I fully agree that the US should scrap and abandon their deals with Taiwan. It is provocative, inconsiderate and just out of line considering the strengthening and mutually beneficial ties that China and Taiwan have been developing. But I want to comment on the popularity of one of the counter-measures that has been proposed and widely accepted by the viewers.
3. What measures or actions would you suggest to the Chinese...
Retaliate the U.S. through arms sales to the American foes.???
This response has seen the second highest numbers and it really is quite alarming. If China sells weapons to the US foes, it is making a serious mistake - I don't think China would want to do this under any circumstances. It may be an action of emotion and rage that could really backfire. This issue has also taken the highest response "furious", among others, and it certainly is a revolting action on the part of the US. However, we must compare the foes here (apples and apples). Taiwan is definitely not a ruthless and bloodthirsty foe of China. If China sells weapons to the US foes, it could have devastating effects and also plummet China into a global war at some point to help restore order. My point is that the response is disproportionate to the actions of US selling to Taiwan. The discontinuation of military ties, sanctions on US defense businesses, boycotting US business and products, Drop cooperation with the U.S. on issues sensitive and besetting to the U.S. - all seem in line with one on one counter-response and retaliation, and these will send a strong message. But, selling to the foes? It's a knee-jerk reaction.
One thing to keep in mind here is, as Taiwan moves closer to the eventual reunification with the motherland, these weapons sold by the US may become the property of China anyway. I know that this is not appealing and China has no interest in this military equipment. It could be said that China doesn't want to see Taiwan spending big bucks on this deal when the money could be put to better use.
Please tell me if I'm totally out to lunch on this. I hope I'm not viewed as provocative or in favor of the deal, because that is not the case. I just want to see cooler heads prevail.
related:
Letter to Congress (Taiwan - Dalai Lama)
