DeSantis urges deterrence in Indo-Pacific, supports Japanese defense buildup
TOKYO, Japan (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis laid out foreign policy assessments when it comes to the expansion of the China in the face of nearby Japan, a strong ally of the United States.
DeSantis was on a trade mission to Japan, expressing his respect for the culture and desire for more investment in Florida.
In an interview, he was asked about the expansion of China and how Japan should respond.
“If you look at [Chinese President Xi Jinping], he’s very ideological,” DeSantis told Nikkei Asia. “He’s got a very clear idea of what he wants to do by entrenching the party in power, entrenching himself in power. And then, he’s built up military capability.”
“He wants to project that beyond China’s borders in a much bigger way. And I think what makes them a significant threat is they’ve been able to make themselves, partially because U.S. policy facilitated this, the biggest industrial power in the world,” he said.
“The things that we do in the United States, like our nuclear arsenal, depends on parts and things made in China!”
DeSantis agreed that China is the biggest threat to the U.S., but said the country “respects” strength.
“If Japan is doing what it needs to do, if the United States is doing what it needs to do, you’re going to be in a position where you’re going to color their calculation and it’s a huge risk to attempt something like [invading Taiwan],” DeSantis said.
“So, I think our policy should really be to shape the environment in such a way that really deters them from doing that […] If they think the costs are going to outweigh whatever benefits, then I do think that they would hold off and that should be our goal,” he said.
The Florida governor was asked if he supports Japan’s “defense buildup.”
“I commend Japan for doing that,” DeSantis said. “I think it’s important. I think it will make a difference. I think you’re going from 1% to 2% GDP for defense.”
“And that is something that is very credible in terms of your ability to defend, not just your own people, but to deter threats from emerging.”
In Japan, DeSantis met with a variety of high-ranking and powerful Japanese officials and business owners. He urged investment in Florida and promoted the idea of direct flights to his home state from Japan.
DeSantis’ trade mission will continue in Asia, with the governor set to visit South Korea.
He will then travel to Israel and the United Kingdom, then traveling back to Florida as lawmakers wrap up their session and send a plethora of bills to sign.
