01-10-2017, 11:18 PM
*** 11-Jan-17 World View -- China threatens Trump with 'revenge' over one-China policy
This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com
****
**** Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen meets with Senator Cruz in Texas
****
![[Image: g170110b.jpg]](http://www.GenerationalDynamics.com/ww2010/g170110b.jpg)
Tsai Ing-wen (standing) meets with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday
Ignoring demands that the US forbid Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen
from making "transit stops" in Houston and San Francisco en
route to and from meetings with Central American leaders, Tsai met
with both US Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a
stopover in Houston.
China's foreign ministry spokesman made this statement about the
visit:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"I have taken note of relevant reports. I want to
> reiterate that we are firmly opposed to the Taiwan leader's
> contact with any US officials in any form and engagement in
> actions that disrupt and undermine China-US relations during the
> so-called transit. We once again urge relevant people from the US
> to abide by the one-China policy and the principles of the three
> Joint Communiqués, and cautiously handle Taiwan-related issues so
> as not to harm the overall interests of China-US relations and
> peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
As I've said before, it really amazes me that the US is supposed to
bow to demands from China not to speak to or meet with people that
China tells us not to speak to or meet with, and yet we're supposed to
accept without question China's right to build military bases in the
South China Sea, in clear violation of international law as decided by
the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague
in July of last year, while annexing other countries' territories as
Hitler did just prior to World War II.
Prior to the meeting, China's Consul General Li Qiangmin of Houston
sent a letter to Cruz:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"For U.S. leaders in administration and legislature,
> not to make any contact with Taiwan leaders nor send any
> implication of support of ‘Taiwan Independence’ are in the
> interests of China, the U.S. and the international community. So,
> dear Senator, I sincerely hope that you will neither meet, nor
> have any contact with Tsai during her upcoming visit to Houston,
> and continue to play a significant role in promoting mutual
> understanding and friendship between the two peoples of China and
> the U.S."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
After the meeting, Cruz issued a statement saying the US doesn't
dictate to China whom its leaders can meet with, and China should not
dictate to the US:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"Shortly before our meeting, the Houston congressional
> delegation received a curious letter from the Chinese consulate
> asking members of Congress not to meet with President Tsai, and to
> uphold the ‘One-China policy’.
>
> The People’s Republic of China needs to understand that in America
> we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves. This
> is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with
> Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do
> not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will
> continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see
> fit.
>
> The US-Taiwan relationship is not on the negotiating table. It is
> bound in statute and founded on common interests. I look forward
> to working with President Tsai to strengthen our
> partnership."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
Governor Abbott said, "It was an honor to meet with President Tsai and
discuss how our two economies can expand upon our already prosperous
trade partnership." Houston Press and China's Foreign Ministry
Related Articles
****
**** China threatens Trump with 'revenge' over one-China policy
****
The "One-China Policy" states that there is one China, not two, but
leaves ambiguous exactly what that means. Beijing interprets it to
mean that Taiwan is province of China, to be completely governed one
day by Beijing. Taiwan interprets it to mean that they are the
official government of all of China. By not speaking these
interpretations out loud, everyone is supposed to get along by saying
"there is only one China."
China's politicians have made it clear that they will use military
force against Taiwan and the United States if there is any threat that
Taiwan will declare independence. In 2005 Beijing passed an
"anti-secession law" requiring China to take military action even if
Taiwan's leadership simply makes plans or gives speeches about
independence. President Tsai has refused to confirm the "1992
consensus" which is the vehicle that reaffirms the One-China policy.
Under these circumstances, it's not surprising that China is becoming
increasingly belligerent towards Taiwan. Arguably, Taiwan has already
met the conditions set forth in the anti-secession law.
The reaction from China's Foreign Ministry, quoted above, states China
policy, but is fairly non-belligerent. However, an editorial in the
state run Global Times promises revenge if Donald Trump abandons the
one-China policy after taking office:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"The US passed bills that allow serving officers to
> visit Taiwan, while Chinese fighter jets patrolled around Taiwan
> and China's aircraft carrier passed the island. It is widely
> expected that the mainland will impose further military
> pressure. Tsai needs to face the consequences for every
> provocative step she takes.
>
> Trump is yet to be inaugurated, and there is no need for Beijing
> to sacrifice bilateral ties for the sake of Taiwan. But in case he
> tears up the one-China policy after taking office, the mainland is
> fully prepared. Beijing would rather break ties with the US if
> necessary. We would like to see whether US voters will support
> their president to ruin Sino-US relations and destabilize the
> entire Asia-Pacific region.
>
> Beijing does not need to feel grateful to Trump for not meeting
> Tsai. The one-China policy is the basic principle reiterated in
> the three Sino-US joint Communiqués. It is also the foundation of
> the profound bilateral relationship. Sticking to this principle is
> not a capricious request by China upon US presidents, but an
> obligation of US presidents to maintain China-US relations and
> respect the existing order of the Asia-Pacific. If Trump reneges
> on the one-China policy after taking office, the Chinese people
> will demand the government to take revenge. There is no room for
> bargaining."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
This article threatens to break relations with the US if Trump does
not reaffirm the one-China policy, and hints at unspecified military
action against Taiwan.
Trump has said that his administration will review the one-China
policy, but in view of the real possibility that China will end
diplomatic relations, I'm going to assume that Trump will adopt the
one-China policy, or some close variant.
But completely apart from anything the US administration does, it's
the attitude of the Taiwanese people that is most important. Time is
not on China's side, and Chinese officials know it, as the Taiwan's
population become more pro-independence every year. The Chinese
people are highly nationalistic with regard to Taiwan, and it won't be
too much longer before Chinese officials decide that time has run out.
Global Times (Beijing) and Xinhua
Related Articles
KEYS: Generational Dynamics, Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, China,
Ted Cruz, Greg Abbott, Li Qiangmin,
United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration, PCA,
Anti-secession law
Permanent web link to this article
Receive daily World View columns by e-mail
Contribute to Generational Dynamics via PayPal
John J. Xenakis
100 Memorial Drive Apt 8-13A
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617-864-0010
E-mail: john@GenerationalDynamics.com
Web site: http://www.GenerationalDynamics.com
Forum: http://www.gdxforum.com/forum
Subscribe to World View: http://generationaldynamics.com/subscribe
This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com
- Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen meets with Senator Cruz in Texas
- China threatens Trump with 'revenge' over one-China policy
****
**** Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen meets with Senator Cruz in Texas
****
Tsai Ing-wen (standing) meets with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday
Ignoring demands that the US forbid Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen
from making "transit stops" in Houston and San Francisco en
route to and from meetings with Central American leaders, Tsai met
with both US Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a
stopover in Houston.
China's foreign ministry spokesman made this statement about the
visit:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"I have taken note of relevant reports. I want to
> reiterate that we are firmly opposed to the Taiwan leader's
> contact with any US officials in any form and engagement in
> actions that disrupt and undermine China-US relations during the
> so-called transit. We once again urge relevant people from the US
> to abide by the one-China policy and the principles of the three
> Joint Communiqués, and cautiously handle Taiwan-related issues so
> as not to harm the overall interests of China-US relations and
> peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
As I've said before, it really amazes me that the US is supposed to
bow to demands from China not to speak to or meet with people that
China tells us not to speak to or meet with, and yet we're supposed to
accept without question China's right to build military bases in the
South China Sea, in clear violation of international law as decided by
the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague
in July of last year, while annexing other countries' territories as
Hitler did just prior to World War II.
Prior to the meeting, China's Consul General Li Qiangmin of Houston
sent a letter to Cruz:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"For U.S. leaders in administration and legislature,
> not to make any contact with Taiwan leaders nor send any
> implication of support of ‘Taiwan Independence’ are in the
> interests of China, the U.S. and the international community. So,
> dear Senator, I sincerely hope that you will neither meet, nor
> have any contact with Tsai during her upcoming visit to Houston,
> and continue to play a significant role in promoting mutual
> understanding and friendship between the two peoples of China and
> the U.S."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
After the meeting, Cruz issued a statement saying the US doesn't
dictate to China whom its leaders can meet with, and China should not
dictate to the US:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"Shortly before our meeting, the Houston congressional
> delegation received a curious letter from the Chinese consulate
> asking members of Congress not to meet with President Tsai, and to
> uphold the ‘One-China policy’.
>
> The People’s Republic of China needs to understand that in America
> we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves. This
> is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with
> Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do
> not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will
> continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see
> fit.
>
> The US-Taiwan relationship is not on the negotiating table. It is
> bound in statute and founded on common interests. I look forward
> to working with President Tsai to strengthen our
> partnership."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
Governor Abbott said, "It was an honor to meet with President Tsai and
discuss how our two economies can expand upon our already prosperous
trade partnership." Houston Press and China's Foreign Ministry
Related Articles
- No war erupted from Trump's ten minute phone call with Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen (05-Dec-2016)
- New Taiwan poll shows overwhelming support for independence from China (02-Jun-2016)
****
**** China threatens Trump with 'revenge' over one-China policy
****
The "One-China Policy" states that there is one China, not two, but
leaves ambiguous exactly what that means. Beijing interprets it to
mean that Taiwan is province of China, to be completely governed one
day by Beijing. Taiwan interprets it to mean that they are the
official government of all of China. By not speaking these
interpretations out loud, everyone is supposed to get along by saying
"there is only one China."
China's politicians have made it clear that they will use military
force against Taiwan and the United States if there is any threat that
Taiwan will declare independence. In 2005 Beijing passed an
"anti-secession law" requiring China to take military action even if
Taiwan's leadership simply makes plans or gives speeches about
independence. President Tsai has refused to confirm the "1992
consensus" which is the vehicle that reaffirms the One-China policy.
Under these circumstances, it's not surprising that China is becoming
increasingly belligerent towards Taiwan. Arguably, Taiwan has already
met the conditions set forth in the anti-secession law.
The reaction from China's Foreign Ministry, quoted above, states China
policy, but is fairly non-belligerent. However, an editorial in the
state run Global Times promises revenge if Donald Trump abandons the
one-China policy after taking office:
> [indent]<QUOTE>"The US passed bills that allow serving officers to
> visit Taiwan, while Chinese fighter jets patrolled around Taiwan
> and China's aircraft carrier passed the island. It is widely
> expected that the mainland will impose further military
> pressure. Tsai needs to face the consequences for every
> provocative step she takes.
>
> Trump is yet to be inaugurated, and there is no need for Beijing
> to sacrifice bilateral ties for the sake of Taiwan. But in case he
> tears up the one-China policy after taking office, the mainland is
> fully prepared. Beijing would rather break ties with the US if
> necessary. We would like to see whether US voters will support
> their president to ruin Sino-US relations and destabilize the
> entire Asia-Pacific region.
>
> Beijing does not need to feel grateful to Trump for not meeting
> Tsai. The one-China policy is the basic principle reiterated in
> the three Sino-US joint Communiqués. It is also the foundation of
> the profound bilateral relationship. Sticking to this principle is
> not a capricious request by China upon US presidents, but an
> obligation of US presidents to maintain China-US relations and
> respect the existing order of the Asia-Pacific. If Trump reneges
> on the one-China policy after taking office, the Chinese people
> will demand the government to take revenge. There is no room for
> bargaining."<END QUOTE>[/indent]
This article threatens to break relations with the US if Trump does
not reaffirm the one-China policy, and hints at unspecified military
action against Taiwan.
Trump has said that his administration will review the one-China
policy, but in view of the real possibility that China will end
diplomatic relations, I'm going to assume that Trump will adopt the
one-China policy, or some close variant.
But completely apart from anything the US administration does, it's
the attitude of the Taiwanese people that is most important. Time is
not on China's side, and Chinese officials know it, as the Taiwan's
population become more pro-independence every year. The Chinese
people are highly nationalistic with regard to Taiwan, and it won't be
too much longer before Chinese officials decide that time has run out.
Global Times (Beijing) and Xinhua
Related Articles
- China demands new Taiwan leader explicitly affirm that Taiwan is part of China (26-May-2016)
- Taiwan's president responds to military threats from China (01-Jan-2017)
- China's 'Anti-secession law' provokes massive Taiwan riots (27-Mar-2005)
KEYS: Generational Dynamics, Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, China,
Ted Cruz, Greg Abbott, Li Qiangmin,
United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration, PCA,
Anti-secession law
Permanent web link to this article
Receive daily World View columns by e-mail
Contribute to Generational Dynamics via PayPal
John J. Xenakis
100 Memorial Drive Apt 8-13A
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617-864-0010
E-mail: john@GenerationalDynamics.com
Web site: http://www.GenerationalDynamics.com
Forum: http://www.gdxforum.com/forum
Subscribe to World View: http://generationaldynamics.com/subscribe
