quote:

US warns China on anti-secession law against Taiwan 14 Mar 2005 21:33:41 GMT Source: Reuters (Updates with State, U.S.-EU talks on China arms) WASHINGTON, March 14 (Reuters) - The Bush administration on Monday criticized China's anti-secession law authorizing the use of force against Taiwan, calling its passage "unfortunate" and a potential setback to cross-strait relations. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the United States opposed "any attempts to determine the future of Taiwan by anything other than peaceful means." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to raise the issue during her visit to China on March 20-21. "Our view remains that they need to move in the direction of peaceful dialogue," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. "She will encourage them to do that and look forward to hearing from them as to how they might be willing to move in that direction." Passage of the anti-secession law by China's parliament could harden U.S. opposition to plans by the European Union to lift its ban on arms sales to China, officials and congressional aides said. "Certainly the prospect that China would use non-peaceful means to try to resolve differences with Taiwan should be disturbing...to the Europeans as it is to us," Boucher said. "I suppose this is one element of that that they should look at." President George W. Bush has voiced concerns that ending the embargo could skew the military balance between China and Taiwan, and some U.S. lawmakers have threatened to curtail defense cooperation with Europe if it proceeds. A high-level delegation of European Union officials is visiting Washington this week to try to ease U.S. concerns. They point to a revised European code, due to be agreed on in coming weeks, that requires EU states to look hard at the human rights record of the importing country before granting licenses, as well as its history of passing on imported equipment to third countries. The Europeans imposed the embargo after China's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989. The Taiwan Relations Act mandates that Washington supply Beijing's arch-rival with defensive weapons. "We view the adoption of the anti-secession law as unfortunate," McClellan told reporters. "It does not serve the purpose of peace and security in the Taiwan strait. We believe it runs counter to recent progress in cross-strait relations." Passage of the bill by China's parliament also drew warnings from the self-ruled island that Beijing would have to pay a price. The White House cautioned Taiwan as well. "We don't believe anyone should be taking unilateral steps, or make unilateral changes that increases tensions," McClellan said, adding, "We do not support Taiwan independence."

LINK



Well that looks pretty fucking ominous.

Any kind of movement is franky scary as fuck.

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Tend to agree that the situation doesn't look to good for Taiwan. As for us - it almost seems like China's fucking with us a bit, almost baiting us. But what on earth can we do? They've got a buttload of our debt, and they really feel powerful enough to do as they please.

I think we should definitely be a bit worried. As to how to handle the situation - how the hell would I know? Us progressives only spot problems, not solve them!

I think Condi's gotten a bit in over her head with so many global issues at steak right now. This certainly doesn't help her at all.

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A Chinese attack would draw in our allies. China may be the only other world superpower at the moment, but they're a distant second at that.


[[[smoke]]]

To me it seems that China is trying to get on the nerves of the US rather than Taiwan. When push comes to shove China has a strong advantage over Taiwan in terms of, well, virtually everything. They have stronger military capabilities, finances and bargaining power. I doubt that this move is a push to strengthen themselves in relation to Taiwan, and neighbouring countries in the area, but rather the US.

If this move by China is just a bluff, then good on them.. anything to give the US the shits .. but if it's legit, them I'm worried shitless..

quote:

The Taiwan Relations Act mandates that Washington supply Beijing's arch-rival with defensive weapons.

Gotta love that Marxist wording...
The weapons were probably shipped from the States (via underground sources) but I highly doubt they had, "With Love, Washington" written on the crates.

As for the U.S. they certainly are in a tight spot of over this situation.
Everybody and their dog knows that China has a HUGE untapped market just waiting for someone, anyone to fill the void.

Read this article and you'll see why the U.S are upset.
Basically China just slapped them in the face...

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/cbj2005/ane/cn.html

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quote:

Originally posted by Dupz To me it seems that China is trying to get on the nerves of the US rather than Taiwan.

Nah, I believe they're actually pissed because they consider Taiwan as a rebel province.

Economically, I think it would be good for Taiwan if it became part of China though.

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quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r The weapons were probably shipped from the States (via underground sources) but I highly doubt they had, \\\"With Love, Washington\\\" written on the crates.

nah, the US has sold arms to taiwan for a long time, and quite publicly: http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/03/14/china.npc.law/index.html

i think the whole situation is pretty scary. the last thing the world needs is a standoff between the US & china. The US\\' resources are stretched pretty thin in the military context. if push came to shove i wouldnt be surprised if america makes a lot of noise, but ultimately does nothing.

can anyone really see the US & china exchanging blows? if it does come to that, i cant imagine that the \\\"hotzone\\\" would remain just the waters between taiwan & china.

it might be \\\"economically\\\" good for taiwan to be re-integrated into china, but i for one would prefer to be a lil poorer with more freedom.

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Last edited by pkcRAISTLIN on Mar-15-2005 at 03:33

quote:

Originally posted by Lira Nah, I believe they're actually pissed because they consider Taiwan as a rebel province. Economically, I think it would be good for Taiwan if it became part of China though.

economically i wonder if it would be good for China to piss the western world off by even considering to invade at a serious level....

quote:

Originally posted by zig economically i wonder if it would be good for China to piss the western world off by even considering to invade at a serious level....

please explain how the world's two biggest military machines and nuclear powers staring each other down could ever be a good thing?

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quote:

Originally posted by pkcRAISTLIN please explain how the world's two biggest military machines and nuclear powers staring each other down could ever be a good thing?

Well i didnt mention it would be a good thing to have two nuclear powers at odds with each other.....i wondered if it would be good for China economically to get into such a situation...and my own ophinion is that it would be very bad for China economically...due to sanctions and questions of inward investment mainly from western economic powers...

Go Taiwan Go Taiwan Gooo....Woot...Woot!

If China makes a move, Bush should do what Reagan did...fund/arm China's enemies to the teeth. Use covert and psy-ops to encourage rebellion from within and put pressure on them directly using our alliances with Japan and South Korea. I don't think China is stupid. They just want a little attention...They won't make a move because the price is too high. They will have a fight with Taiwan (and the U.S. indirectly), and it will put the whole world against them.

Last edited by Capitalizt on Mar-15-2005 at 04:55