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[learn to swim]

Rising Tensions Over Taiwan

[learn to swim]

Mar 14, 9:16 AM (ET)

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN

BEIJING (AP) - China's parliament enacted a law Monday authorizing force to stop rival Taiwan from pursuing formal independence, sparking outrage on the self-governing island and warnings that the measure would fuel regional tensions.

The ceremonial National People's Congress passed the law despite U.S. appeals for restraint. It came a day after President Hu Jintao called on China's military to be ready for war and followed a 12.6 percent increase in the country's defense budget for 2005.

Premier Wen Jiabao said the mainland still wants to unite peacefully with the island and doesn't want to disrupt the status quo.

"It is not targeted at the people of Taiwan, nor is it a war bill," Wen said at a news conference. But he also warned outsiders not to get involved: "We do not wish to see foreign interference."

A Taiwanese government spokesman rejected the measure as a "serious provocation."

"It also brought emotional pain to the Taiwanese people, restricts Taiwan's freedom and democracy, and has a serious impact on security in the East-Asia region," said Joseph Wu, chairman of the island's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles policy toward Beijing.

In a session broadcast on national television, the Chinese delegates burst into applause after the law was approved by a 2,896 to 0 vote, with two abstentions. The body usually votes overwhelmingly for Communist Party policies, but the emphatic result was meant to send a message of the intensity of Beijing's sentiment on the issue.

Taiwan and China split in 1949. Beijing has threatened repeatedly to attack if it tries to make its de facto independence permanent. The United States is Taiwan's biggest arms supplier and could be drawn into any conflict over the island.

A leading Taiwanese lawmaker criticized the measure as a "savage law."

It shows that China "feels futile and doesn't know how to deal with Taiwan's democracy and freedom," said Chen Chin-jun, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

"We can clearly see that Taiwan and China ... are not one China. They are two Chinas or one country on each side," Chen said in Taipei. "Whatever law they passed, Taiwan has its own sovereignty, government, country and democracy."

The law says China would "employ nonpeaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." It said such steps could be taken if Taiwan declared formal independence, if "major incidents" occurred causing Taiwan to separate permanently from China, or if "possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted."

The law doesn't give details of what specific developments might trigger an attack. It adds no new threats or conditions, but it codifies the measures for authorizing military action.

Legislators said the law would send a message that Beijing's patience was wearing thin.

"For us in the armed forces, this gives us a legal foundation on which to make our preparations to maintain our sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Lt. Zhang Shantong, a delegate from the People's Liberation Army.

Japan warned that the law could increase regional tensions.

"We are concerned about negative effects of the bill on the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the relationship between the two sides, which had been improving," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda.

Tokyo and Washington issued a joint statement in February listing for the first time the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue as a joint strategic objective.

China has spent heavily in recent years to modernize the PLA, focusing on adding high-tech weapons to extend its reach and back up threats to attack Taiwan.

"We shall step up preparations for possible military struggle and enhance our capabilities to cope with crises, safeguard peace, prevent wars and win the wars if any," Hu said Sunday, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Many Chinese are strongly nationalistic and support unification with Taiwan. But because China allows no opposition politicians or free press, it was difficult to gauge the level of genuine support for the law.

On a Beijing street, a migrant from the poor inland province of Anhui who was selling pirated DVDs showed little interest in the government's statements about Taiwan.

"We're ordinary people," said the man, who would give only his surname, Ye. "We worry about what to eat, what to wear."

STORY LINK

[psholtz]

Coming events cast their shadows before them, long before they actually arrive.

If you had watched the way that Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush, had armed Hitler throughout the 1930s, it would have been pretty easy to figure out that sooner or later, some type of major military conflict is going to have to be fought to "resolve" the "problem" that Bush thusly created.. In much the same way, the current Bush (Dubya) is busy arming Communist Red China, and has been busy arming Communist China for the past 10 years (at least) and it's not hard to see that some type of similar major military conflict is going to be fought to "resolve" that "problem"..

Of course, Taiwan means precisely nothing in the whole balance of things, just like Czechoslovakia and Poland meant exactly nothing during WWII.. WWII wasn't fought to "defend" Czech or Poland (<- although that was the going propaganda circa 1939), rather it was fought to (a) spread Communism; (b) create a NWO that destroys national sovereignty; and (c) that enthrones bankers at the head of world "governments"...

Same logic applies here.. Taiwan means nothing, but it's a convinient excuse over which to start a World War that will help (a) spread Communism; (b) create a NWO that destroys national sovereignty; and (c) enthrone bankers at the head of world "governments"..

[Lagspike]

Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

[jimmyz]

Lagspike wrote: Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

Sooner the better Lagsbehind...America is for you nothing more than a rest stop in your travels backward.You are a bold face liar to say you "may move back to China after your degree".You see kid,you have tasted the fruit of true freedom.Freedom of speech,life and liberty.You have already come to the realization that the US is far superior to China in so many ways that the thought of returning to your dung-fueled catch-up world drives you crazy.You are torn between your xenophobic nationalism and your craving for what America has to offer you.There is only one way you would benefit from a return to Oz....and Uncle wont make that happen.

[Tysic]

China seems to be preparing for war, maybe the US should also. I would hate to be left out in the cold with no army when China decides to take back Taiwan. Perhaps Bush should reinstitute the draft, at least then Kerry would get some long overdue jollies.

-Tysic Cummings

[Lagspike]

Taiwan is just a pale imitation of the U.S. and Japan. It tries to be "cool"--speaking a word of English every other word, taking on English names; trying to distance themselves from the Chinese culture as much as possible. For f**k's sake, even the television broadcasters use "hello" and "bye" instead of "ni hao" and "zai jian".

Once it's defeated, there's going to be some major changes. The entire "culture", or imitation of it, will be reformed. They'll be taught how to act like a honorable Chinese citizen.

[jimmyz]

Lagspike wrote: Taiwan is just a pale imitation of the U.S. and Japan. It tries to be "cool"--speaking a word of English every other word, taking on English names; trying to distance themselves from the Chinese culture as much as possible. For f**k's sake, even the television broadcasters use "hello" and "bye" instead of "ni hao" and "zai jian".

Once it's defeated, there's going to be some major changes. The entire "culture", or imitation of it, will be reformed. They'll be taught how to act like a honorable Chinese citizen.

Funny how the mainland is now adopting the practices of Taiwan 50 years after the Taiwanese started.Open economy,private ownership,etc.What possible benefit could Beijing gain from destroying Taiwan?Shouldn't the "Uncles" wait and soft-sell like they did with Hong Kong?I am sure there are Taiwanese who are pro-unification that with the right reforms on the mainland would join a "one China" scheme.

[learn to swim]

Lagspike wrote: Taiwan is just a pale imitation of the U.S. and Japan. It tries to be "cool"--speaking a word of English every other word, taking on English names; trying to distance themselves from the Chinese culture as much as possible. For f**k's sake, even the television broadcasters use "hello" and "bye" instead of "ni hao" and "zai jian".

Once it's defeated, there's going to be some major changes. The entire "culture", or imitation of it, will be reformed. They'll be taught how to act like a honorable Chinese citizen.

So why didn't you go to school in China? :lol:

[Lagspike]

learn to swim wrote: Lagspike wrote: Taiwan is just a pale imitation of the U.S. and Japan. It tries to be "cool"--speaking a word of English every other word, taking on English names; trying to distance themselves from the Chinese culture as much as possible. For f**k's sake, even the television broadcasters use "hello" and "bye" instead of "ni hao" and "zai jian".

Once it's defeated, there's going to be some major changes. The entire "culture", or imitation of it, will be reformed. They'll be taught how to act like a honorable Chinese citizen.

So why didn't you go to school in China? :lol:

As a minor, for now I can't choose where I live.

[learn to swim]

Lagspike wrote: learn to swim wrote: Lagspike wrote: Taiwan is just a pale imitation of the U.S. and Japan. It tries to be "cool"--speaking a word of English every other word, taking on English names; trying to distance themselves from the Chinese culture as much as possible. For f**k's sake, even the television broadcasters use "hello" and "bye" instead of "ni hao" and "zai jian".

Once it's defeated, there's going to be some major changes. The entire "culture", or imitation of it, will be reformed. They'll be taught how to act like a honorable Chinese citizen.

So why didn't you go to school in China? :lol:

As a minor, for now I can't choose where I live.

Yeah and as a grown up you will see why you will stay in America. :lol:

[eynon]

Lagspike wrote: Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

It's easy to be a Sinophile in the the US Lag, trust me I've been there. Hell there was even a time when I thought that Taiwan should become part of China. But once you live here and you see the corruption, exploitation, racsim, and general barbarity that defines the current Beijing regime(not the Chinese people or culture) you'll see how wrong things really are here....it tends to change opinions.

[eynon]

Tysic wrote: China seems to be preparing for war, maybe the US should also. I would hate to be left out in the cold with no army when China decides to take back Taiwan. Perhaps Bush should reinstitute the draft, at least then Kerry would get some long overdue jollies.

-Tysic Cummings

We have been, its called the Sea-Wolf class hunter killer nuclear sub, oh and the Nimitz class super-carries a bit of peach too......

[John Galt]

John Titor predicted this. ;-)

[eynon]

John Galt wrote: John Titor predicted this. ;-)

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Kyle Reece will always be the definition of a time-travelling solider in my book.....

[XiangYu]

Lagspike wrote: Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

The fact that you've been allowed into the U.S. to pursue a degree shows the tolerant policy of this government. You think if you grew up in China, that they'd let you change allegiance so easily? Sure they might let a few Yao Mings out every now and then, but they still keep a short leash on him.

[XiangYu]

Eynon81 wrote: Lagspike wrote: Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

It's easy to be a Sinophile in the the US Lag, trust me I've been there. Hell there was even a time when I thought that Taiwan should become part of China. But once you live here and you see the corruption, exploitation, racsim, and general barbarity that defines the current Beijing regime(not the Chinese people or culture) you'll see how wrong things really are here....it tends to change opinions.

Eynon81, from what you said it tells me that you are of Chinese desent, have lived in China, but is now back in the U.S.? Am I correct in these assumptions? Reason I'm asking is because I am 1st gen Chinese American coming from Hong Kong. I have always been curious about what life would be like if my parents hadn't made the jump into the western world. Based only on what I've seen & heard about communism it definitely seems like a better bet to stay in America, despite its shortcomings.

[Lagspike]

Eynon81 wrote: Lagspike wrote: Indirect declaration of war, increased budget, lifting of arms embargo...everything is clicking into place. :-D

When I get my degree, perhaps I'll move back to China.

It's easy to be a Sinophile in the the US Lag, trust me I've been there. Hell there was even a time when I thought that Taiwan should become part of China. But once you live here and you see the corruption, exploitation, racsim, and general barbarity that defines the current Beijing regime(not the Chinese people or culture) you'll see how wrong things really are here....it tends to change opinions.

I'm Chinese. I've lived in China for five years, not including summer and winter vacations. True, there is corruption; for example, my cousin got into her college through a back door. True, there is some barbarity; I've heard taxi drivers talk about others drivers getting beat up by police for not paying fines. But the situation is improving. The economic barriers are being lifted, and you can probably see it already; cars, once a priceless sign of extreme wealth, are becoming more and more common. As for your comment on racism--again, I'm Chinese, and I speak fluent Mandarin, as well as the Jinan dialect, so it doesn't apply to me (I don't see many foreigners in China, either).

[learn to swim]

John Galt wrote: John Titor predicted this. ;-)

Quote: "The year 2008," Titor said, "was a general date by which time everyone (realized) the world they thought they were living in was over." Beyond that year, war would consume the United States and culminate in 2015 with "a very short" World War III. Structurally, what remained of the United States would resolve into six parts, each of which would have its own president, and the capital would move to (eek!) Omaha, Neb.

:rotf:

[iburnam]

Sorry to interject, but...(don't you hate that?)

Lagspike wrote: True, there is corruption; for example, my cousin got into her college through a back door. True, there is some barbarity; I've heard taxi drivers talk about others drivers getting beat up by police for not paying fines.

All of these things and much worse happen here in America. Now, I wouldn't move to China for any amount of money, but as all of you know, the United States is not all peaches-and-cream.

jimmyz wrote: You see kid,you have tasted the fruit of true freedom.Freedom of speech,life and liberty.

What a joke. True, many countries are far more oppressive than the U.S. (particularly China, from what I gather), but to say we are truly free is a complete farce. Despite what they tell you, we cannot say anything we want to here in the United States. Open your eyes. A truly free country would not have a class system at all. A country that is truly free could not go around tapping phones willy-nilly as is presently possible in the U.S.

I will do everything in my power to guarantee that the world is more free for my son and daughter when they're my age. They will not be brainwashed into ignoring the injustice and oppression in the United States (or anywhere else in the world).