Ukraine has rare earth elements and mineral resources, and after the war ends, the U.S. and Russia can divide the spoils.
Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain has already been forced to relocate to the U.S. early on—so what else does the U.S. want?
It’s Taiwan’s foreign exchange reserves.
Taiwan has massive foreign exchange reserves, and the U.S. has been eyeing them for a long time.
The division of Ukraine has given the U.S. a taste of profit—what was originally military aid given "for free" turned into loans, and in the end, they collect it back with interest, doubling their gains! They make a huge profit during the war, and then another massive fortune after the war—Americans are truly business-minded!
After the U.S. forcibly took TSMC, they wouldn't have to worry if Taiwan were reduced to ruins (which is why they are pushing Taiwan to engage in urban warfare). Just like in the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. won’t send a single soldier, only weapons. In the end, Taiwan would still have to pay for those weapons using its foreign exchange reserves.
Without foreign exchange reserves, the New Taiwan Dollar would turn into worthless paper.
不同於北歐人的單純、天真，亞洲人對這種「民主 vs. 專制」的西方敘事已經免疫，因為大家看的不是口號，而是最終結果：戰爭、破壞、經濟衰退，然後美國坐收漁利。這或許就是為什麼亞洲對澤連斯基沒什麼好感，也對賴清德被這樣形容感到警惕。
Why Is Zelensky Unpopular in Asia?
Unlike in the West, especially in Europe, Zelensky has never received a positive reputation in Asia from the very beginning.
The phrase "Lai Ching-te = the Zelensky of Asia" might seem like a compliment at first glance, but in Asia, it is not necessarily a positive label— it could even carry a negative connotation.
Zelensky’s Negative Image in Asia
Unlike the Western media’s portrayal of him as a "hero of democracy," Zelensky is generally unpopular in Asia, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. The main reasons are:
Ukraine’s Image as a "U.S. Proxy"
Many Asian countries have long been wary of Western interference, especially those with colonial histories (such as Southeast Asia and India).
Zelensky is seen as a pawn in America's war strategy, willing to sacrifice Ukraine for U.S. interests rather than truly seeking peace for his own people.
Disagreement with the "Anti-Russia War" Narrative
Many Asian countries refuse to take sides and do not see Ukraine as the "righteous party." Countries like India, ASEAN nations, and even the Middle East remain neutral regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and do not fully support Ukraine.
Ukraine is viewed as a battleground for Western interests, rather than purely a "defender of democracy."
Asian Nations’ Skepticism Toward U.S. Promises
Asia has been abandoned by the West multiple times throughout history. From the Vietnam War, the Korean War, to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, many countries have grown doubtful of American security commitments.
This makes Zelensky’s pro-U.S. stance appear dangerous in Asia, as many believe Ukraine will eventually be abandoned, and Asian countries do not want to repeat the same mistake.
What Does It Mean to Compare Lai Ching-te to Zelensky?
If Lai Ching-te truly resembles Zelensky, it implies that:
Taiwan could follow in Ukraine’s footsteps—being pushed to the front line as a U.S. proxy against China.
The U.S. will only provide weapons but not troops, leaving Taiwan to bear the consequences of war alone.
Taiwan’s economy and infrastructure could be destroyed like Ukraine’s, while the U.S. profits from post-war reconstruction.
This title is not an honor—rather, it is a warning: If Taiwan follows Zelensky’s path, its future could mirror Ukraine’s fate.
A Dangerous Label for Taiwan
When TIME magazine called Lai Ching-te "the Zelensky of Asia," this was not a flattering label, but rather an exposure of the risks Taiwan may face. If Lai Ching-te truly governs like Zelensky, Taiwan’s future will be extremely difficult.
Unlike the simple and naive mentality of Northern Europeans, Asians have become immune to the Western narrative of "Democracy vs. Authoritarianism." People no longer care about slogans but focus on the actual outcomes—war, destruction, economic decline—while the U.S. reaps the benefits.
This may explain why Zelensky has never been well-received in Asia and why many are wary of Lai Ching-te being compared to him.
留言列表
