Days ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden made an unannounced trip to Kyiv on Monday last week in a display of US support for Ukraine.
US Vice President Kamala Harris also said that Washington has formally determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity during its invasion of Ukraine, vowing that it would be held accountable for its actions and that it would give Ukraine what it needs to prevail against Russia.
STAUNCH SUPPORT
A review of the past year’s events shows that the key to Ukraine’s success in holding off the Russian invasion lies not only in the constant supply of weapons from the US and the rest of the international community, but also in preventing China from aiding Russia. Ukraine receiving support while Russia burned through its resources has prevented Ukrainian forces from buckling under the heavy fighting, allowing them to continue gaining ground.
At the same time, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China that providing “lethal support” for Russia’s war against Ukraine would have “serious consequences,” an apparent move to deter Beijing from aiding Moscow.
Seeing these, China supporters in Taiwan did not pass up on the opportunity to spread anti-US narratives: Some claimed that as Washington intended to put an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, it would make compromises on cross-strait issues with China in exchange for Beijing not supporting Moscow with arms, while others claimed that Washington favors Ukraine over Taiwan and that it would reduce military and economic support to Taipei in favor of Kyiv.
However, a recent security dialogue held at the American Institute in Taiwan’s Washington headquarters attended by top-level officials from both sides should put these anti-US narratives to rest.
Aside from the Chinese spy balloon incident and the US’ warning against China helping Russia adding strain to Sino-American relations, that a security dialogue between Taiwan and the US could take place only indicates one thing: Washington no longer has qualms about deteriorating ties with Beijing, and that it has entered a new era of not being restrained by the Chinese response.
As a result, Beijing no longer holds the bargaining chips for the US to make compromises on cross-strait issues.
Furthermore, as the US attendees included top-level national security, diplomatic and military officials, the seven-hour-meeting is enough to showcase the US’ determination and resolve to help Taiwan build up its defenses.
It is apparent that far from favoring Ukraine over Taiwan, the US is trying its best to prevent Taiwan from becoming another Ukraine.
COURAGE UNDER FIRE
As the war in Ukraine marked its first anniversary, Kyiv’ defiance, determination and valor in holding off the Russian invasion have inspired the global community. This is why Ukraine has received tens of billions of dollars of military aid from its Western allies, and why Biden visited Kyiv at a pivotal moment to show his support.
Taiwan should see the war as a lesson, and understand that in face of a devious enemy, one should ramp up one military capabilities and boost defense awareness, while putting to rest any notions of anti-US narratives in the goal of undermining Taiwan-US military cooperation.
Only by taking steps to increase military preparedness can Taiwan ensure cross-strait peace and deter China from invading.
Wang Yu-pei is a civil servant.
Translated by Rita Wang
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