Not the Solution!

I've wondered whether English language reports of Taiwanese demands that China "remove" missiles facing Taiwan meant that Taiwan wanted the missiles destroyed (the only safe thing to do) or just moved out of range (bad, since only a fraction of the missiles would be needed on day one and the rest could be moved back within range before they are needed).

Well, this article clarifies the position of one leader:

Taiwan's Premier Wu Den-yih dismissed Yang's allegations, saying Beijing's continued missile buildup along the mainland coastline facing the island had prompted Taiwan to seek more self-defensive weaponry.

"It's just like two people trying for reconciliation. If one of them sticks a gun in his waist, it would be weird, don't you think so," Wu said in an interview with Hong Kong-based Phoenix satellite television Saturday.

"The people of Taiwan would feel better if China can withdraw its missiles hundreds of kilometres away (from where they have been deployed)," he said.

Sure, the Taiwanese might feel better with some of the missiles moved out of range. But they would not actually be better off.

It is a mistake to make the demand one of moving the missiles since China could stonewall to give the impression moving missiles is actually a concession, and paint Taiwan into a corner by then "giving in" to Taiwanese demands to move them.