Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, arguably Donald Trump’s best hire, recently answered the question as to whether the U.S. should finally and officially recognize Taiwan in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “It is my view,” Pompeo advised in a speech to the nonpartisan Prospect Foundation, “that the the U.S. government should immediately take necessary and long-overdue steps to do the right and obvious thing — that is to offer the Republic of China (Taiwan) America’s diplomatic recognition as a free and sovereign country.”

“There is no need for Taiwan to declare independence because it’s already an independent country,” Pompeo further noted. “The people and government of the United States should simply recognize this political, diplomatic, and sovereign reality. The Taiwanese people deserve the world’s respect for a free, democratic, and sovereign country.”

Just this past weekend, Beijing released yet another message regarding its intentions on Taiwan by saying it is committed to “resolving the Taiwan question in the new era.” Calling it “the Taiwan question” logically begs the question. There is only a “question” because Beijing refuses recognition. Indeed, there is only one resolution China finds acceptable, and that is the complete takeover of the island nation — by force if necessary. The term “new era” is a reference to Xi Jinping’s rule over China, though exactly when he would move against Taiwan remains speculation.

That’s why Pompeo and others are advising that the U.S. act now in recognizing Taiwan’s independence and national sovereignty as a show of leadership, strength, and resolve to Xi that the island nation is not up for grabs.

Unfortunately, with Joe Biden sitting in the White House, China is less likely to be deterred than encouraged. Biden’s weak leadership first led to the disaster in Afghanistan and now Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine. Xi may conclude now is a perfect time to reach for Taiwan.

“China wants to destabilize the world,” warns author and China expert Gordon Chang. “It certainly wants to marginalize the United States and Russia is doing Beijing’s bidding.”

“That’s why Beijing has announced all of these no-limits partnerships, and we’ve heard all of these commodities deals recently,” Chang explains. “$117.5 billion of new oil and gas arrangements that was announced February 4. Just a couple of days ago we had 100 million metric tons of coal to China. Basically, Beijing is financing Russian expansionism because it’s good for China because it makes sure that the United States is preoccupied in Europe.”

Chang also noted China and Russia’s growing closeness, pointing to Putin and Xi’s “no limits partnership” they signed in early February. “They’re closer than allies,” he contends. “It is something that is directed against the United States. … At the moment, China and Russia are working very closely together to destabilize the world and to move against the United States.”

Will Biden take Pompeo’s advice and push to officially recognize Taiwan for what it is, an independent sovereign nation? Or will Biden fearfully lead from behind? Thus far he’s given the American people no reason to believe he will show any genuine strengthen in the face of dictators with evil intentions. Obfuscation and rationalization are all Biden offers the U.S. and the world at large.