Standing with Taiwan Means Delivering Strength in Both Arms and Trade

Last month, I traveled to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to meet with high-level government officials, business leaders, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. My trip to Asia underscored the peril and promise that this part of the world holds for us as Americans, and served as a reminder that in Taipei, Seoul, and Tokyo, we are blessed with strong partners who share our commitment to freedom and democracy. Perhaps most important, my discussions revealed how important it is for our own national interest that we do everything possible now to support our partners and allies — diplomatically, militarily, and commercially.

Since February, the world has watched Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine with horror. Freedom-loving nations, such as the United States and our NATO allies, have met this moment with unprecedented support for Ukraine and brutal punishment of Vladimir Putin’s evil Russian regime. Russia’s war has not only reminded the world of the true intentions of thugs such as Putin, but has also served as a preview of communist China’s likely invasion of Taiwan. Furthermore, it has shown that “integrated deterrence” only works when taken up early, comprehensively, and with a steely eye toward meaningful leverage.

RS

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Rick Scott

Rick Scott represents Florida in the United States Senate and sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He is the former Governor of Florida.

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Last month, I traveled to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to meet with high-level government officials, business leaders, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. My trip to Asia underscored the peril and promise that this part of the world holds for us as Americans, and served as a reminder that in Taipei, Seoul, and Tokyo, we are blessed with strong partners who share our commitment to freedom and democracy. Perhaps most important, my discussions revealed how important it is for our own national interest that we do everything possible now to support our partners and allies — diplomatically, militarily, and commercially.

Since February, the world has watched Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine with horror. Freedom-loving nations, such as the United States and our NATO allies, have met this moment with unprecedented support for Ukraine and brutal punishment of Vladimir Putin’s evil Russian regime. Russia’s war has not only reminded the world of the true intentions of thugs such as Putin, but has also served as a preview of communist China’s likely invasion of Taiwan. Furthermore, it has shown that “integrated deterrence” only works when taken up early, comprehensively, and with a steely eye toward meaningful leverage.