Misleading Statement Attributed to Taiwan’s President
The Claim
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the crisis in Ukraine proved that external support should not be counted on.
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Users on Twitter recently shared an alleged statement attributed to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, in which she allegedly stated that the Ukraine crisis has taught her not to rely on foreign aid.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s team investigated the circulated claim and found it misleading. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen did not make the alleged statement, nor did she say in any of her latest statements that the crisis in Ukraine brought her to the realization to foreign support is futile. Misbar’s team could not find the alleged statement on any reliable media outlet.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen attended military training exercises for Taiwanese reservists while wearing a military uniform on March 12. During the exercise, she did say that the “recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people.”
The New York Times also published an article on March 1 under the title: “Watching the War in Ukraine, Taiwanese Draw Lessons in Self-Reliance.” The article illustrates Dr. Charlie Ma’s opinion on the topic. In an interview, the 59-year-old physician said that the “West’s refusal to send troops to help Ukraine fight Russia made him think Taiwan could not count on other countries coming to its defense.”
The claim surfaced following the Russian de facto declaration of war on Ukraine and the failure of NATO countries to grant Ukraine membership. The Taiwanese compare the situation between Ukraine and Russia to that of China and Taiwan.
Reuters reported on March 18 that the Taiwanese defense ministry has monitored a Chinese aircraft carrier sailing through the Taiwan Strait hours before an anticipated call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It is reported that nine Chinese planes violated the Taiwanese airspace on Feb. 24, following the start of the Russian war on Ukraine. China rejects the comparison between Taiwan and Ukraine, considering the former an internal crisis, not one between two separate countries as in the case of Ukraine with Russia.
Translated by Ahmed N. A. Almassri
