I did not say that Putin does not talk with European leaders about the Ukraine but everyone knows that the substantial discussion pivots on the U.S. Putin is not worried about what the UK or France might do about the Ukraine. NATO will not act without the U.S.s backing. Russia has already invaded the Ukraine, and annex the Crimean part of the Ukraine. No the U.S. will not go to war over the Ukraine but Germany and France should already have troops in the Ukraine to defend against Russia.

China does not invade Taiwan because the U.S. would use our military to support Taiwan. We shifted more of our Navy to the region to let China know we are serious and have substantial capability in the region. China will wait until a better time for Taiwan. The rise of China may make the invasion possible. Life in Taiwan will never be better under Chinese rule, Hong Kong is the proper example.