Taiwan has intrinsic value to US interests that transcends cross-strait issues. Given the size of Taiwan’s economy, its position in the global supply chain in key sectors and its leadership role in promoting democracy, Taiwan’s power and influence in the international community belies its diminutive size and population. The independence sentiment on the part of Taiwan’s people is neither frivolous nor provocative, but rather the natural manifestation of a process that the US has supported. Taiwan is a poster child for American values, and as such Taiwan’s democracy must be preserved, promoted and recognized, not subordinated to an authoritarian Chinese state.
The success of Taiwan depends on the support offered by the community of democracies, as does that of all peoples determined to fight for freedom and human rights. The world should not stand by and allow China to crush a vibrant, successful and democratic Taiwan, and the US should show them the way. It is time for the US to embrace its principles and values-based approach to foreign policy, which in the long run will prevail. Let the reality of Taiwan, rather than the fear of China, be the guiding principle.
Wu Li-pei is the founder and honorary chairman of the Formosa Foundation.
RSS