OPINION:
There is no implicit connection between Ukraine and Taiwan, but there is a very real connection between how Russia sees Ukraine and how China sees Taiwan (“Russian invasion raises new danger of Chinese attack on Taiwan,” Web, March 9). Russia’s actions in Ukraine are fueling speculation about whether Beijing might replicate Moscow’s moves and seek to seize Taiwan by force.
The United States must seek to ensure that China does not learn the wrong lessons from the Ukraine conflict. President Biden should make clear that the U.S. will stand by its commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, even as it maintains its long-standing policy. This includes a requirement that any resolution to the conflict between China and Taiwan has the consent of the island’s 23 million people. Only by increasing the deterrent value of Taiwan’s defenses and those of our other allies in the region can the U.S. and Taiwan help deny China the opportunity to accomplish its goal by threat or force.
KENT WANG
Advisory Commissioner, Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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