Letter to the editor: Trump must make clear to China it will defend Taiwan

OPINION:

Kudos to the Black Bear Academy for publishing a full-page advertisement in The Washington Times on three consecutive days last week, calling on the international community to face up to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and support Taiwan in safeguarding democracy.

Taiwan is situated at the center of the First Island Chain, serving as a pivotal hub between East Asia and the Western Pacific. It acts as an
“unsinkable aircraft carrier” that blocks the Chinese People’s Liberation Army from accessing the Pacific. Losing Taiwan would mean
the PLA could break through the Second Island Chain, reaching Guam and Hawaii, threatening the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategic depth and
potentially using nuclear submarines to target cities on the U.S. West Coast.

Washington must make it clear that the United States will come to the defense of Taiwan should China invade. By increasing the deterrent
value of Taiwan’s defenses and other allies in the region, the United States and Taiwan help deny China the opportunity to accomplish its
goal by threat or by force.

After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Taiwanese society has significantly strengthened its civil defense awareness, demonstrating its determination for freedom and democracy as well as a spirit of self-reliance.

Washington has robust reasons to stand firm on its commitments to Taiwan. President Trump needs to do more to defuse the Taiwan crisis
and make clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States will stand by its friend and ally Taiwan — and that it would be
best if China accepted Taiwan as a friendly neighbor.

Beijing’s continued threats to incorporate Taiwan are a major source of instability in the East Asia region. For U.S.-China relations to truly
mature, they must grow beyond issues such as Taiwan and address challenges that deserve the focus of two great powers.

KENT WANG
Advisory Commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia