Zelenskyy calls on world to take ‘preemptive measures’ to prevent China invasion of Taiwan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the world to aid Taiwan before a possible Chinese invasion in his special address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue.

On June 11, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a special address at the annual 19th Regional Security Summit Shangri-La Dialogue. Held in Singapore, the summit is a unique meeting in which government ministers come together to debate ongoing security challenges and create bilateral discussion.

After Zelenskyy delivered his remarks, the president answered questions from reporters. Josh Rogin, a Washington Post columnist and CNN political analyst, asked the president: “How do you recommend that Taiwan stands strong as China seeks to impose its control over free people by force, if necessary?” The question highlights the ongoing Taiwan-China tensions that have been on the rise since the start of the Ukrainian invasion by Russia.

President Zelenskyy responded, “The world must always support any action which is related to preemptive measures to forestall violence, forestall war, because there is no positive aspects coming from war.” Although Chinese President Xi Jinping was not mentioned by name, Zelenskyy highlighted political leaders who “are not content with their present level of their ambition” and want to “keep growing their appetites and their ambitions.”

Despite the world’s role in allowing certain such political leaders to grow, Zelenskyy stated the need for a worldwide “diplomatic resolution” that would aid countries — like Taiwan — who are in need of assistance. “We must not leave them behind at the mercy of another country which is more powerful,” he declared.

Citing Ukraine as an example of what will happen when war breaks out, President Zelenskyy emphasized a “preemptive” diplomatic solution.

“Millions of people … who have forcibly left their homes,” Zelenskyy stated in reference to Ukraine. “There is a vast number of risks for other countries due to migration crisis, refugees. War does not benefit anyone, apart from the ambitions of certain people.”

“This is it,” the president concluded. “The world must use preemptive measures against such people.”

Featured Image via CNA

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