When Taiwan Faces Beijing: A Call for Unity and Resilience
On Tuesday, President Tsai Ing‑wen penned a heartfelt note for Foreign Affairs highlighting how a loss of Taiwan would spell disaster for peace across Asia. She made it clear: if threatened, Taiwan will stand tall and defend itself, no matter what.
Fresh pressure from the Mainland
Since Friday, China has been stepping up its tactics, sending a swarm of 148 aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence zone over just four days. While China pinpoints the United States as the fault‑finder—after all, the U.S. is Taiwan’s main ally and weapons supplier—Taiwan regards Beijing as the main culprit.
Tsai’s Message to the World
At a glance, her message is simple yet powerful: — “Seen the growing threat from China’s Communist Party? Then it’s time to look at Taiwan as a vital partner.” She warns that a fall would rupture the democratic alliance system in the region and prove that authoritarianism does, in fact, beat democracy in the global values showdown.
China considers Tsai a separatist for refusing to admit Taiwan belongs to the so‑called “one China.” As a result, Beijing has shut down dialogue.
What Taiwan Stands For
- Independent identity: Taiwan is the Republic of China, proud of its official name.
- It wants nothing more than peaceful, stable, and mutually beneficial coexistence with its neighbors.
- But, etched deep in its DNA, is a warning: “If our democracy or way of life is threatened, we’ll fight. And, if our existence is in jeopardy, the people will rise up. Democracy is non‑negotiable.”
Tsai is on record asking for talks with China—only if those talks are equitable and free from political preconditions, a stance Beijing has deliberately sidelined. She remains sharp on the boiling point: “While PLA’s daily incursions are relentless, our stance is clear: We won’t bend under pressure, yet we’re not wanderers. Even with worldwide support, we stay grounded.”
A Blend of Cultures and Courage
She paints Taiwan as a dazzling democracy that’s leaned on Western values yet retains rich Chinese civilization and Asian traditions. She argues: “Taiwan is a shining example of what’s possible, challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s playbook and their regional ambitions.”
As the main take‑away: Taiwan refuses to capitulate, tolerates no aggression, and will keep its democratic flame blazing whether their neighbor tries to snuff it out.
