Former UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has issued a striking call to the U.S. and Western allies: defending Taiwan starts with defeating Russia in Ukraine. In a no-holds-barred editorial for the Sunday Times, Shapps argues that a Russian victory would embolden China to invade Taiwan, triggering global economic chaos. “If we allow Putin to succeed in Ukraine, we’re signaling to Beijing that they, too, can subjugate a democracy by force,” Shapps warned, insisting that a robust Western response in Europe is the clearest deterrent against Chinese aggression.
Shapps pointed out that the conflict in Ukraine has become a proving ground, offering insights into how the world might respond to a Chinese assault on Taiwan. He cautioned that allowing Russia to overpower Ukraine would undermine the West’s credibility, emboldening authoritarian regimes globally. “We have the chance to send a clear message to China that such aggression will not stand,” he said, calling for an immediate increase in military support to Kyiv.
Shapps’ plea for more support includes pushing the U.K. to lift restrictions on its Storm Shadow missiles, which currently limit Ukraine from using them on Russian soil. These long-range missiles, with a reach of up to 150 miles, could be game-changing if allowed to target launch sites within Russia. “Now is the time not only to provide long-range permission for our missiles but to do so without waiting for a decision from Washington,” Shapps argued, underscoring the urgency of acting independently and decisively to shift the balance.
Shapps further emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s defenses now could stave off a severe economic downturn, pointing to Taiwan’s critical role in the global economy. He warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would plunge the world into recession—or worse. “Redoubling our support for Ukraine today would not only be the right action,” he said, “but it would also make an invasion of Taiwan far less likely, sparing us from a potential global depression.”
Shapps concluded by urging Western nations to increase military aid to Ukraine, arguing that a strong stand in Europe sends the ultimate message to authoritarian regimes. In his view, Ukraine’s victory is essential not only for European stability but also as a direct strategy to protect Taiwan from Chinese ambitions. “Supporting Ukraine means keeping the peace globally. It’s time the West backs its words with action,” Shapps declared, leaving no question about his stance on the urgent need for the U.S. and allies to step up.
