Former Secretary of State Wendy Sherman highlighted on Sunday that Chinese officials are observing how the world is reacting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as they assess their own approach to Taiwan.
“China is watching the situation with Russia and Ukraine,” Sherman noted during a discussion with Chris Stirewalt from NewsNation.
Last month, the Trump administration issued a warning to China following extensive military exercises in the areas around Taiwan that were conducted without prior notice.
China regards Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened military action against the island, which operates independently. In contrast, the U.S. views Taiwan as a critical ally, particularly since many American tech companies depend on semiconductors produced there.
“If Russia can invade a sovereign nation and take control of Ukraine without significant opposition, China may think it can do the same with Taiwan, which is vital for those advanced semiconductors,” Sherman explained to Stirewalt. “And that poses a real threat to us.”
Amid ongoing pressure from the Trump administration regarding peace negotiations, the war in Ukraine has persisted for over three years since Russia’s initial invasion of the region. Russia continues to assert claims over Ukrainian territory.
This month, both sides engaged in a prisoner exchange in Turkey, with commitments to continue discussions toward a comprehensive peace deal. However, just days later, Russia initiated another drone and missile strike.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the U.S., Europe, and “all people in the world seeking peace” to respond firmly against Russian aggression and to increase pressure on President Vladimir Putin.
