[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2080-S2081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. President, now on an entirely different matter, as I have 
discussed repeatedly, Vladimir Putin's brutal escalation in Ukraine has 
prompted America's European allies to take their commitments to 
collective defense entirely more seriously. Meanwhile, on the other 
side of the world, Russia's authoritarian aggression has reinforced a 
reality our friends in the Indo-Pacific understand all too well.
  From communist China's backyard, American partners in Japan, Taiwan, 
and elsewhere see the clear connection between Ukraine's fight against 
Putin's Russia and the threats they face closer to home. And they 
haven't been shy in calling it out.
  Last year, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida said:

       Ukraine might be East Asia tomorrow. We must show there are 
     consequences to the attack.


[[Page S2081]]


  The Japanese Defense Minister put it this way.

       If the international community somehow allows or condones 
     Russia's aggression . . . it might send a wrong message that 
     such actions can be tolerated in other parts of the world.

  Last month, Taiwan's Ambassador delivered the same message:

       Support for Ukraine is relevant to us because . . . it 
     helps to deter. It imposes costs on the aggressor.

  And Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister was even more specific. He 
recently said support for Ukraine is ``the best way''--``the best way 
to deter China'' and that Beijing is ``waiting to see'' whether the 
``Western democratic camp will be able to hold their position.''
  So, Mr. President, take it from our friends with the most to lose 
from Chinese aggression: Ukraine's fight is not a distraction; it is 
fundamental to deterring China--fundamental.
  Of course, our friends in the Indo-Pacific aren't just telling us; 
they are showing us. Japan has committed more than $7 billion to the 
Ukrainian cause, including drone technology, mine detection systems, 
support for critical infrastructure, as well as humanitarian aid. And 
Prime Minister Kishida made a special effort to travel to Kyiv in 
March.
  Taiwan has provided tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian 
relief to Ukraine, and the island's businesses are stepping up to send 
lifesaving technologies to the frontlines. And let's not forget the 
brave citizens of Taiwan, who have literally volunteered for frontline 
service in Ukraine--Taiwanese citizens going to Ukraine on the 
frontlines.
  So, Mr. President, America's Indo-Pacific partners are standing with 
the West against today's authoritarian aggression, and our combined 
efforts are helping the entire free world to prepare to meet tomorrow's 
threats.
  As Taiwan's Foreign Minister pointed out today in Prague, we are 
drawing critical lessons from Ukraine's successful defense of its 
territory, allowing vulnerable partners to adjust training, 
procurement, and tactics accordingly.
  We are investing in our own defense industry's capacity here in 
America to improve our ability to compete with China and to enhance 
deterrence. And, importantly, America's friends in Europe and the Indo-
Pacific are forging closer ties with one another.
  Europe increasingly understands that NATO has global interests, that 
the world's key theaters of competition are connected, and that the 
challenges we all face from China are simply not confined to Asia. Our 
European allies will be affected by instability or conflict in Asia as 
much as the United States, if not actually more so. So I am encouraged 
by the way NATO is thinking about the scope of the challenges posed by 
the PRC's aggression. And, particularly, I am glad that NATO has 
invited our friends in Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand 
to join the United States and our allies at the Vilnius summit next 
month.
  China may have proxies and client states, but the United States and 
our allies are friends with shared interests. To paraphrase NATO 
General Stoltenberg: It is better--better--to have friends.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
  (The remarks of Mrs. Murray pertaining to the introduction of S. 1995 
are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican whip.