Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the Senate, urging lawmakers to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, in response to actions by the Chinese Communist Party. Fischer highlighted her recent visits to U.S. military bases in Hawaii and Guam and meetings with leaders from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Palau.

Fischer stressed the importance of integrated defense strategies and called for deeper cooperation with regional allies to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. She noted that investing in deterrence remains a priority for her as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, reflected in provisions of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

During her speech, Fischer described firsthand experiences from her trip: “I recently returned from an official trip to the Indo-Pacific, where I visited U.S. military installations in Hawaii and Guam, and met with leaders in Palau, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

That trip underscored a simple reality: we are living in a time of global unrest, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific is vital to the security of both the United States and our partners.

On the final leg of the trip, I met with Taiwanese officials and saw firsthand how we can strengthen U.S. posture and deepen collaboration in the region. I was also struck by the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of the Taiwanese people.

For decades, our partnership with Taiwan has been anchored in democracy, freedom, and economic opportunity. Today, it is equally defined by innovation and resilience. A stronger Taiwan means a stronger United States — and vice versa. That is why both our nations must continue working deliberately and decisively to deepen cooperation. The payoff is clear: greater prosperity for our people and greater stability for the world.

Taiwan has made remarkable progress in bolstering its self-defense in recent years. We should seize every opportunity to build on that momentum. At the same time, we must recognize the challenge before us.

The Chinese Communist Party continues to threaten, pressure, and attempt to isolate Taiwan. These actions are unacceptable. The people of Taiwan have earned their place as a respected and indispensable part of the global economy.

Here in the Senate, we understand the gravity of the challenge. The world is more dangerous today than at any point since World War II. This moment demands seriousness and resolve.

Taiwan is the test case for U.S. credibility in upholding a free and open rules-based order. If Taiwan were to fall under coercion, the consequences would reverberate far beyond the Taiwan Strait — shaking the confidence of our allies and emboldening adversaries worldwide.

That is why integrated deterrence is essential. The world is safer when America leads. And it is not just Taiwan that feels pressure from China.

The Philippines, one of America’s treaty allies, is locked in a contentious territorial dispute with China. Beijing wrongly claims islands and shoals that have been internationally recognized as belonging to the Philippines. Yet Manila is standing its ground with remarkable courage, despite relentless Chinese pressure — and that deserves our deepest commendation.

Our alliance with the Philippines is rooted in shared sacrifice. During World War II, U.S. and Filipino prisoners of war endured the horrors of the Bataan Death March, and together we fought to liberate the islands from Japanese occupation. General MacArthur’s famous return symbolized the unbreakable bond between our peoples. That history of fighting shoulder to shoulder lives on today in our Mutual Defense Treaty and in “Exercise Balikatan,” the largest annual exercise we conduct together. “Balikatan” means shoulder to shoulder — and that is exactly how we continue to stand.

Just as the Philippines is a vital ally, so too is Palau a uniquely valued partner. As a Compact of Free Association state, our relationship with Palau goes beyond a traditional alliance. It is both economic and military: Palauan citizens can live, work, and study in the United States while U.S forces have access to Palauan territory under an ironclad guarantee of American defense.

That partnership is strengthened by fact that Palau has continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan despite pressure from Beijing.”

Fischer also discussed Guam’s strategic role: “Guam...is central to our Indo-Pacific posture...we are building a network of deterrence that keeps peace.” She warned about possible consequences if conflict arises around Taiwan—disruptions could impact semiconductor production critical for electronics or health care industries globally; trade routes could be affected; regional tensions could escalate; cyber-attacks may increase; broader conflict might occur; financial crises could be triggered if trade halts or slows down significantly due to instability or war near Taiwan’s shores.

She concluded by calling for bipartisan support for continued investment: “It requires strengthening our deterrence networks...I am proud that [the] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 reflects [our] commitment...If we continue investing...that partnership will endure.”