The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as relations between China and Taiwan, are raising growing concerns about the consolidation of autocratic power and threats to democracy. When former Taiwan President Kolas Yotaka’s spokesperson watched Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a striking comparison came to mind. According to her, Putin and Xi Jinping share similarities in their vision of imperial power and their role as undisputed leaders destined to defend their countries against foreign powers.
This vision, tinged with a nationalism often justifying military aggression, raises major concerns for the defense of human rights and democracy. While Putin invokes historical grievances to legitimize his invasion of Ukraine, Xi Jinping, meanwhile, maintains a similar narrative claiming ownership of Taiwan in the name of so-called national redemption.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shares these concerns, warning against a rapprochement between Russia and China aimed at weakening democracies and strengthening authoritarian regimes. Indeed, China’s silence in the face of the invasion of Ukraine and its strengthened economic ties with Russia raise questions about international solidarity towards threatened democracies.
Putin’s narrative that Ukrainian soldiers see themselves as Russian underscores the disconnect between his autocratic vision and the reality experienced by Ukrainians, determined to defend their sovereignty and democracy. The stories of civilians traumatized by Russian attacks demonstrate how strong and resolute the Ukrainian identity is, despite Russian attempts to erase it.
This international crisis reminds us of the importance of defending democratic values and human rights in the face of the ambitions of autocrats disconnected from reality. The parallels between the situation in Ukraine and the status of Taiwan highlight the need to remain vigilant and united to preserve peace and freedom in the world.