On the “military service” thread there is some discussion about the US commitment to ‘defend’ Taiwan.
This news just hit the wires:
[quote]US Congress moves to reaffirm Taiwan defense
The US Congress has taken a first step to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring Taiwan’s safety, 30 years after a law backing the island that still rattles Beijing.
The United States in April 1979 ended its recognition of Taiwan – where China’s nationalists fled after losing the civil war to the communists – but at the same time the US Congress approved the Taiwan Relations Act.
The law requires the United States to retain the capability to defend Taiwan’s security and provide the island with “arms of a defensive character.”
The US Congress has taken a first step to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring Taiwan’s safety, 30 years after a law backing the island that still rattles Beijing.
The United States in April 1979 ended its recognition of Taiwan – where China’s nationalists fled after losing the civil war to the communists – but at the same time the US Congress approved the Taiwan Relations Act.
The law requires the United States to retain the capability to defend Taiwan’s security and provide the island with “arms of a defensive character.”
The Asia subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday approved a resolution saying Congress “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.”
The resolution still needs to go to the full committee and then Congress.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office – Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the absence of diplomatic relations – said it “deeply appreciates” the congressional move.
“As the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act draws near, the action by the US Congress today clearly demonstrates the friendly and close relationship between Taiwan and the US,” it said in a statement.
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of Chinese territory and is determined to get it back – by force if necessary. It has strongly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan.
However, relations have improved dramatically since Taiwan elected President Ma Ying-jeou last year on a platform of boosting cross-Strait trade and tourism.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on a visit to Washington last week welcomed the easing tensions but warned that Beijing would never compromise on Taiwan and urged the United States to act “prudently and properly.”[/quote]
I expect a fuller discussion of this will be out soon.