Florida Legislator Wants Tougher Stance on China from State Department

Tallahassee, Fl- Florida State Representative Juan C. Porras has filed a resolution officially requesting the US State Department denounce China’s military activity in Cuba. 

Representative Porras’ resolution urges Secretary of State Anthony Blinken adopt a more confrontational China strategy given the latter’s recent operations in Cuba. 

Last June, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) unveiled Chinese plans to build a military base in Cuba. 

“Most worrying for the US is the planned facility is part of China's project 141-an initiative by the People's Liberation army to expand its global military base and logistical support network,” said the WSJ.

Florida legislators have repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding the national security threat posed by Chinese military presence less than 100 miles from our borders.

China has negated the reports. "I don't know the matter you are talking about. We hope that the relevant parties will focus their energy on things that benefit mutual trust-building," said Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Porras believes the US should “condemn the Chinese Government for establishing a potential base for Chinese troops a mere 90 miles from the United States, a hostile action that threatens our national security.” 

Domestically, Porras also made headlines for breaking from Republican party lines and endorsing former President Donald J. Trump over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president. 

As reported by The Floridian, Porras was not alone. 

State Senators Debbie Mayfield, Anna Rodriguez, and Ileana Garcia, and State Reps. Webster Barnaby, Jessica Baker, Alina Garcia, Kevin Steele, Mike Beltran, Juan Porras,  and David Borrero, all came off the fence or flipped their support from Gov. DeSantis to President Trump.

The latest polls from 538 show DeSantis trailing Trump by over 20 percentage points in the former’s home state of Florida.

Nationally, DeSantis is still the favorite candidate after Trump, but nonetheless follows him by over 40 percentage points.