Bush kicked Chen in the balls

[Urban Ranger]

The Globe and Mail

"The comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally, to change the status quo, which we oppose," Mr. Bush said in the Oval Office. "We oppose any unilateral decision by either China or Taiwan to change the status quo."

Mr. Chen's plan for a "defensive referendum" to coincide with the presidential election in Taiwan on March 20 is regarded as provocative by Beijing, which sees it as the thin edge of an independence wedge. Meanwhile, Mr. Bush's administration is actively seeking closer co-operation with Beijing, especially on defusing the risks of a confrontation with nuclear-armed North Korea.

Although Mr. Bush and senior U.S. officials insisted that the tough talk on Taiwan signals no shift in policy, the President's change in tone was undoubtedly warmly welcomed in Beijing.

So long Mr Chen, the exit is to the left.

[MichaeltheGreat]

Well, did you think any American politician in any significant position would have the principles to not kiss PRC ass, considering how much the US is a Chinese trade-*****?

Like the ol' RCA dog, ol' George heard His Masters Voice.

[DanS]

Even though Bush says this, Chen can probably go ahead with the referendum anyway. Bush has a lot of influence in Taiwan, but he doesn't run the place.

[Capt Dizle]

I am begining to wonder if George has a plan.

[The Mad Monk]

A cunning plan?

[David Floyd]

I'd much prefer to see the US adopt a Two China Policy - the PRC is a legitimate nation, as is the ROC.

[Capt Dizle]

I would settle for just regular toilet trips at this point.

[Alexander's Horse]

is it true you work for the chinese?

[Capt Dizle]

just chuckling to myself at what David Floyd's definition of a legitimate nation might be....

[Gatekeeper]

**shrug** Just another example of realpolitik at work. Taiwan is a puny little spit of land claimed by a an up-and-coming power, and it looks like they're just going to have to live (or die) with it.

Gatekeeper

[orange]

I agree with Floyd in that both Taiwan and China are legitimate nations...but I feel that persuing a two-China policy in the White House would be disasterous. I support holding the status quo. It's a thin line to balance on, but I think it can be done. I think what Bush said is good because it shows China that we're not just out to get them - we have a policy and we're sticking to it.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I agree with Floyd in that both Taiwan and China are legitimate nations

Taiwan may be a de facto state, but as to now they've never asked to be considered a seperate state from mainland China (they claim soveriegnty over the mainland, officially, as the mainland claims soveriegnty over the island). Even if they declared statehood, I bet there wouldn't be many that would recognize it, meaning it wouldn't matter... well except to the Chinese who would try to squash it like a bug.

[orange]

Taiwan has been recognized as a legitimate state before by some other nations, hasn't it?

[Imran Siddiqui]

Taiwan has been recognized as a legitimate state before by some other nations, hasn't it?

I don't think so. Simply allowing the President to visit doesn't confer formal recognition of statehood .

[orange]

No, not just that...I thought some nations actually recognized Taiwan as an independent nation and gave it full diplomatic status. Hmmm...