Business meeting to consider the nominations of Brent Christensen, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Benjamin Leon, Jr., of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra, Leo Brent Bozell III, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, and Morvared Namdarkhan, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Consular Affairs), all of the Department of State; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine reviewing implementation of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, and future opportunities for U.S.-Taiwan cooperation.
Committee on Foreign Relations
2025-11-20
Summary
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations convened a business meeting to address several nominations, followed by a hearing to review the implementation of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act and explore future opportunities for U.S.-Taiwan cooperation.[ 00:44:06-00:44:16 ] The hearing primarily focused on the critical importance of Taiwan's security and economic stability to U.S. national interests and global stability, alongside concerns about escalating Chinese aggression and the effectiveness of current U.S. support.
Themes
Nominee Approvals and Debates The committee approved four nominations for ambassadorial and assistant secretary positions. Brent Christensen for Ambassador to Bangladesh and Benjamin Leon Jr. for Ambassador to Spain were approved with little discussion. Leo Brent Boesel III, nominated for Ambassador to South Africa, faced significant opposition from Democratic senators, including Senator Shaheen and Senator Coons, due to concerns about his stances on race-based refugee policy and the "white farmer genocide" narrative, but was ultimately approved. Ms. Namdar's nomination as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs also passed, with Senator Shaheen expressing reservations about her past conduct in the Trump administration but acknowledging her commitment to engaging with Congress.
The Critical Importance of Taiwan Taiwan's security is fundamental to U.S. national security, economic strength, military readiness, and strategic credibility in the Indo-Pacific. It is recognized as a vibrant democracy, a crucial component of regional security, and the global leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. A Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan could trigger a global economic crisis, potentially costing trillions of dollars and surpassing the impact of the global financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan is also a significant trading partner for the U.S., with its semiconductor industry being vital for U.S. defense and technology sectors.[ 00:46:17 ] Losing Taiwan could lead to U.S. allies accommodating China, hindering America's reindustrialization efforts and ceding critical technological advantages.
China's Growing Aggression and Coercion China continuously employs psychological warfare, propaganda, and cyber attacks against Taiwan to weaken its resolve and undermine the status quo.[ 00:44:59-00:45:02 ] Chinese military forces have recently conducted sophisticated exercises, simulating blockades and quarantines of Taiwan.[ 00:45:10 ] Beijing's strategy aims to coerce Taiwan into unification without direct kinetic warfare, utilizing gray zone tactics, increased military incursions, cyber intrusions, and economic pressure. This aggressive posture, combined with a rapid military buildup and efforts to fortify its financial system against U.S. sanctions, is seen as preparation for potential conflict. President Xi Jinping reportedly views taking control of Taiwan as a legacy-defining goal, exacerbated by China's domestic challenges.[ 00:45:32-00:45:54 ]
Challenges and Recommendations for U.S. Policy Speakers identified several deficiencies in current U.S. support for Taiwan, despite bipartisan legislative measures like the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (TERA). Key concerns included the slow pace of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan due to bureaucratic delays, industrial base constraints, and outdated notification procedures, which undermine Taiwanese confidence and might embolden Beijing. The incomplete implementation of TERA provisions, such as establishing regional contingency stockpiles, was also highlighted. Recommendations included accelerating arms sales through a "fast lane" list, fully funding security assistance authorities, and modernizing State Department oversight policies. There were calls to strengthen the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) with increased staffing and facilities, and to mandate Senate confirmation for its director. Furthermore, senators expressed alarm over declining Taiwanese public trust in U.S. commitments, partly due to PRC disinformation and perceived U.S. inconsistencies in trade negotiations with China. Proposals for enhancing support included regular congressional visits to Taiwan, finalizing trade agreements, and exploring third-party mechanisms for providing equipment.
International Standing and Economic Interdependence China actively seeks to isolate Taiwan internationally by misinterpreting UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to exclude Taiwan from global organizations like Interpol and the World Health Organization.[ 01:50:01-01:52:12 ] This tactic, coupled with China's increasing influence in international bodies, allows Beijing to shape agendas that undermine democratic values and Taiwan's legitimate participation.[ 01:55:46-01:56:36 ] The importance of codifying the "Six Assurances" to Taiwan was discussed as a means to solidify U.S. policy and reassure Taiwan amidst heightened tensions.[ 01:28:58-01:30:21 ] The discussion also highlighted Taiwan's energy vulnerability, with suggested measures including expanding U.S. LNG exports, implementing maritime insurance backstops, and encouraging Taiwan to explore nuclear power to mitigate risks from Chinese coercion. Concerns were raised about the current administration's perceived tendency to prioritize U.S.-PRC relations over U.S.-Taiwan relations, potentially leading to concessions on critical issues like AI chip access or Taiwan's policy in future summits.[ 02:03:15-02:03:53 ]
Tone of the Meeting
The meeting conveyed a tone of profound concern and broad bipartisan agreement regarding the escalating threat to Taiwan from China, and its significant implications for U.S. national security and economic interests.[ 00:46:00 ] Despite acknowledging joint efforts to bolster Taiwan's defense, there was an underlying sentiment of frustration and urgency, particularly from senators and witnesses, regarding perceived delays and inconsistencies in the current administration's policy implementation and support for Taiwan. Speakers consistently emphasized the critical need for more decisive, unified, and expeditious actions to strengthen deterrence and reassure Taiwan.
Participants
Transcript
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