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Originally posted by NeoPhono I can't understand why we think that if China were to invade or otherwise harm Taiwan it would be a "China vs. USA," type situation. If China were to go into Taiwan it would be the world (or at least the majority) that would retaliate in some form or another. If you want a parallel, don't look at the second Gulf War, look at the first. Iraq invades Kuwait and you have wide-scale retaliation from a broad spetrum of countries. If the US were to condemn China and impose sanctions, not only would they not be alone in their action, I believe it would "black list" China in the eyes of the rest of the world.

Iraq is slightly different to China tho isn't it?

Neither the US nor China will take any action that may draw them both into a conflict. The danger is that China may believe that the US would not become involved if China invaded Taiwan (and I would guess they would be right). However, should Taiwan declare itself independent and if America did nothing if China invaded, then the US would loose all credibility as the 'international champion of democracy' (as they see themselves) and that has huge implications for the US's Middle East policy.

Whatever happens, there will be no conflict between the US and China, both have nuclear weapons that are more than capable of reaching each others respective countries. In the past, China has said that America cares more about Los Angeles than it does about Taiwan (if you can work out what that means) but that was just an off the cuff remark and should be veiwed as such.

I've seen someone on here saying that America should support the independence of Taiwan but that is completely unnaceptable. China cannot allow Taiwan to become independent. If that happened, the legitimacy of the Party would vanish and the regime might possibly collapse. Its not so much to do with the economic value of Taiwan but the political value of it. Supporting the independence of Taiwan would be a foolish policy to pursue and that is where dangerous problems will appear.

However, that does not mean America cannot championship freedom and democracy in Taiwan. That is fine and it does not conflict with Chinese rule. As long as America sticks to supporting democracy and freedom, but not sovereignty, the US will face no problems with China and it should act to convince the Taiwanese this is the best option as there is no way any country will come to Taiwan's rescue should China invade...

quote:

B-2 bombers headed to Guam Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Tuesday, March 1, 2005 U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers left Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Friday en route to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of an Air Expeditionary Force deployment, according to a Pacific Air Forces news release. The release did not specify the number of B-2s deploying to Guam. The AEF deployments to Guam began in February 2004. According to the release, the B-2s provide the U.S. Pacific Command “a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional security and the U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific.” The rotation also “provides training opportunities to integrate bombers into Pacific Command’s joint and coalition exercises from a forward operating base,” according to the release. http://www.estripes.com/article.asp...83&archive=true

China can read between the lines .

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Retro ...

Personally do not believe the US will let China take Taiwan and will repel any invasion with some overwhelming force if necessary.


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