Die Tageszeitung, Germany

Taiwan Arms Sales a Gut Check for United States

 

"The U.S. Congress must approve the deal within 30 days, this will demonstrate just how committed American politicians and companies remain to Taiwan."

 

By Jutta Lietsch

 

Translated By Ulf Behncke

 

February 1, 2010

 

Germany - Die Tageszeitung - Original Article (German)

Relations between the Chinese mainland, with its 1.3 billion people, and the island of Taiwan, with its 23 million people, have quieted down somewhat. Since 2007, when conservative President Ma Ying-jeou replaced hotheaded Chen Shui-bian, the two governments have been friendlier to one another than ever. The recent dispute over U.S. weapons deliveries worth nearly $6.4 billion, however, shows just how fragile the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains.

 

The Taiwanese government is well aware that the island’s democratic freedoms and de-facto independence are due only to Washington’s protection. With this weapons deal, Taipei is showing just how grateful it is to America's defense industry and U.S. military. It's obvious that the sole purpose of these “defensive weapons” is deterrence. At best, in the event of an attack from the mainland, they might buy time for Taiwan to mobilize global public opinion against Beijing.    

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

SEE ALSO ON THIS:

Rceczpospolita, Poland: China Feels Her Oats at America's Expense

China Daily, China: U.S. Weapons Sale to Taiwan will 'Sour Ties'

Taiwan News, Taiwan: Taiwan Leader Welcomes American Weapons Deal

 

 

Beijing's harsh words about the deliveries didn’t come unexpectedly. The criticism is designed to test not only the U.S. government, but the mood of the country. For the first time, Chinese policymakers aren’t only threatening political consequences, but economic sanctions against U.S. firms. Because the U.S. Congress must approve the deal within 30 days, its decision will demonstrate just how committed American politicians and companies remain to Taiwan.

 

But the main addressee of these warnings is neither the U.S. nor the Taiwanese, but the Chinese people and military. They have to be reassured that the Communist Party leadership is no longer prepared to put up with such things, even from the superpower United States.

 

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Posted by WORLDMEETS.US, Feb. 3, 10:59pm