### Tsai Ing-wen Advocates for U.S. Focus on Ukraine Before Taiwan at Security Summit

Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has urged the United States to prioritize aiding Ukraine over Taiwan. Speaking at the annual Halifax International Security Forum, Tsai argued that while Taiwan faces potential future threats, assisting Ukraine is currently more pressing. "They should do whatever they can to help the Ukrainians. We [Taiwan] still have time," Tsai remarked.

This week marked over 1,000 days of Ukraine's defensive war against Russia, amplifying concerns in Kyiv about the potential return of President-elect Trump. Trump's mixed signals, advocating for "peace through strength" while criticizing U.S. spending on Ukraine, have left Ukraine and its supporters anxious that peace negotiations might lead to unfavorable concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to brace itself for a potential Chinese invasion by 2027, a date by which Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed his forces to be prepared for possible military action. However, whether China will act on this remains uncertain.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, U.S. Navy commander in the Indo-Pacific, highlighted complications related to arms distribution, noting that military aid to Ukraine and Israel is depleting resources potentially needed to counter China.

There is a broader concern articulated by figures like Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who warned that failing to support Ukraine robustly could lead to dire global consequences. "We can't afford to lose this fight, and it's vital to our national interests, because if Ukraine falls, Taiwan is next. And that will be World War III," McCaul stated during a panel discussion at the Atlantic Council.

Tsai aligned with this viewpoint, emphasizing that U.S. support for Ukraine acts as a deterrent against Chinese aggression globally. "A Ukrainian victory will serve as the most effective deterrent to future aggression," Tsai asserted.

Taiwan, which heavily relies on American weapons and military aid for its defense, views U.S. backing for Ukraine as a critical element in maintaining global stability and deterring potential threats, including those from China.