Key facts
- Darline Graham admitted during a debate that national security is not her area of expertise.
- Graham stated she supports the military.
- Her opponent, Ralph Norman, argued for protecting Taiwan from Chinese aggression.
- Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham.
- The US has maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan.
- Early voting in South Carolina begins on Wednesday before the August 25 primary.
During a Republican runoff debate in South Carolina, candidate Darline Graham, who is seeking to succeed her brother Senator Lindsey Graham, admitted to not being well-informed on national security matters. When questioned about threats to US security from Taiwan and the South China Sea, Graham stated, "I’m not that informed on national security... National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military." This admission drew gasps and boos from the audience.
Her opponent, Representative Ralph Norman, presented a contrasting viewpoint, detailing Taiwan's economic ties to the US and arguing for its protection against Chinese aggression. Norman also used the debate to distance himself from President Donald Trump regarding the war with Iran and the control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Graham, who has received an endorsement from Donald Trump, later leaned on her outsider credentials and discussed her family's reliance on social security survivor benefits. The article also touches upon the long-standing US policy of "strategic ambiguity" concerning Taiwan and references past statements made by Trump regarding China's potential invasion of Taiwan.
Early voting in South Carolina is set to begin on Wednesday, preceding the August 25 primary election.