I recently visited Taiwan and am now writing this from the Philippines, where the stark contrast and deep connection between the two nations is clear.
My goal was to understand how China’s aggression impacts people in these lands. In Taiwan, I saw a resilient democracy under constant pressure from Beijing.
In the Philippines, I met communities living in the shadow of Chinese dominance. Together, these experiences underscored the urgent need for action.
In the Philippines, I spoke with fishers, students, diplomats, and security officials. Across bustling cities and coastal villages, one message was clear: Chinese aggression weighs heavily on them, and they view the US as a vital partner in safeguarding peace and sovereignty.
A fisherman from Luzon with four children shared his fear of fishing near Scarborough Shoal due to harassment by China’s coast guard. “We have no navy,” he said. “We only have hope. We hope America remembers us.”
This plea — "we hope America remembers us" — is one I have heard before in many places around the world. Taiwan is the same. It is a democracy that is harassed by China but steadfast in its resolve. Taiwan’s fate is tied to regional sovereignty and global stability.
Domino theory
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once said, “A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency,” warning of the catastrophic ripple effects if Taiwan falls. The Philippines’ military chief, General Romeo Brawner, echoed this concern: “If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved.”
Over 250,000 Filipiinos work in Taiwan. It sits at a critical geographic point as the First Island Chain and acts as a barrier to authoritarian expansionism. If breached, trade routes would be jeopardized, Southeast Asia would face increased military pressure, and authoritarian regimes would gain ground globally.
The South China Sea is another flashpoint, with NT$114.7 trillion (US$3.5 trillion) in trade passing through annually. Unchecked Chinese dominance here would threaten regional sovereignty and global commerce, placing economic control in Beijing’s hands.
Some argue that US involvement in faraway disputes is unnecessary, but instability over Taiwan has global consequences — from disrupted trade to emboldened authoritarianism. Unease about shifting US foreign policy adds to regional concerns, though reaffirmations of alliances offer some reassurance.
Together, forever
The recent visit by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to the Philippines sent a positive and much-needed signal. His confirmation of the Mutual Defense Treaty reminded many in the region the US has not forgotten its friends.
In my time in the Philippines, I saw not just fear, but quiet determination. Officials are ramping up patrols, locals are tracking incursions. They know they cannot stop China alone, but they are not giving up.
The same is true for Taiwan. Its strength is not just its economy or technology — it is its clarity of purpose, its commitment to self-determination, and the growing community of nations that recognize its critical role.
Both Taiwan and the Philippines are determined not to yield to China’s aggression but seek solidarity from allies like the US. Supporting Taiwan is strategic, not charitable — it’s about upholding a world where force does not dictate rules.
The US’ policy of “strategic ambiguity” must end. Recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation would send a clear signal of deterrence, and discard a policy that only invites risk and miscalculation..
This is not just a regional issue, it’s a global one. The fight for Taiwan is a fight for sovereignty, law, and freedom everywhere. Let us be worthy of the hope that fisher from Luzon spoke of. Now is the time for Americans to stand firmly with Taiwan and the Philippines — before it’s too late.
Dane Waters is a global affairs expert, president of the Humanity for Freedom Foundation and host of the weekly podcast “Around the World with Dane Waters.”
