The Obama campaign, which along with the McCain campaign had been putting pressure on the Bush Administration to approve the arms sales to Taiwan, put out a statement on the issue. Pay attention to that last paragraph..."Senator Obama welcomes the Bush Administration's decision to notify Congress concerning the package of weapons systems for Taiwan. This package represents an important response to Taiwan's defense needs. This action is fully consistent with U.S. obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. The sale helps to contribute to Taiwan's defense and the maintenance of a healthy balance in the Taiwan Strait. Senator Obama looks forward to fully reviewing the notifications and the accompanying justification of the Department of Defense.Good thing our engagement partner understands our point of view and won't do anything unreasonable.... actually, this is normal behavior whenever the US sells weapons to Taiwan. It too shall pass...
"Senator Obama strongly supports the reduction of tensions between China and Taiwan, and commends China's President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou for their efforts in that regard. A strengthening of Taiwan's defenses will not undermine the process of reduction of tensions and can actually promote it.
"Senator Obama regrets that China has responded by suspending military-to-military exchanges with the U.S. and nonproliferation talks. These discussions are in the interest of both sides, and should be resumed," said Wendy Morigi, national security spokesperson.
UPDATE: Some things that wiser heads pointed out to me....both Ma and Hu are "President" as if suggesting they rule separate countries, and only the word "Taiwan" is used here to describe the ROC. Not bad, eh?
[Taiwan]
