For all its parallels, Ukraine war feels distant in Taiwan

By HUIZHONG WU
Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The Russian attack on Ukraine has put a spotlight on another place that could face an invasion by its larger neighbor, as some analysts draw comparisons to China’s threats to assert its control over self-ruled Taiwan. While similarities exist and Taiwan is a democracy that has defied a more powerful authoritarian government, there are differences too. For many Taiwanese, the war in Ukraine feels far away and doubt China would attack. China has stepped up military pressure on the island, sending ships into nearby waters and fighter jets in its direction. The key question for Taiwan is whether the United States, which is not sending troops to defend Ukraine, would intervene if China invaded.