First country to call President Trump was Taiwan. That was unprecedented. First likely to call Biden, if finally elected, is Beijing – saying good luck, check in mail, and give up Taiwan. China will test Biden, and whether they bought him through Hunter’s money. If smart, Biden counterpunches early.
The big question is what Biden intends. His team must be clear. They must say straight away, we aim to sell arms to Taiwan, as every president since Carter. We will defend that free nation from any Communist takeover. China, stand down.
Arguments for defending Taiwan are countless, but one leads. If Taiwan falls, so does much of Asia. Germany’s 1938 annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland, the Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe after WWII, and Russia’s unanswered 2014 attack on Crimea – tell volumes. Appeasement leads nowhere good – ever.
When you appease, expect to bow, courtesy, excuse, and face more violence, widening chances for armed conflict – to include a World War, Cold War, and enduring threats. Violent annexation – especially by China – can never get the nod. If Biden allows movement this way, Taiwan is toast – and so is he. Freedom will be at risk across Asia.
The right answer is to see ahead, issue a resolute answer before the question is asked. With China threatening Taiwan, tailing US warships in the Strait, sabre rattling on arms sales, putting a red beam on Biden, he needs to move first – or his Secretaries do – to defend Taiwan.
How? First, use clear, responsible, strong words – no reservations. Let the world know while Biden differs with Trump on many issues, defending Taiwan is not one. They are an ally – and have one in us. We are staunchly at their side, have been since Reagan. No light between us.
Second, add some hardware, anything, to the pending sales package. Show we mean what we say, are not backing down, but stepping up for freedom. Third, having sent 11 destroyers through the Taiwan Strait on Freedom of Navigation missions lately, showing waterways will not be usurped, send another in the first month – a clear sign: We are going nowhere.
Fourth, in a step closer for regional freedom, speak forcefully about Hong Kong’s freedom, against suppression of human rights. Demand leading journalists, political activists, and peaceful leaders into custody by Communist China – get released. Use their names. Begin immediately. China will not forget.
Finally, while China wants relief from trade pressures imposed by Trump, be slow to let up on the pedal – or keep it down. Bargain for rights of American workers, businesses, protection of intellectual property, human rights – all systematically trampled by Communist China.
In short, China will test Biden. This is Biden’s chance – unlikely as finding courage may be – to prove his critics wrong, forcefully stand up to China, show he is not a bought man, and test China. Appeasers look for weakness, then exploit it. Biden cannot be weak, or he is finished.