Appeasing Putin: A Dangerous Precedent That Will Only Embolden China

As global tensions rise, the decisions made by world leaders have consequences that ripple far beyond immediate conflicts. One of the most pressing issues today is the West’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and how this reaction — or lack thereof — could influence China’s ambitions toward Taiwan. Rewarding or appeasing Russian President Vladimir Putin after his invasion of Ukraine is not just a regional miscalculation; it’s a geopolitical blunder that risks undermining global stability.

The Danger of Rewarding Aggression

History teaches us that appeasing aggressors rarely leads to peace. The West’s hesitance to firmly counter Putin’s invasion of Ukraine sends a dangerous message: that territorial conquest through military force can be tolerated or even rewarded. Such a stance not only betrays Ukraine but also encourages other authoritarian regimes to pursue their expansionist goals unchecked.

China, with its stated goal of “reunifying” Taiwan by any means necessary, is watching closely. If the West capitulates to Russian aggression, Chinese leadership may interpret this as a green light to advance on Taiwan. A successful land grab by Russia without significant consequences would set a precedent that military force yields rewards, emboldening…