I am trying to figure out the nature of our policy in regard to China in light of the announced sale of $6.5 Billion of missiles and helicopters plus other military equipment to Taiwan. 

The problem that I have with figuring out our policy is that it seems another example of our policy of meddling, and other than adding to the bottom line of the defense contractors, seems to another example of our not having a real policy.

According to the Taiwan Relations Act, we have obligated ourselves to defend Taiwan in the event of an attack on the island by China.  My first question is simply this – is it in our national interest to go to war with China over Taiwan ?  The only time that a war would occur between Taiwan and China would be for Taiwan to declare its independence as a sovereign nation.  Since we have already agreed with China that Taiwan is part of China – the “one China” policy statement agreed to by President Nixon and every subsequent President – would we go to war over Taiwan independence and therefore go against our “one China” policy ?  Read the rest of this entry »