[drycleden]

ahoy me friends!

i seldom post much in part 'o our ports, but i was wonderin'...should the United States rescind its 6 billion in arms shipments to Taiwan. we need to remain in the good graces 'o the powerful nation 'o China, fer we need'm to keep buyin' our treasury bonds (i think that what they be called). i worry that we're bitin' the hand that feeds us by doin' anythin' that might anger our powerful friends.

i feel badly, fer the profits 'o companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon will be hurt if we cannot continue to export weapons to the folks we wish to, but don't ye thinks it be dangerous to arouse the ire 'o the Chinese, 'specially when we need thar financial aid more than ever?

the PRC's military modernization is overturning the cross-strait military balance of power faster than many imagined. In the latest indication of this, a RAND study released this month warns that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force could quickly establish dominance of the skies before an invasion, even when US forces intervene.

China's growing military strength has paradoxically led some to question whether the US should continue to fulfill the requirement of the Taiwan Relations Act and provide Taiwan with a sufficient self-defense capability. No matter what weapons the US provides, goes the thinking, Taiwan is consigned to an ever-growing military deficit in relation to the mainland.

A third factor in the new strategic environment is the rapid expansion of Sino-US relations. As the US increasingly relies on China for help on a range of global issues, the US is finding it a challenge to balance Taiwan's security with its expanding interests with the mainland. Asia Times Online :: China News, China Business News, Taiwan and Hong Kong News and Business.

i mean, with all the troubles we have, what be the chance that we'd take on the mighty Chinese in a military struggle, should they decide to invade Taiwan?

aye?

- MeadHallPirate