Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Vaccine donations from the US and Japan have prompted elements within the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) to say that Taiwan has become a “vaccine beggar.” Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), who is also chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party, threw in his own two cents’ worth, suggesting that Taiwan is like a little brother accepting a “settling-in” allowance.

It is deeply regrettable that these people have cast such negative aspersions on demonstrations of international friendship.

The Taiwan-US defense relationship is a cornerstone of the partnership between the two nations, and plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region at large.

Recent actions and statements by the US and other international actors in support of Taiwan have initiated a much-needed increase in its global presence, demonstrating to China that forcible annexation of the country is absolutely unacceptable. To further emphasize this tenet of the US’ Taiwan policy, parallel developments in defense policy are a natural and effective means of furthering a peaceful cross-strait environment.