Taiwan’s recent elections are more important than most yet understand. Mainstream media got one story, but missed the other. The new President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, is a tried-and-true anti-communist. But his vice president, the formative Hsiao Bi-Khim, may be the next Margaret Thatcher or young Winston Churchill, a spectacular choice, a born leader, profoundly pro-American.
Bi-Khim is the daughter of a Taiwanese father and American mother. Born in Japan, she was educated in the United States, graduated Montclair High School in New Jersey (alma mater of Apolo 11’s Buzz Aldrin), Oberlin College (BA, East Asian Studies) and Columbia University (MA, political science), and speaks perfect English, Mandarin (Chinese), and Hokkien (Taiwanese).
Her mother, Peggy Cooley, is a North Carolina native, educated at Union Theological Seminary, and a teacher. Her father ran a seminary. Bi-Khim, the new vice president, was raised in a Presbyterian home, and has an impressive pedigree in Taiwanese political service, ten years in the legislature, time serving a prior president, National Security Council, de facto Ambassador to the United States.
China’s Communist Government – just across the water – plainly dislikes her, yet seems to respect and perhaps even fear her rise, wit, principled approach to national security, and deep American ties, upbringing, education, family, attitude.
Communist China is said to “despise” her for being an “independence diehard,” twice placed sanctions on her, which only seemed to enhance her reputation for calm and considered leadership, for being unbending, unapologetic, and clear.
Like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, if not that other half-American, Churchill (mother was American), she is reviled by those whose evil intentions she will not let stand, confronts without flinching and shows freedom is not negotiable.
You have yet to see her name in lights, but look for it. She has been roundly condemned, regularly libeled, sanctioned, vilified, underestimated, challenged, derided, chided, and minimized, yet there she is. She thrives, radiates calm and composure, much like a young Thatcher.
One is reminded, too, of Churchill’s laconic bit on truth: “Truth is incontrovertible. Ignorance can deride it. Panic may resent it. Malice may destroy it. But there it is.” And there she is, with President Lai Ching-te, unintimidated by Communist China.
What is needed in Taiwan today is what was once needed in Great Britain, when Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940, unwavering conviction and personal courage, a sense that truth is widely known and always worth the fight.
The same conviction, unwavering defense of freedom rooted in upbringing, faith, life experience, appreciation for sacrifice – could be found in the leadership styles of Reagan and Thatcher facing the Soviets. How timely now, for Taiwan.
What does all this mean? What may it mean for war and peace, China’s attitude in this moment, and need for the US to be a solid partner for Taiwan, a bright, unblinking, and ever-freedom-focused beacon? A lot.
Taiwan has chosen leaders – a new president and vice president – who are resolved to preserve that free people’s freedom, showing us how that is done, how good people stay strong under pressure, appreciate what they have, are ready to step up.
We need more Americans cut from that same cloth, the cloth of Churchill, Reagan, Thatcher, and Bi-Khim, ready to selflessly serve, do what is needed, get it done.
Freedom does not last unless consistently defended; it is neither free nor easily maintained, especially under pressure. It can be reduced to a mere island. Yet powerful is the voice of that island when it speaks. Congratulations to President Lai Ching-te, and to the newly elected, half-American Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. Thank you … for showing us what conviction and leadership look like.
Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, attorney, and naval intelligence officer (USNR). He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (2018), and is National Spokesman for AMAC.
I’m glad someone else is doing what the USA should be doing: standing strong for freedom. Hopefully we will finally find the will to stand up for freedom in our own country.
Great article by Charles. However we must keep in mind that Great Britain has had a terrible relapse since the time of Thatcher. Now Great Britain has imported a veritable deluge of anti-western moslems, catered to the madness of trans politics, and ever increasing wokeness. In America we have relapsed from the Reagan revolution and the LEFT is doubling down by having removed Trump in that terrible rigged election of 2020.
RBC, your last two paragraphs are on the money. If only most Americans would notice.
What an excellent and encouraging article, Robert! As you so profoundly stated, “We need more Americans cut from the same cloth, the cloth of Churchill, Reagan, Thatcher, and By-Khim, ready to selflessly serve, do what is needed, get it done.” They are out there. Americans must step up and say “no” to those that are not willing to put our country and countrymen first. Too many of our so-called leaders only care about themselves and are motivated by greed and revenge. If the small country of Taiwan can do it, then the leader of the world can do it. I was always taught to never settle for less than your best.
The qualities that make for good character, the skilled leadership qualities are obvious with President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi- Khim .These are the kind of people this Nation needs ,should appreciate having for friends. Genuine hope for genuine positive developments for Taiwan and the rest of the world is in this article.It was good to read Robert. When the sort of intelligence and courage and respect for truth are presented as in this story it promotes other ideas on the same level – and there is always room for optimism that will lead to better days ahead.
As a former member of the RAF I am constantly disappointed at the “I don’t care about that crap”attitude of too many American citizens.(of which I am one).Where their heads are stuck in this crucial year of FREEDOMS ONGOING BATTLE TO EXIST I can only guess.Lets hope for President Trump to return to the w White House.It’s going to take a lot of hard work to undo the damage Obama has done during his third term.Every American needs to pitch in.
Ahhh…the “great” Winston Churchill. Anyone ever read what the good Mr. Churchill wrote about the Jewish people? How about the Indians or any other “colored” people?
How about his awesome handling of the events at Tripoli?
Myth has made Churchill the legend he has become. There was a reason he got booted from office the SECOND the war in Europe ended……..but lets not talk about that…..it doesnt fit the script.
No mentd iion of the millions of dollars of US taxpayer funds filtered to ngo’s that provided opposition propaganda ads for the candidate that managed to obtain 40% support, WAAAY lower than the last election but enough by joining with others to lead.
Also no mention of the huge gains the “uniters” made in Taiwans version of their Congress and also no mention, again, of the fact that the entire world recognizes Taiwan as being one and the same with mainland China. Even the normally sociopathic US meddlesome government signed off on the “one China policy”.
And now I hear the west (meaning the US and its lapdogs), are going to be sending a delegation to Taiwan to talk up arms provisions. Arms we don’t have nor have the capability to build in a reasonable time frame. It would almost seem that the US has some twisted kinky “thing” about getting its ass kicked. The US hasnt won a conflict since its late entry into WW2 supporting the Allies against the Ukrain……oh sorry, wrong Nazis……the German and Axis powers.We wont win another most likely ever. Soon when Yemen forces us to run off with our tails between our legs we will be reminded of that once again. Going against China is different. If the US thinks China is going to allow Taiwan to once again be an unsinkable aircraft carrier for its enemies, as the Japanese used the island in WW2……then the US is deluded and yes to prevent that China will use nukes. Hell,………everyone knocks Putin but why he hasn’t evaporated London or Brussels for their collusion in the killing of Russian civilians is beyond me. I would not continue to pick at that sore, the blood it will leak will be ours.
God Bless America and the fascistic regimes it seems so fond of.