George Post 10- Heating Up - Arms to Taiwan

Heating Up With China – US to Sell Arms to Taiwan

The Obama administration has announced plans to go ahead with a $6.1 billion arms deal with Taiwan, including the sale of 60 Black Hawk helicopters and 114 Patriot missiles.

This action is consistent with the US treaty with Taiwan but it is seen as offensive to Beijing. US State Department spokeswoman Laura Tischler defending the US position said "Such sales contribute to maintaining security and stability across the Taiwan Strait" .

Chinese defense ministry spokesman Huang Xueping saw it differently saying that the measures reflected the "severe harm" posed by the deal. Another foreign ministry spokesman said the arms deal would have "repercussions that neither side wishes to see".

China has threatened sanctions on the US companies involved in the deal. Boeing would be the primary target but it could also affect Lockheed and General Electric. Also Beijing could withdraw its cooperation and take a tougher stance on a number of current issues such as North Korea, fair trade and climate impact. This also comes at a time when friction is already at a high point due to the Google situation.

Besides impacting our relationship with China it also impacts the relationship between the two Chinas. With Taiwan feeling more secure they may push Beijing harder on their point of view. China may view this as another setback to their ultimate goal of re-unification with Taiwan.


Click on the link to see a clip from an Australia newsource and additional commentary.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-retaliates-over-us-arms-deal-with-taiwan-20100131-n6n7.html