[MattinNJ]

Beijing is fretting over growing public debate in Japan on how to upgrade its self-defense forces to suit the country's pacifist constitution

Just like the Muslim terrorists, the only thing Communists respond to is force. Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are teaming up to contain North Korea and by extension, the Chicoms. Combined with a growing threat from India, China finds itself boxed in despite their (and the Clinton's) best laid plans.

[madison46]

I've long said a visit by a US defense official to Taiwan with discusions on various issues from PAC-3 Patriot systems to Ageis curisers et al would get China's attention and help faster than anything else. Wish we would just fly couple hundred PAC-3's to Taiwan and an Air squadron just 'temporarily' of course ;-)

[tet68]

the only thing Communists respond to is force

They used to have a saying during the cold war,
"Advance to the point of the Bayonette!"