Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy told Nikkei News that the United States should adopt a “strategic clarity” approach when it comes to dealing with the Chinese Communist Party’s potential invasion of Taiwan, stating, “Declare that we will defend Taiwan, at least in the foreseeable future.”
Ramaswamy, who is expected to become Republican Donald Trump’s running mate in November, made these remarks during a speech in his hometown of Ohio on Wednesday, May 22nd. He emphasized the importance of clearly stating that an invasion of Taiwan is a red line that threatens American interests, in order to “more effectively ensure peace.”
He criticized the traditional U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity as being “insufficient” in deterring the Chinese Communist Party, stating, “Once the U.S. achieves independence in semiconductors, we can reassess returning to a state of strategic ambiguity as circumstances evolve.”
Previously, U.S. President Joe Biden has stated on four occasions or implied that the U.S. will defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, while White House officials have maintained that U.S. policy has not changed.
Ramaswamy also touched on the U.S.-Japan relationship in his speech, suggesting that there is room for enhanced dialogue between the two countries. However, he did not delve into unresolved issues during Trump’s presidency, such as bilateral trade imbalances with Japan and demands for Japan to assume more of the costs for U.S. troops stationed there.
During the Republican presidential primaries, Ramaswamy expressed support for many policies aligned with Trump’s, while also advocating for enhanced security at the U.S.-Mexico border and reforming the bureaucratic system.
Initially considered a fringe candidate, his strong rhetoric briefly placed him third in Republican primary polls. In January of this year, he suspended his campaign and promptly endorsed Trump, stating in his speech, “I am primarily focused on ensuring President Trump’s successful re-election.”
In February, Trump included Ramaswamy on the list of vice presidential candidates. U.S. media speculate that if Trump wins, Ramaswamy could also be a contender for a position within the White House cabinet.
Nevertheless, Ramaswamy emphasized in interviews that he was speaking in a “personal capacity” and not in response to speculations about potential positions he might hold.
Climate change is another topic where Trump and Ramaswamy share similar views. Ramaswamy criticized the Biden administration’s efforts on climate change as “net harmful to Americans and all of humanity.”
He stated, “I believe the climate change agenda is a farce, with the ultimate beneficiary being China (CCP).”
Regarding energy issues, he stressed the need for diversification in energy production, including oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy, emphasizing that abundant energy resources are crucial for both American prosperity and human prosperity.
He also expressed concern about the increasing reliance on China in the global electric vehicle battery supply chain.
When asked why he decided to enter politics, Ramaswamy said, “I want my children to grow up in a country where they can achieve the same American dream.”
However, he lamented the disappearance of values such as patriotism and hard work that are inherent to American identity.
He expressed hope for ethnic diversity based on traditional American values, stating, “I feel that our next generation needs outsiders to rejuvenate national identity.”
Ramaswamy, born in 1985 to Indian immigrant parents, attended Harvard University and Yale Law School. In 2014, he founded a biotechnology company and subsequently earned millions of dollars as an entrepreneur and investor.
(This article references reporting from Nikkei News)