Taiwan and lessons that can be learned from the Ukraine conflict

In his Japan Times article, Robert Dujarric examines the strategic parallels and key differences between Taiwan and Ukraine in the context of potential conflict with China. He argues that while both face threats from larger, authoritarian neighbors, Taiwan’s situation is far more complex due to its geographic isolation and economic interdependence with Beijing. Dujarric underscores that deterrence—not mere diplomacy—is essential to safeguarding Taiwan, emphasizing the need for the U.S. and its allies, particularly Japan, to bolster military readiness and political clarity. He cautions against naïve optimism, advocating for proactive defense planning to prevent a catastrophic miscalculation in East Asia.