The Japanese-language daily Nikkei published a two-part column describing Japan and democratic countries in Europe as “tacitly accepting” Israel’s and the US’ use of military force against Iran, profoundly reflecting on the two countries’ attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the reactions of Western nations.
European countries — which have consistently emphasized international law and multilateralism, but now choose to keep a low profile and silent by not condemning the attacks — are apparently not determined enough to uphold the principle of resolving conflicts peacefully.
Japan, which relies on the Middle East for its energy needs and is constrained by its security alliance with the US, finds itself in an uncomfortable position. The East Asian nation is not only ambiguous in its diplomatic policies, but is also demonstrating a lack of strategy.
The US, as a leader of the democratic bloc, did not just tacitly approve Israel’s military actions, but also directly took part in the conflict.
Since US President Donald Trump’s first administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018, the US has adopted a tough stance on Tehran. Watching the US strike Iran soon after Trump’s return to the White House, belligerent China probably has mixed feelings.
The US is no longer playing the role of an arbitrator of the international order, but is instead overtly demonstrating its power.
As “might makes right” increasingly becomes a policy, the international order of the free world is undergoing a significant reshuffle.
The authoritarian bloc is stirring. Russia is bolstering its military cooperation with Iran, while China is promoting a “de-dollarization” and “de-Westernization” strategy centered around Iran, attempting to rewrite international rules.
From Ukraine to the Persian Gulf, and from the South China Sea to the Taiwan Strait, the world is entering a multifront confrontation. It is not just a military race, but a struggle between different systems and values.
Taiwan finds itself at the forefront of the confrontation between democracy and authoritarianism.
Taiwan is a global hub for strategy, democratic values and technology. Strategically located at a critical point in the first island chain, the nation controls the supply of the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
Taiwan is not only irreplaceable in the geopolitical landscape and the global tech industry, but it is also unique in the way that it is the only free and democratic political entity in the Chinese-speaking world. These achievements serve as Taiwan’s shield, a thorn in dictators’ side and a jewel cherished by the free world.
As the conflict in Ukraine drags on and the Middle East plunges into chaos, Europe observes in silence, while Japan is caught in a dilemma. Taiwan’s role has become increasingly clear.
Taiwan is not on the periphery, but the front line, no longer being a “troublemaker,” but a pillar safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy.
Even if the rules of the free world change, as long as Taiwan’s values remain steadfast, the world will see Taiwan not as a synonym of crisis, but as a beacon of freedom and democracy. The country is not a pawn to be manipulated, but a ray of hope for the world.
Wang Hui-sheng is chief director of the Kisei Ladies’ and Children’s Hospital in Japan, and a founding member of the East Asian Research Institute.
Translated by Fion Khan
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