China’s Taiwan Friendship Blitz

Philosoguy.com reported recently about American arms sales to Taiwan, citing their importance in the demonstration of America’s commitment to its regional allies and the position of American power in East Asia. To sacrifice these two advantages in the name of appeasing China would have been a serious mistake. Since that time President Obama stood his ground and proceeded with the arms sales despite Chinese objections and the threat of a ‘cooling’ of U.S.-China relations.

Yesterday, while perusing the usual websites, I came across the following article on Reuters.com in which the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed a broad economic agreement and the strengthening of cross-strait relations. Keep in mind that a mere few weeks ago the language coming out of Beijing was extremely hostile to the United States and Taiwan. Now, as reported by the article, the Premier is talking about “peaceful reunification” and a “win-win situation” in the cross-strait relationship.

It would appear that two things have occurred: the first is that the United States has credibly demonstrated its commitment to its regional allies by weathering China’s reaction to the arms deal. Taiwan, even with F-16′s, does not have the ability to stop a Chinese invasion…but that is not the point: America has signaled that it will only allow a peaceful reunification of China and Taiwan. Continued American arms deals with Taiwan are the island’s only bargaining chip to ensure this. China tested the mettle of the Obama administration and the President should be commended for his actions.

Second, the use of arms deals as a bargaining chip can be directly linked to a more positive turn in the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle. China’s adoption of friendly rhetoric and actions (tourism, trade, and economic deals) are shaped by American involvement in the region. Our continued security presence ensures Taiwan’s security. Furthermore, clear messages and signals, like arms deals, allows for healthy communication between Asia’s two great powers. Dialogue will continue to be important, though we should not limit it strictly to speeches. As Obama has demonstrated, arms sales and alliances speak louder than words.

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