Can the US support Taiwan against China? - opinion

• Author: EMILY SCHRADER
• Published date: 11 October 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The aftermath of the US actions in Afghanistan is proving to be even more disastrous for US allies that depend on it. The takeaway message heard around the world by enemy states as well as rival superpowers, was that the US will abandon its allies as well as those who put their necks out to help US troops – be they in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere. In doing so, the Biden administration has emboldened Russia, Iran and of course China into continuing their military aggression throughout the world.

One of the most concerning examples in recent weeks has been China's aggression against Taiwan, which has proudly stood as a beacon of hope and democracy in the face of China's oppressive and human rights-violating regime. In recent weeks, China has sent a record number of jets, bombers and warplanes – approximately 150 – in striking formation into Taiwan's southern air defense zone for multiple days in a row – a show of force aimed to intimidate Taiwan. In fact, when Taiwanese air traffic control radioed one of the Chinese pilots, the pilot responded with obscenities, cursing the Taiwanese.

As Chinese military might has continued to grow, so too has the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) thirst for territorial power. With a weak United States that has already proven it won't stand with allies, the threats of military conflict seem to be looming on the horizon for Taiwan.

For decades, the tiny island of Taiwan has held out against Chinese pressure to unify with the communist country, despite petty actions of the CCP around the world, threatening and pressuring foreign nations if they cooperate with Taiwan or recognize Taiwan's independence. The CCP has made it very clear, to the point of obsession, that Taiwan's commitment to democracy is a thorn in their side – which frankly is all the more reason to support Taiwan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has continued to push an increasingly aggressive policy of "complete reunification" with Taiwan and other independent or semi-autonomous areas like Hong Kong. He even called Taiwan independence a...