George W. Bush opposes freedom...

[2strokebloke]

Bush Tells China Leader He Opposes Taiwan's Referendum

So what?, George doesn't like freedom? Sounds to me like he would've supported the british in the revolutionary war.

[Cbass]

From that article



"We oppose any unilateral decision, by either China or Taiwan, to change the status quo," said Mr. Bush, who had earlier nudged Mr. Wen to do more to promote human rights in his country. "The comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally that change the status quo, which we oppose."

[YogsVR4]

Apples and oranges. The situation with Taiwan and China is more like the North and South during the American civil war. (civil war - oxymoron if there ever was)

I’d like the people of Taiwan to choose their destiny ether with China or without her. The reality is that the people in power there want to reunite with China but will lose their standing if they do. They are watching how Hong Kong is integrated over the course of time since both HK and Taiwan ran on the same political and economic wavelength. If the integration goes well, Taiwan will rejoin China. If it doesn’t…. probably a war will erupt. Since there is a treaty with Taiwan and the US, its going to be a real shoot out.

China has not reached a position where it can effectively invade the island. They do have a formidable air force and missiles but no landing craft of any number. That’s a big reason why China doesn’t want Taiwan getting any Aegis ships from the US. It gives the Taiwanese a fighting chance at taking out large numbers of airplanes and missiles – effectively limiting China’s superior air power.

My estimation is that North Korea is why Bush is pursuing the status quo. China is the only nation that has any sway over NK and saying what he did keeps China onboard. Keeping to the status quo on the Taiwan issue is good for everyone in this case. The Chinese can’t take the island by force. The Taiwanese really don’t want to call a referendum, but it would not pass (no poll has ever shown the majority want to be their own independent state – they just want to saber rattle back at the Chinese). Not to mention, the destruction of large portions of Taipei is averted. The Americans (Japanese and South Koreans) have China onboard as an ally against NK.