No appeasement

Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was neither unprecedented nor unusual. Taiwan regularly receives dignitaries from around the world.

China’s response of ongoing military drills and missile firings near Taiwan, however, is absurd and extremely provocative. China’s attempt to undermine the status quo of the Taiwan Strait is a severe threat to the stability in the Indo-Pacific and should be strongly condemned.

Despite China’s intimidation, the 23 million people in Taiwan will resolutely defend our freedom and democracy — ranked as Asia’s top “full democracy” and eighth in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Democracy Index.

If history is any guide, appeasement of tyrants and bullies will never lead to better outcomes.

It’s now more important than ever to unite and stand up to bullies. As a nation of freedom and democracy, globally respected for its kindness, tolerance and friendship, New Zealand would be a valued influence in the de-escalation of these aggressions.

Bill K. M. Chen, representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand.