tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post8241992329591419313..comments2023-10-22T18:25:39.688+08:00Comments on The View from Taiwan: China AdvancesMichael Turtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974403961870976346noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-48706563899675034262011-04-13T15:37:23.385+08:002011-04-13T15:37:23.385+08:00Someone in the Taipei office in London is at least...Someone in the Taipei office in London is at least sensible.<br /><br />Respect dignity of the Taiwanese also<br /><br />Source: 13-APR-2011 Intellasia | Financial Times<br />13 Apr, 2011 - 7:00:00 AM<br /> <br /><br />Sir, In her response to David Pilling's article "US cannot sacrifice Taiwan to court the Chinese" (March 31) Dai Qingli discusses the importance of the sensibilities of mainland Chinese people (Letters, April 8). It is also important, however, to respect and value the views of those living in Taiwan with regard to this matter. I would like to elaborate on this as follows. <br /><br />First, President Ma Ying-jeou has said that one of his main objectives during his term of office is the improvement of cross-strait relations, and the pursuit of peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait. This must, however, be based on the principles of equality and mutual respect; such negotiations cannot succeed when motivated by threats or fear of the use of force. Blood may indeed be thicker than water, as Ms Dai says, but there is no need to find out by tainting the Taiwan Strait with it. <br /><br />Second, Ms Dai overlooks the opinions of those living in Taiwan, most of whom currently support the continuation of the status quo with no moves towards reunification or independence. It is somewhat insensitive of her to discuss the "dignity of the Chinese people" while at the same time slighting those in Taiwan by ignoring their voice. <br /><br />According to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, it is the policy of the US to provide weapons of a defensive character to Taiwan. This is crucial for ensuring that Taiwan has the military capacity necessary for its security. This should not be perceived as harmful to cross-strait discussions; on the contrary, it guarantees that such discussions take place on an even footing. <br /><br />Taiwan welcomes rational dialogue with mainland China founded on the concepts of parity and dignity, and we expect Ms Dai to accept Taiwan's role in determining its own future.-by Kuo-Chung Lin <br /><br />http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4e95cf1a-6491-11e0-a69a-00144feab49a.html#axzz1JHr9dx00Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-89154786161911021862011-04-13T12:16:42.869+08:002011-04-13T12:16:42.869+08:00Beijing appears to have misjudged the part militar...<i>Beijing appears to have misjudged the part military power should play in a maritime strategy that taps all sources of national strength. The mailed fist is a poor accompaniment for smile diplomacy. China’s bellicosity over the past two years has squandered many of the gains it reaped from adroit diplomacy in previous years. Its overemphasis on military force may be premature in any event. China cannot yet impose its will by force, while Asian powers have pushed back hard amid the recurring maritime confrontations with China. Beijing risks uniting a hostile coalition.</i><br /><br />It seems to me that China holds all the cards. Foreign countries have no designs on Chinese territory. China's instigation of maritime clashes might inspire the formation of coalitions against it, but coalitions are temporary in nature and hold little prospect of threatening the territory China currently holds. Bottom line - China has everything to gain and nothing to lose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-92068150007438510162011-04-11T21:37:45.846+08:002011-04-11T21:37:45.846+08:00Oh really? Thanks Jason. That makes me feel a whol...Oh really? Thanks Jason. That makes me feel a whole lot better.<br /><br />MichaelMichael Turtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17974403961870976346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-28173081217253989442011-04-11T21:32:01.671+08:002011-04-11T21:32:01.671+08:00MT -
Just a minor observation: I'm not sure t...MT -<br /><br />Just a minor observation: I'm not sure the PRC has gotten around to renaming the ex-Varyag. I've seen this "fact" reported everywhere but in the official Chinese media. The Shi Lang name makes for good copy but, as far as I know, is at this point only a rumor.Jasonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-56000872897223257552011-04-10T23:23:11.120+08:002011-04-10T23:23:11.120+08:00if you look at the numbers - the US has so far bui...if you look at the numbers - the US has so far build ca. 70 aircraft carriers, currently 11 operational, this is the first Chinese one. <br />long way to go ...richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10698887.post-25388255128133278432011-04-10T21:16:32.473+08:002011-04-10T21:16:32.473+08:00You'd think they'd be working to get Mayor...You'd think they'd be working to get Mayor Ma re-elected. <br /><br />The DPP should thank the PRC for their campaigning efforts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com