Sino-US Ties Improve, Taiwan Still an Issue: Analysis

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, July 04, 2002

Sino-US Ties Improve, Taiwan Still an Issue: Analysis

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After discussing with his Chinese counterpart the resumption of bilateral military exchanges, Peter Rodman, US Assistant Secretary of Defence for international security affairs, finished his 3-day visit to Beijing last Thursday.

The high-level security talks between Beijing and Washington, which came to a halt with the aircraft collision in early 2001, have resumed. During Rodman's visit he spoke to vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission General Chi Haotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army General Xiong Guangkai, and Deputy Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Due to the sensitivity of military contacts in Sino-US relations, Rodman's trip to China is regarded as a positive sign for the future of this relationship.

The symbolic visit seemed to underline an American recognition of the importance of maintaining Sino-US relations and stability in the Taiwan Straits.

Washington has always regarded Taiwan as crucial element in its security strategy, but at the same time, the opening up of China's market through the strengthening of Sino-US economic exchanges is also in American interests.

Both security and economic growth have to be taken into consideration in Washington's China policy. No president of the United States can neglect the great US economic interest in China, and Bush is no exception.

Since the Taiwan question is the most sensitive and important issue in Sino-US relations, any mishandling of this could affect the development of bilateral ties. Beijing has warned Washington, from time to time, that encouraging separatists in Taiwan could result in a disaster in that region, which could in turn damage the interests of the United States.

By taking advantage of its ruling position, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan has accelerated the push towards Taiwan independence by promoting the so-called "de-Sinification" movement.

This gradual independence policy does not serve US interests since it could lead Sino-US relations to confrontation.

So though Washington still adheres to its policy of assisting Taiwan in defence, it is also aware of Taiwan separatists who are attempting to realize Taiwan independence by making use of Bush's adjustment to his Taiwan policy.

This is why Paul Wolfowitz, deputy secretary of defence of the United States, for the first time in 30 years, said the United States will "oppose Taiwan independence" instead of "not support Taiwan independence" when asked to clarify his explanation of US Taiwan policy last month.

The September 11 terrorist attack has made the Bush administration realize that the imminent threat to US security is terrorism. It needs the United States to re-consider its strategy and form a global anti-terrorism alliance, in which China's co-operation is indispensable.

Few Americans think it is worthwhile to confront China for the defence of Taiwan, not to mention go to war over it. Therefore, it is a wise decision for Bush to return to a pragmatic China policy.

Undoubtedly, a stable relationship between China and the United States will contribute to the stability and peace for both the region and the world.

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