Strong American backing for Taiwan has served the region well so far. It has improved, rather than damaged, cross-straits relations, for Mr Ma would never have felt able to open up to China without it, and it has been the foundation for half a century of peace and security throughout East Asia (see Banyan). To abandon Taiwan now would bring out the worst in China, and lead the region’s democracies to worry that America might be willing to let them swing too. That is why, as long as China insists on the right to use force in Taiwan, America should continue to support the island.
That's fine. But I can't help but notice that Taiwan's arsenal contains no British weapons. Perhaps the British could spare some submarines or advanced fighter aircraft for Taiwan. Or do the British think that throwing Taiwan to the wolves will save Hong Kong for a few more decades from full oppression?
