[spetznaz]

Maybe I phrased that incorrectly. To put it succinctly, and bluntly, I doubt Taiwan is important enough for the congress (or for that matter the general voting population) to authorize direct military intervention. Our administration rebuked Chen earlier this year and late last year for alluding towards independence, and obviously there is no way a person like Kerry would authorize a war against China for Taiwan. Consequently, the most Taiwan can expect from either side is help in terms of equipment.

Although, looking at the Taiwanese military training, they can do a lot with that. And once (if?) they get the Aegis capability they shall have even greater efficacy. However, should anything go wrong, they better not be hoping for direct military assistance.

The greatest thing preventing Chinese attack right now are the twin facts that the Chinese are not ready (things are not yet optimal for them economically, in terms of war scenarios, and militarily), and obviously the Taiwanese Strait. Thus the most they can do about their, scoff scoff, 'renegade province' is just sabre shaking (with Taipei mirroring them). However should something change, I would love to see the congressman or woman with the integrity to stand up for Taiwan in front of his constituents. Bush has the integrity, but few congresspeople would support military action that would not touch the minds or hearts of most Americans.

I hope that encapsulates it.

[Last Dakotan]

All good points.
The American public will not accept boatloads of US KIA over Taiwan.
The US - Taiwan relationship is extremely one-sided as manifested in the large trade surplus they enjoy.