Don’t stand idly by

OPINION:

Kudos to the Washington Times for writing and presenting a thoughtful and reasoned editorial (“Taiwan’s fair-weather friend,” Web, Nov. 9).

Taiwan is the center of gravity of Chinese security policy, and the need for a U.S. policy of definite strategic clarity toward Taiwan has never been more urgent. Another increasingly common theme is that Washington’s implied commitment to defend Taiwan is now in grave doubt. If China tries to take Taiwan by force, the United States will have to push China back. Keeping Taiwan out of Beijing’s grip is crucial for denying China’s goal of attaining regional hegemony and eventually global preeminence.

The island of Taiwan occupies a pivotal geographic position. If Taiwan falls, China would have the ability to project military power throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The risk of a serious crisis in the Taiwan Strait is growing as President Biden projects the weakness China expects. The stakes for America are immense. The United States must not idly stand by.

KENT WANG

Advisory Commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States

Potomac Falls, Va.