Days after China flew dozens of military planes through Taiwan’s air defense zone, a provocation that drew deep concern from the United States, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen warned of the “catastrophic” consequences should Taiwan fall to China.
“And they should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic alliance system. It would signal that in today’s global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy,” Tsai wrote in a Foreign Affairs piece published Tuesday.
Beijing has long sought to make Taiwan part of “One China,” and has cut off dialogue with Tsai for her insistence that it is an independent country.
Tsai called for “peaceful” talks with China in the article, saying that her country doesn’t want to engage in a military confrontation with the communist power.
“But if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself,” Tsai wrote.
Tsai’s remarks come as China blames the U.S. — Taiwan’s chief military backer — for the new tensions between the two countries, while Taiwan argues that China is the “chief culprit.”
China has flown 148 aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense zone over a four-day period, Reuters reported.
President Biden has framed his foreign policy as an existential fight for democracy over autocracy, and promised to take a tougher stance against Beijing as it seeks to expand its power and military presence in the Indo-Pacific.