We served in Congress — and on opposite sides of the aisle — for a combined three-plus decades. So, despite the new boldness and increased aggression of our adversaries around the world, we’d like to start with a piece of bipartisan optimism that we can say with confidence and experience: Peace, prosperity and freedom will win out.

There’s no denying that our competitors are on the march. Still, in spite of Russia’s war in Ukraine, China’s escalating pressure on Taiwan, and conflict throughout the Middle East, there’s this encouraging fact: There were more than 60 national elections held around the world last year, combined representing nearly half of the world’s population.

The first was in Taiwan. “In the global election year of 2024 … Taiwan has scored the first victory for Democracy,” President Lai Ching-te said in his acceptance speech. President Donald Trump’s victory in November was one of the year’s final national elections.

It’s indicative of the partnership between our two nations — as well as the international challenges we currently face — that we bookended last year’s historic number of worldwide democratic demonstrations. Now, the United States and Taiwan are in a unique position to ensure the coming year is another victory for peace, prosperity and our people’s mutual love of freedom.

This won’t be easy — our shared adversaries are emboldened after a turbulent four years on the international stage, and particularly after how the United States handled Russia’s initial aggression toward Ukraine. And there’s no doubt that bipartisanship and continuity are scarcer today than when we first arrived in Washington.

Still, we believe there are certain missions and ideals that will always rise above party affiliation and news-of-day issues. And we believe the defense of freedom and pursuit of global peace and stability — when properly executed and articulated to the American people — is one of those all-important missions.

Late last year, in an address to the nation on Taiwan’s 113^th National Day, President Lai spoke about his country’s origin. “One hundred and thirteen years ago, a group of people full of ideals and aspirations rose in revolt and overthrew the imperial regime,” he said. “Their dream was to establish a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people. Their ideal was to create a nation of freedom, equality and benevolence.”

His remarks were met with some 153 Chinese aircraft practicing a military blockade of Taiwan. The shared values between Taiwan and the United States are undeniable and unique, similar to our relationship with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. But, as we’ve seen in Ukraine, values alone are not enough to ensure peace and stability — that requires strength and a willingness to use it.

Taiwan is certainly doing its part to build that strength — its defense budget has increased by more than 80 percent over the past eight years. Last year, its defense expenses reached a new high of $20 billion USD, a 7 percent increase over the previous year. Taiwan also notably spends more of its GDP on defense than the average expenditure of our European friends in NATO.

There’s still room for growth and improvement, but Taiwan has undoubtably demonstrated a serious and consistent commitment to investing in its own defense. The international landscape demands this behavior as authoritarianism expands and challenges the rules-based order. This threatens our hard-won democratic way of life — both in America and Taiwan — and we must meet this chaos with increased unity, confidence and strength.

Deterring China’s aggression and supporting a strong, democratic Taiwan isn’t just ideal for their 23 million freedom-loving citizens, but also for the American people and larger international community. We must learn from history — from the world wars to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine — which clearly teaches us that peace and stability are only possible through strength and strategic partnerships.

There is possibly no more important partnership than the one between the United States and Taiwan — two nations with unique positions and capabilities on the international stage — and it’s crucial that we continue to strengthen it. If we do, together we can ensure more victories for peace, prosperity and freedom.

Former Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, was a member of the House Intelligence Committee, House Appropriations Committee and House China Task Force. He’s also a world record-setting Air Force pilot and New York Times best-selling author.

Former Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and its Defense Subcommittee. He was also co-founder and co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition, the largest Democratic Caucus in the House.