evidence: DeSantis vowed to deter China from attacking Taiwan by building up the U.S. Navy to 355 ships by the end of his first term, 385 ships at the end of his second term and placing the U.S. on a pathway to 600 in the next two decades. He also said he would put Taiwan first in line to purchase advanced weapons and ammunition. But he has avoided answering whether the U.S. would send forces to defend the self-governing island, which China wants to bring under its control. [...] In a June 27 policy speech on China, she said the Chinese military was "stronger" at the end of Trump's presidency and he showed "moral weakness" in trying to befriend Chinese President Xi Jinping. She criticized President Biden for continuing to "dither" as China "is preparing its people for war." [...] Haley argues the U.S. needs to quickly strengthen its military while deepening military ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia, and create stronger relationships with India and the Philippines.