United States / Taiwan Relations Update
Check out this important hearing held earlier this year on the status of U.S./Taiwan relations. Despite being an important (and democratic) friend, the United States persists in eschewing responsibility for some key agreements, including the provision of technological updates for Taiwan’s military and the defense of Taiwan’s inclusion in international diplomatic meetings. The bottom line seems to be that the United States wishes not to “make Beijing [China] mad.” Well worth watching for those interested in international politics and democracy.
“We bend over backwards to try not to upset the sensitivities of the Beijing regime. And frankly it irks me. Not that I don’t wish to have good relations with Beijing. We should, but not at the expense of our relations with Taiwan, or not at the expense of our friendship with Taiwan.” -Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)