Taiwan Ambassador Says Ukraines Success Against Russia Will Deter China
The New York Times The News
Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwans de facto ambassador to the United States, said Tuesday that Ukraines success in defending itself against Russias invasion, with the help of the United States and other nations, is important for deterring China from trying to invade Taiwan, a democratic island that the Chinese government considers part of its territory.
I think pushing back on aggression is the key message that will help to deter any consideration or miscalculation that an invasion can be conducted unpunished, without costs, in a rapid way, Ms. Hsiao told reporters over a breakfast organized by The Christian Science Monitor. We must ensure that anyone contemplating the possibility of an invasion understands that, and that is why Ukraines success in defending against aggression is so important also for Taiwan.
Why It Matters: Some Republicans want to prioritize aid to Taiwan.
Ms. Hsiaos statement rebuts arguments by a few Republican lawmakers and former U.S. officials that the United States should decrease weapons aid to Ukraine in order to prioritize building up Taiwans defense capabilities and U.S. military resources aimed at countering China. Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, is making this argument, as is Elbridge Colby, a Pentagon official in the Trump administration who has advised Mr. Hawley.
