The Ukraine war shocked the world. We must act now to prevent the next one in Asia

Putin's invasion of Ukraine could have been prevented. Now Taiwan is at the center of another contest between a dictator and democracy.

It is now time to clearly state that the United State will come to Taiwan’s defense. Dr. Mark T. Esper was the 27th Secretary of Defense, and author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, "A Sacred Oath."

Having recently visited with Taiwan’s leadership, I found both resolve and apprehension about the future. Most believe Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping will secure an unprecedented third term in the fall.  This will both bolster his power and ensure his place in Chinese history alongside another authoritarian, Mao Zedong.  Xi, however, aims to accomplish what his predecessors could not – mainland control of Taiwan.