An anti-war statement was recently released in Taiwan by four [sic] academics. I would be more understanding if they simply said that they were afraid of war, that it would not hurt to be ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) — as everyone might at least receive some benefit — or that freedom and democracy is not worth fighting for. These would be expressions of human nature.
However, if these academics refuse to reveal their opinions, choosing to instead distort history, it would be disingenuous of them.
Without the assistance of the US, would Taiwan be the place it is today? If the CCP had gained control of Taiwan in the 1950s, Taiwanese would have “enjoyed” the “benevolence” of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.
Of course, in the realm of international relations, no country owes anything to another.
However, it is not true that the US government can never be trusted or that it has committed much evil, as some academics have said.
The power play among nations on the international stage is determined by power rather than kindness. This is a cruel fact that has been covered up by all governments as a way to appease people.
Victory belongs to the powerful and the ruthless.
One of the few exceptions is the result of World War II. The crimes committed by the fascist regimes of Germany and Japan were too numerous to count. As history tends to repeat itself, that catastrophe unfortunately had happened before and could happen again.
Had it not been for the US and its power, the fascist regimes would have won. Had it not been for new rules set by the US after World War II — establishing its hegemony and maintaining peace — the world order would be entirely different.
Most countries, especially China, have economically benefited from the free, secure global trading system. The US has made some mistakes, among which the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was inexcusable.
However, because of US hegemony and the order it set, some conflicts have been avoided. The number of these conflicts is unknown, given that no quantitative model can measure the number of things that did not happen.
After WWII, the world for seven to eight decades did not witness a military conflict between major powers. Academics of international relations attribute this to the role of the US as a “global policeman.”
These academics believe that a pluralistic world promoted by Russia and China would be a war-torn place of misery.
The CCP, the US and Taiwanese allies have not yet seen Taiwan’s determination. Taiwanese can stand up for themselves in the face of crises and be even more courageous than Ukrainians.
However, if they wait until the last moment, it would be too late. From an invader’s perspective, superficial determination creates the greatest temptation to attack.
Hence, some have argued that it is better to surrender first to avoid war. Is that so?
According to one deterrence strategy, it is necessary to demonstrate determination and willpower before the outbreak of a war. Taiwan must work harder in this respect, and the clock is ticking. If it cannot prepare for war, it must prepare other plans. Otherwise it would drag its allies down.
This is my advice as a third-party observer. The decision is for Taiwanese to make.
Simon Tang is an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton.
Translated by Emma Liu
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