Sunday, January 10, 2010

Chatter

The Chinese have been particularly noisy about our recent arms sales to Taiwan:

China has reiterated its opposition to American arms sales to Taiwan, calling them an interference in Beijing's internal affairs that could undermine relations with the United States.

Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei's comments — the sixth official announcement in a week against the arms sales, according to the state-run news agency — underscore Beijing's sensitivity to the idea Washington may be conferring legitimacy on the island's government while boosting its defenses.

Hmm. I suspect some sort of retaliation against us (perhaps sanctions on our companies involved) is coming. So many official announcements hint of behind the scenes activity, I'd say.

I worry that one day, the Chinese will wield enough economic influence to successfully pressure--with or without a convenient excuse that Taiwan might provide--our executive branch or Congress to restrict sales to Taiwan.