.
It is disgraceful that any free nation would stand by while the Red Chinese invade and conquer and free and democratic state.
It's disheartening that a firm ally like John Howard would do this. I suppose China is offering trade deals that the government couldn't resist.
I feel we can trust the Aussies. If the SHTF, they won't care about some formality, they'll do the right thing and fight on the side of democracy, liberty, and freedom.
They're sandbagging. Australia will be there for us.
It will, of course, depend on whether the Australian government's assessment is that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan represents a problem for Australian national interests. If it does, then the question isn't whether the Australians will help the U.S., it's whether the U.S. will help the Australians.
Oh great...I'm waiting for Japan to quietly issue the same press release...great...just great...
This was merely a clarification, between honest friends, with many common interests in the world and region.
So much for America's most dependable ally. Secretary of State Rice ought to consider making a trip to Tokyo to hint that the US would not automatically support Australia against future Japanese Imperialism in the Coral Sea.
It wouldn't make much sense for any of our allies to put themselves in the middle of a nuclear exchange.
The US expectation is either to maintain the status quo or peaceful reunification.
Beijing does alot of sabre rattling, but in the end, the ever increasing economic influence of China will steer Taiwan towards reunification. War won't erupt over Taiwan.