Help Taiwan against China

OPINION:

Authoritarianism is on the rise, and to help protect Taiwan from China’s increasing aggression, the U.S. should treat the island the same way it is treating Ukraine. In fact, President Biden’s recent surprise visit to Ukraine could have beneficial spillover effects on Taiwan by conveying America’s resolve to stand by a democratic ally under attack by an authoritarian neighbor.

China uses coercion and intimidation almost daily in international waters and around Taiwanese airspace. To deter China, Mr. Biden has decided to comply fully with the intent of the 1971 Taiwan Relations Act. This measure gives the president broad latitude to deploy or ready the U.S. military in order to counter or forestall any threat to Taiwan and ensure the safety of its people. Now, as tensions with China rise, the Biden administration plans to quadruple U.S. troop presence in Taiwan.

Everyone should continue to treat Taiwan as a de facto democracy worthy of international relations. The best way to deter bullies is
to be unafraid. Military action by China to take Taiwan would destroy China as a trading nation and its people would egret it for centuries.
It is time for the U.S. to make real, practical moves in the Taiwan Strait to restrain China’s forces.

KENT WANG

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

Potomac Falls, Virginia