WASHINGTON – The Chinese military has encircled Taiwan and begun military drills in response to the island nation’s inauguration of a new president this week. Reports indicate there are 42 Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military aircraft, 15 Navy ships, and 16 Coast Guard ships surrounding Taiwan.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:

“While Taiwan is celebrating its democracy, China’s disdain for their values is on full display. The United States should lead the free world in helping this free island nation be prepared to counter the Chinese Communist Party,” Senator Wicker said. “I will continue to ensure that the $2 billion in Foreign Military Funds, part of the national security supplemental, is correctly spent to help our Taiwanese ally. The funding was and should be prioritized to counter the threats posed by the CCP.”