DAILY EXCEPTION

Ever since the White House recognized Beijing as the “real” China, there was always a fear that Taiwan would be seen as something left over from history. Congress put paid to that obliging the US to come to Taiwan’s aid. That commitment is still there, and even though the US doesnt want Taiwan to do anything to provoke Beijing, that commitment remains. The Chinese have built a powerful military machine against Taiwan and it is unclear if the US will have the staying power (or risk the consequences) in an actual war. Even so, Taiwan is an ally, and backing down from giving it the arms it needs would send exactly the wrong signal to China. The Chinese understand power – and respect it. It was overwhelming US superiority that had led them to speak softly on the world stage for so many years. Since the economic crisis, a new much more resurgent China is emerging. Despite this rise, the Administration doesnt have the flexibility to back down in Taiwan even if it wanted to (a fact Beijing knows full well). But even if the US were to find a way to dilute support to Taiwan, it would not appease China, but encourage more challenges from it. The US needs to recognize its enduring strengths that persist no matter how fast China may (or may not) be rising or how loudly they shout. So, sell arms to Taiwan. Meet the Dalai Lama. Speak up over Tibet and Xinjiang. Back India on a border dispute that China is provoking. And tell Beijing that cyberattacks (whether on Google or the White House) are not acceptable.