Speaking for myself, once the statement was made that Pelosi was going to Taiwan, she had to go. We have to live up to our word, and we can’t back down. We just can’t. She may be there right now, it’s hard to say.
Now, China has said they will fight, and war will be the result if Pelosi goes. They can’t back down.
So why can’t we back down? Taiwan is free. A free people with a democratic society. Leaders elected by the people, they acknowledge human rights and have a good capitalist society. They are the descendants of those who rejected Communist Society in the 1950’s.
A couple of things.
FIrst, Taiwan is hardly a beacon of freedom. Chiang Kai-shek was a fascist, and the only reason why he didn't join the Axis during World War II is because Hitler thought he was kind of useless and valued Japan's friendship more. They only allowed "Free" elections in 1996.
Second, while Pelosi's visit was ill-advised, the Chinese were just blustering and everyone knew it.
As I state in Post 101, for China, this is an issue of national pride. Taiwan is a rebel province that is being propped up by the west in bad faith. We'd feel the same way if Trump and DeSantis set up their own government in Florida and other countries supported it.
We can’t back down because if we do, the entire Asian region is now China’s. Japan, Korea, Philippines. All the way down the list, every nation, every grouping of islands is China’s. If we won’t stand up for what we say, our words are meaningless. If we won’t risk all for our word, nobody will believe we will for them. China wins without firing a shot.
Except not really.
First, China has a completely valid claim to Taiwan. Taiwan calls itself "The REPUBLIC OF CHINA". not the Republic of Taiwan. They do not have a claim to Japan or the Philippines, nor do they really want them. As for Korea, we are already depending on China to keep Kim Jong Um in check.
Secondly, China's military prowess isn't all that. The Chinese military hasn't been in the field since 1979, and it was a very poor showing (they invaded Vietnam in retaliation for Vietnam invading Cambodia, and got bogged down a few miles in before retreating.)
Third, most of the region has already gotten pretty deep into bed with China economically. Even Taiwan, who have 45% of their exports going to the mainland. The Chinese don't have to invade Taiwan, all they have to do is cut them off from Trade.
And if you think China is hard to contain now, imagine it with massively more territory and power.
We have to go to Taiwan. We have to support them. We have to be willing to fight for them, or nobody will ever trust us again. Even those of you who hate Biden, know that is the case.
Nope. Taiwan isn't worth one American life. The US getting into the middle of this fight is foolish.
