The Chinese are issuing threats:
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said, "We urge the U.S. to clearly recognize the severe consequences of arms sales to Taiwan," China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing a report the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to approve the sale of arms to Taiwan this year.
What are they going to do? Suck up to rogue regimes and refuse to help us with Iran and North Korea?
Maybe withdraw their small flotilla from the anti-piracy patrol?
Refuse to enjoy a massive trade surplus with us?
Cut off military-to-military contacts? Make my day! Do it!
Refuse to buy our bonds? That might be the biggest favor they could do to us if it stops us from going on a socialistic government spending spree.
I don't know. That smile on China's Taiwan charm offensive is starting to look a little forced.
UPDATE: We're going ahead with arms sales, with the Patriot approval the last to be given. One Chinese official has proposed sanctions on US firms that sell to Taiwan.
My main worry is that eventually the Chinese threats and complaints will suppress arms sales before they even reach the approval stage. Taiwan used to be able to buy arms from the Western world, but now only America will still sell. Taiwan needs to consider how it will defend itself it America won't sell them arms.
