Donald Trump’s presidency will be marked by a daunting challenge in addressing the growing axis of totalitarian states, led by China under President Xi Jinping. This alliance includes Russia, Iran, Myanmar, and others, posing an unprecedented threat to global stability.
China, a dictatorship with a history of human rights abuses, is rapidly expanding its military and naval presence to challenge US influence. Its assertive claims in the South China Sea and plans to invade Taiwan are particularly concerning. Xi Jinping’s ambitions for China to become a dominant global superpower have led him to dismiss democracy and human rights as anachronistic.
However, China does not act alone. It has formed close ties with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, which shares similar concerns about the West’s inability to lead effectively in conflicts like Afghanistan and Ukraine. The resulting instability has emboldened Putin to invade Ukraine, leading to devastating consequences for the region.
The Western world’s failure to address these challenges earlier has weakened its defenses and emboldened authoritarian leaders. Trump’s proposed peace accord with Putin may seem laudable on the surface but risks undermining the lesson of history that peace without justice does not last.
As Trump navigates this complex landscape, it is crucial that he acknowledges Ukraine’s struggle as a symbol of our own fight for freedom and democracy. A settlement that rewards Russia’s brutality would only set a dangerous precedent, and China will likely watch with interest, waiting to pounce on Taiwan.
The West must learn from the past and recognize that dictators do not speak the language of appeasement. Trump’s leadership will be tested by this daunting challenge, and he must find a way to address these issues effectively to ensure global stability and security.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/19/weakness-on-ukraine-will-only-embolden-china