Former Congressman Robert Pittenger has suggested that the United States should consider establishing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan as China becomes more aggressive on the global stage, including its support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In an interview with Radio Taiwan International's host Yang Hsian-hong (楊憲宏）on Monday, Pittenger, who currently serves as the chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping for refusing to grant Chinese people basic human rights, including religious freedom, despite the country's internal problems.
"It is within Xi's best interest to recognize religious freedom," said Pittenger.
When asked about the message he would send to Xi, Pittenger urged the Chinese Communist Party Secretary to reflect on his legacy and how he will be remembered, noting that most autocrats are not remembered fondly. “I would ask him to give some real thought [about] his own life, his [legacy], and how he will be remembered,” said Pittenger. “Most autocrats are not remembered in a great light.”