plays that up as a justification for their more aggressive behavior,” Smith said….
China Exaggerates Taiwan Independence Claims to Justify Aggression, Lawmaker Says
