The belief in “protecting democracy” is no match for economic interests and the strength of nationalism.
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(Yoichi Masuzoe: Scholar of International Politics)
U.S. House Speaker Pelosi and his party arrived in Taiwan late at night on August 2. On August 3, they met with President Tsai Ing-wen and said, “The United States is unwavering in its determination to protect democracy in Taiwan and the world.” In response, China vehemently protested and took countermeasures such as conducting military drills around Taiwan and banning the import of Taiwanese food products, raising tensions all at once.
“Pelosi visits Taiwan” is support fire for Xi Jinping
Thinking calmly, I don’t really understand what this visit to Taiwan was for and what kind of results it brought. If he only sowed the seeds of new conflict in the world by aggravating US-China relations, he deserves no recognition, and if he is trying to gain popularity for his own election, he deserves severe criticism. A politician’s actions are responsible for their consequences.
Pelosi is right to argue that democratic Taiwan should not be the target of armed aggression. It is also free to position Taiwan and China as representatives of democracy and despotism, respectively, and hold high the banner of “the battle between democracy and despotism.” However, it is questionable whether this visit to Taiwan will lead to a favorable outcome for that battle. It was probably a meaningless visit to Taiwan for America, Taiwan, and Japan.
Rather, it would be Chinese President Xi Jinping who would be delighted. This is because he will be able to acquire material to promote the threat of the United States and make the Chinese people reaffirm his righteousness in striving for supremacy with the United States. It’s like getting cover fire at the fall convention to make sure he stays in office for a third term.
Although China has been working hard to expand its military, it has not yet reached the point where it possesses military power that surpasses that of the United States. Xi Jinping, who wants to welcome the Communist Party Congress in a peaceful environment, cannot venture into a military conflict with the United States.