OPINION:
Why does Taiwan matter to the United States?
Defending far-off Taiwan seems to many like yet another bizarre U.S. activity, but it is in fact rooted in Americans’ concrete economic and political interests (“China rehearsing for a Taiwan invasion, and U.S. needs to act,” web, April 12).
This is about China’s ambition to dominate the world. Without Taiwan, there is zero barrier between China and Hawaii. Supporting Taiwan is about defending Americans’ security from the very real, unprecedented danger that is China. For that reason, Americans should support Taiwan.
Premeditated war between the U.S. and China is very unlikely, but the danger that a mishandled crisis could trigger hostilities cannot be ignored. Everyone seems to have forgotten what China would lose in a war with the U.S.: its market access into our country and likely the rest of the world. What would China accomplish? Taking a reduced-to-rubble Taiwan?
The only hope is that China comes to its senses and realizes Taiwan is not worth the price that would come afterward. If China attacks Taiwan, there will be a war between the U.S. and China. Whether a war happens is totally up to China.
All these considerations make a compelling case for the U.S. to protect Taiwan. No one in their right mind wants a war between America and China. But now, as in the past, it is sometimes necessary to prepare for war to preserve peace.
So what course should the America-Taiwan policy chart? Taiwan is a U.S. ally, a democracy and a well-functioning nation. If
it wants U.S. recognition, that should be given. The best way to respond to China’s provocation is to recognize Taiwan as the free and
sovereign country it is. Never give a single inch.
KENT WANG
Advisory commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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