Chen Shih-Chang's Perspective: The 'Three Great Villains' Are Doing Their Worst—Taiwan Should Not Recklessly Join In

Zelenskyy and Netanyahu visited the White House in quick succession, this time without grand photo ops or loud declarations. Yet observers suspect that this trio’s alliance spells no good—especially as all three face political crises. If they are indeed the 'three great villains' of today’s global chaos, aggressively scheming to consolidate their power and interests, the world risks plunging into deeper abyss.

The complicit relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump has reached a hellish level where even handing over all of Ukraine to the U.S. wouldn’t balance the scales. If, after the war, Ukraine still gasps for breath amid ruins—without being absorbed by Russia—and the U.S. can claim a decisive 'win' on the geopolitical board, then the Trump-led network of American corporate and military allies will strip Ukraine of every remaining value. Zelenskyy, who led Ukraine into ruin, might at best end up in exile in the U.S., living comfortably ever after.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, is the chief instigator pushing the U.S. military to strike Iran. Yet the Trump team hasn’t officially labeled him as such, instead following his lead in aggressively targeting Iran—only to suffer heavy self-inflicted damage. Still, Trump clearly has no intention of truly braking, even using crude phrases like 'running scared with pants wet.' The 'three great villains' resemble a gang of bandit leaders. Netanyahu merely clings to Trump’s coattails to survive his domestic political crisis in Israel.

Although Trump falsely claims Iran is dazed and willing to return to negotiations—proposing Hamas disarms in exchange for Israeli withdrawal, a smoke screen absurd on its face—this is in reality a toxic gas tactic by the U.S. and Israel to continue their mischief. Earlier, Zelenskyy also stirred the Middle East conflict, insisting on branding Iran a 'belligerent state' while posturing as a 'drone kingdom' and 'future Patriot missile manufacturing hub.' These abnormal signs further unsettle the global community.

From Taiwan’s perspective, there is no room for misjudging the actions of these 'three great villains.' Taiwan being compared to Ukraine is nothing new, and it must never become a second Ukraine. Yet Taiwan’s leaders secretly 'envy' Zelenskyy—his repeated White House access, speeches before Congress, and unlimited U.S. weapons. They dream of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Trump as 'Jedi warriors.' But they must not forget the horrific price Ukraine will pay. If Taiwan recklessly inserts itself for visibility, even placing Iran on a 'wanted list' as a 'letter of allegiance' to Trump, it would be even worse than Zelenskyy.

Taiwan’s utility to the U.S., no matter how much it contributes, can never match Israel’s. Its leaders will never become another Netanyahu—perhaps at best on par with figures like Takagi Sanae or Bongbong Marcos, if that. The core of the Lai administration surely understands Taiwan’s limited weight in Trump’s calculus. Were it not for Trump’s hope that Xi Jinping’s U.S. visit might boost his election chances, and his preoccupation with the Middle East, the South China Sea would already be more than just symbolic saber-rattling.

How long the 'three great villains'—Trump, Netanyahu, Zelenskyy—will continue destabilizing the world depends on U.S. military weapon stockpiles and the extent of damage to Trump’s family businesses. U.S. midterm elections, Israeli parliamentary no-confidence moves, or Ukrainian public backlash clearly aren’t their true vulnerabilities. What Taiwanese fear most—'reckless involvement'—isn’t overt alignment or de facto 'participation in war,' but covert attempts to emulate their malicious tactics. Such moves could ignite the fragile Taiwan Strait into a real powder keg. The internet blackout during Han Kuang exercises isn’t meant to intimidate hearts—it reveals deeper war-provoking intentions.

If Ukraine and the Middle East are active volcanoes, the Taiwan Strait is a dormant one ready to erupt. The 'three great villains' scheme for personal power and profit, not moral righteousness. Taiwan cannot afford to join the chaos—and must not. It must not willingly become a 'yama-biko' (grim reaper).

*The author is a senior media commentator.