Xi's Taiwan Plans: What's Trump's Move Mean for Asia?

China's leader, Xi Jinping, is keeping a close eye on how President Trump handles the Russia-Ukraine situation. Why? Because Xi has his own plans for Taiwan. If the West seems weak or unsure about supporting Ukraine, Xi might see this as his chance to make a move. A former U. S. ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, shared this view. She believes that if the West doesn't stand firm against Russia, Xi could interpret this as a green light to pursue his long-standing goal of taking control of Taiwan. Hutchison pointed out that Xi has already shown his intentions by cracking down on Hong Kong. Taiwan could be next.This comes at a crucial time. Trump recently met with Putin and is set to discuss the Ukraine crisis with European leaders. Hutchison emphasized the importance of including European leaders in these talks. After all, the conflict is happening on their doorstep, and NATO plays a significant role in the region's security. Hutchison also stressed that Ukraine's voice must be heard in these discussions. The situation is complex. If the West appears divided or weak, it could send a dangerous message to Xi. On the other hand, a united and strong response could deter further aggression. The coming days will be critical in shaping the future of not just Ukraine, but also Taiwan and the broader region.