WSJ: Taiwan Fiddles - The island won't buy the weapons to defend itself against China.

Wall Street Journal ^ | August 24, 2005 | Editorial

[OESY]

Taiwan spends a small fortune lobbying Washington so the U.S. will ride to its rescue in case of a Chinese attack. Yet more than four years after the U.S. offered a package of advanced defense weapons, politicians in Taipei still haven't decided to buy them. This isn't helping Taiwan's cause in Washington.

In April 2001, the Bush administration reversed the Clinton policy and offered Patriot anti-missile batteries, anti-submarine aircraft and diesel submarines. It did so at some diplomatic risk, since China has objected to the sale. But Taiwan clearly needs a stronger deterrent given China's military buildup, which includes more missiles targeting the island and aggressive submarine activity. China passed an anti-secession law in March, mandating force if Taiwan rejects "peaceful reunification."

But legislators in Taiwan have blocked any purchase plan proposed by President Chen Shui-bian. Some opposition politicians have even accused the U.S. of using the arms sales as a pretext to pursue a hidden agenda of demonizing China. Lien Chan, until last week chairman of the main opposition party, has argued the country can't afford the $15 billion price tag. But this doesn't wash for an island with per-capita income of $13,000 a year....

The problem is that while Taiwan dawdles, China keeps modernizing its military. The 2001 U.S. offer, while still useful, may require upgrading if Taiwan truly wants the capability to hold off an invading force long enough to allow the U.S. to intervene. Given Taiwan's half-hearted response to the current arms offer, there's little point in considering a fresh one now. But if Taiwan wants the U.S. to risk its blood and treasure in the event of an attack, paying for an adequate defense would seem to be a minimum prerequisite.

[rhombus]

Taiwan just might find themselves traded for some North Korean action on the part of the Chinese.

[Mister Da]

Taiwan doesn't seem to understand that any "rescue" operation by the US would take months to assemble, and make the Iraq war look like the Grenada invasion in terms of size & scope.

By the time we get there with sufficient forces, we will have to invade Taiwan itself to drive out the Mainland Chinese invaders. The Chinese will consider this an invasion of their homeland, and declare war on the US. The ICBMs will begin to fly shortly thereafter.

Frankly, I doubt the US will risk nuclear war to "rescue" Taiwan, and nukes are the only effective, quick-response weapon we have in our arsenal that would stop a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

[Avenger]

The most ridiculous part is that the opposition party (KMT) which is now opposing the weapons purchase was the party in power when those weapons were originally requested. When they were in power they couldn't wait for the U.S. to approve the purchase.

[conservativewasp]

I think our submarines can effectively deny the surrounding waters to the Chinese. Can't invade if you can't get ships there (airborne won't cut it).

[Petey139]

Taiwan better do something fast, Time is limited and to get all that equipment ready will take time to deliver. Plus they wasted four years, If they wasted another four it will make things harder. Since after the 2008 olympics anything can happen with China.

[the invisib1e hand]

right, like Taiwan could defend itself against China...

[tallhappy]

It's dem syndrome. Their equivalent of the dems are blocking passing the budget for buying the weapons like here they blocked Bolton or other nominees.

It's pure political obstructionism for political purposes. They are like the dems in that they will sacrifice their own nations security simply for their own partisan political gain.

[tallhappy]

The most ridiculous part is that the opposition party (KMT) which is now opposing the weapons purchase was the party in power when those weapons were originally requested. When they were in power they couldn't wait for the U.S. to approve the purchase.

Yes. They are the same as our dems here. Simple obstruction for pure political power play.

[Kevin OMalley]

BFLR = Bump for later reading.

[fifirodriguez]

China can solve the Taiwan issue very easily - without any bullets or missiles. Simply put tariffs and quotas on every laptop, cell phone and every other electronic coming from Taiwan; their leaders would swim or jump across the strait to negotiate.


Accepting the one-China principle does not mean accepting Beijing's rule. Taipei and Beijing will continue with its economic and political policies with or without each other. Neither side will "force" the other to accept a system different than the ones they currently have. This is simply illogical. China knows this. They simply want face, nothing practical just some recognition. Thats it.

If Beijing was intent on changing governments and policies, Hong Kong and Macau would be the first to declare independence.