Comments on: Obama’s Taiwan Blunder Is Fool’s Gold For China

By: Benjamin,Taiwan

Benjamin,Taiwan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:38:59 +0000

The timing of the F-16C/D sale is becoming awkward. Had this sale been undertaken in 2006 or 2007 (where the delivery of the F-16s might be taking place this year or next,) it would have been one thing.

But by now, the delivery of the F-16s – even if approved this year – would likely not take place before 2014 at the earliest. Given a service life of 25 years, it would be around 2040 when these jets were retired. In 2040, F-16s would be wildly outclassed in the air.

Any more delay on Obama's part, and the conversation in Taiwan will turn to fighters that the US would be even less willing to sell – F-15Es, F-15SEs, F-16 Block 60/70s, or even the Super Hornet or F-35.

By: On the Foreign Front « Pond’rings

On the Foreign Front « Pond’rings — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:01:51 +0000

[...] Unfortunately, rather than forthrightly stating that the United States, in line with longstanding policy and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), was prepared to sell Taiwan defensive weapons, President Obama said nothing at all. Instead, he chose to dodge the question, noting that the US favored “dialogue and negotiations.” -Heritage [...]

By: Freedom of Speech, T

Freedom of Speech, T — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:14:09 +0000

Taiwan cannot stop the CHICOMS if they really want to take over Taiwan.

The CHICOMS do not want to destroy Taiwan. They want it intact like Hong Kong, but under their control. The CHICOMS are becoming better capitalists than us, the businesses and people are ALLOWED to get rich, if they can, as long as the STATE gets their cut. Of course, anyone in China can see their fortune and life confiscated if they do not play ball.

The only thing keeping Taiwan safe is U.S. support. How long U.S. support remains in the equation is the "trillion" dollar question.

We have made the CHICOMS our national banker and lender of last resort. Thanks to all the congress people and senators, past and present, who have enabled this to happen.

It is THEIR FAULT and hopefully there will be a nice hot place for them in the afterlife.

By: Evan, Washington

Evan, Washington — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:27:13 +0000

Obama's rationale here is way off mark – he imagines that improved relations across the strait mean that Taiwan doesn't have any need for continued defense. Worst of all, he's afraid of upsetting China, which is IMO plain shameful.

The US has nothing to fear from China, except maybe that our Walmarts will empty out. If that's a sacrifice we're willing to make (I know I am, bring back domestic production!) then we don't need to worry about the adverse effect on China-US relations stemming from F-16C/D sales to Taiwan.

Seriously, China has over 1000 missiles targeting Taiwan, this merits some defensive capabilities, and the Obama administration is technically required BY ACT OF CONGRESS to authorize sales of defensive weapons – why not give them something they can actually use (like 150 F-16C/D fighters)?

By: What??, Connecticut

What??, Connecticut — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:06:19 +0000

This is a huge mistake. Taiwan's independence relies in part on both China and Taiwan being confident that the US and other world powers will freak out if China makes a move against Taiwan. If Taiwan feels that it has no international support the inevitable consequence will be a political submission to mainland China. China will take Taiwan without a ship or shot. We may be hopelessly tied to China economically, but do we really want their government running the world?

By: TruthBuster, Va,

TruthBuster, Va, — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:32:21 +0000

Our president is a total JOKE!!!!!! If only AIRFOFCE 1 could just leave them in China, we would all be better off.

By: Doc Hilliard

Doc Hilliard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:44:15 +0000

No rational person really expected Mr Obama to tell the truth all of a sudden, did they. Mr Obama may be as personally popular as a rock star, but sadly his comprehension of reality is all that really compates to a stoned rock star, and that fact may wind up killing us all long before he causes the USA to sink beneath the level of a bananna republic. But that is his aim, it is no accident that his policies damage the USA and its Constitution.

By: J. A. (U.S.A.)

J. A. (U.S.A.) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:16:29 +0000

I disagree. I think its smart to hide his position so he could later use weapons sales as a negotiating chip for upcoming issues with China. China has used negotiating chips with the U.S. for decades. We all know about Richard Nixon pulling U.S. troops out of Taiwan just to get China to stop supporting the North Vietnamese. http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat... China learned a long time ago that the international problems it creates or supports can be used for negotiating. We have seen that with Vietnam, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Maoist rebels, etc.. (11/8/2009) China supplying arms to Maoists: India http://www.zopag.com/news/china-supplying-arms-to...