[HELLRAISER II]

In other words Taiwan we're backing you without coming out & saying we're for an independant Taiwan. But the truth of the matter is we are for an idependant Taiwan & we're willing to defend them as well.

[Tai_Chung]

The George W. Bush administration has been paying increased attention to Taiwan's security and has recently reiterated the "six assurances" aimed at deterring China from attacking Taiwan militarily, a Japanese daily reported yesterday.

The "six assurances" are nice, but it's not going to stop a Chinese invasion by itself. The Chinese must be convinced the United States is serious about Taiwan. Here's a listing of some of the things the Bush Administration has done.

1. Candiate George Bush said he would do "whatever it takes" to help Taiwan defend itself.

2. President Bush continued EP-3 flights off China's coast after China insisted that it be stopped.

3. Sec. of Defense Rumsfeld wants to shift US military might from Europe to the Pacific. There were reports that weapons and parts were already being shifted to the region pre-9/11.

4. A "leaked" pentagon report included instructions to develop plans for battlefield nuclear weapons to be used against China during a war over Taiwan.

5. A missile defense system would make China's strategic nuclear forces against the US obsolete.

6. The US war in Afghanistan has allowed the US to break a potential military alliance between China and several central Asian countries.

7. President Bush allowed the largest sell of military equipment to Taiwan since his father sold them 150 F-16's in 1991.

8. The Bush administration is going to a lot of trouble to get Taiwan some submarines.

9. The United States supports Taiwan participation in the WHO (World Health Organization) that would help the island break-out of their diplomatic isolation.

10. The United States has talked with the Japanese government about the possibility of providing logistical support in the event of a war with China.

11. The Bush Administration approved the visas of the current Taiwan defense minister and former Taiwan President Lee. Although Lee canceled his trip, US officials did meet with the defense minister during his trip.

Actions speak louder than words. China knows that President Bush is serious about Taiwan's security without talking about the so-called "six assurances".

[lavaroise]

The "three nos" are: no support for Taiwan's independence, no support for "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and no support for Taiwan's membership in international organizations where statehood is required.

They forgot to make this assurance, in case a Clintonite comes to power, with nukes delivered to Taiwan. These assurances are pseudo/neo-conservative bull. Paper treaty tigers,
pie crusts meant to be broken.