Because the world focuses on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a delegation of former US officers has signalled American assist for an additional democracy that is come underneath rising strain from an authoritarian energy.
The previous defence and safety officers, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of employees Mike Mullen, met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in a single day throughout a two-day go to to the self-ruled island - which has expressed its solidarity with Ukraine.
"The Ukrainian folks's dedication to guard freedom and democracy and their fearless dedication to defending their nation have been met with deep empathy from the folks of Taiwan, as we too stand on the entrance line of the battle for democracy," Ms Tsai mentioned in remarks earlier than the assembly.
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"Historical past teaches us if we flip a blind eye to army aggression, we solely worsen the threats to ourselves. Now's the time for all democracies all over the world to come back collectively."
Analysts have drawn comparisons between the authoritarian menace to Ukraine and Taiwan, which is positioned fewer than 200km from China's south-eastern coast.
In Ukraine, that hazard has been realised with unprovoked army motion.
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In Taiwan's case, China's ruling Communist Celebration seeks eventual "reunification" - by pressure if mandatory - with the island it claims as its territory regardless of having by no means ruled it.
The timing of the previous US officers' go to appeared poised to assuage Taipei's fears about its personal future, with Mr Mullen, a retired admiral who was a high army adviser to former US presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, saying he hoped the go to would "reassure" Taiwan.
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"I do hope by being right here with you, we are able to reassure you and your folks, in addition to our allies and companions within the area, that the USA stands agency behind its commitments," Mr Mullen mentioned, in an obvious reference to Washington's longstanding assist for Taiwan's defence.
"We come to Taiwan at a really troublesome and significant second in world historical past.
"As (US) President (Joe) Biden has mentioned, democracy is dealing with sustained and alarming challenges, most just lately in Ukraine.
"Now greater than ever, democracy wants champions."
Taiwan's assist for Ukraine
The escalating battle in Ukraine has loomed massive in Taiwanese information protection and evoked an outpouring of sympathy from the Taiwanese public throughout the political aisle.
Since final week, dozens of protesters gathered exterior Russia's consultant workplace in Taipei on three separate days, waving the Ukrainian flag and placards studying "no battle".
Skylines in Taiwanese cities have been additionally lit up in blue and yellow - the colors of Ukraine's flag - together with the enduring Taipei 101 skyscraper.
For its half, Ms Tsai's authorities has swiftly condemned the Russian invasion, whereas Premier Su Tseng-chang mentioned on Tuesday that Taiwan would block some Russian banks from the SWIFT worldwide funds system "in lockstep" with financial penalties imposed by Western nations.
They'd additionally despatched medical support to Ukraine, Mr Su mentioned.
In keeping with the federal government, main Taiwanese chipmakers - which account for greater than half of the world's output of semiconductor chips - have all pledged to adjust to sanctions towards Russia.
In feedback in a single day, after assembly with the US delegation, Ms Tsai mentioned Taiwan would arrange a donation account for Ukraine and that she, Mr Su, and Vice President William Lai would every donate a month's wage.
'Rock-solid relationship'
Relations between Taipei and Beijing are at their lowest level in many years.
In latest months, China's army has despatched file numbers of warplanes into the air round Taiwan whereas diplomats and state-run media warned of a doable invasion except the island toes the Chinese language Communist Celebration's line.
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Ms Tsai has mentioned Taiwan's army should keep a excessive stage of vigilance and monitor actions on the Taiwan Strait, in mild of safety considerations linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which got here weeks after a high-profile assembly between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese language chief Xi Jinping.
Wen-Ti Sung, a lecturer within the Taiwan Research Program on the Australian Nationwide College in Canberra, mentioned the timing of the American delegation's go to was "clearly tied to the Ukraine disaster" and Mr Mullen's position as its head signalled that defence discussions would "function prominently on the agenda".
"At this second when Taiwan is questioning whether or not it may be Ukraine at this time, Taiwan tomorrow ... the presence of a senior and bipartisan ex-governmental delegation is right here for instance that US safety dedication certainly is totally different and is increased to Taiwan than it's to Ukraine," he mentioned.
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China's response
Beijing decried the go to on Tuesday calling it "futile," and urging Washington to "prudently deal with Taiwan-related points" to not additional harm China-US relations.
"The decision and can of the Chinese language folks to safeguard nationwide sovereignty and territorial integrity are unshakable. It's futile for the US to ship anybody to point out its so-called assist for Taiwan," spokesperson Wang Wenbin mentioned in common press briefing.
Beijing has refused to sentence Russia's assault on Ukraine or discuss with the full-scale assault on the nation as an "invasion.
"It has dismissed comparisons between the scenario in Ukraine and its personal claims on Taiwan, with Mr Wang saying on February 22, "I wish to stress that there's however one China, and Taiwan is an inalienable a part of China's territory."
Mainland China and Taiwan have been ruled individually for the reason that finish of the Chinese language civil battle greater than 70 years in the past, when the defeated Nationalists retreated to the island.