US-Taiwan Arms Sales Prod China Toward Peace
Editorial, Wall Street Journal | October 7, 2008
The Bush administration announced its intention to agree to a $6.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan. ++ There are more than 1,400 missiles on the Chinese side of the Taiwan Strait that endanger Taiwan’s security. ++ The sale will help to avert the threat and “fulfill the US commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act”. ++ Taiwan will thereby gain leverage against China, who has defined its action by militarization. ++ As both parties have decided to open a dialogue, the sale could incentivize China to settle its disputes with Taiwan.
