Beware of China
As the barrage of accusatory rhetoric bellows across the region, pointing blame squarely at the US for its "intrusive" activity in the South China Sea, China is scoring a victory on two major fronts. Increased mistrust for American intentions is hardly offset by any reference to the fact that the EP-3 flight was on a routine, non-evasive and legitimate peacetime patrol mission. Taking photographic, radar and other electronic readings over open international waters is, believe it or not, allowed. As one reviews reports on the incident though, a growing lack of trust for an American surveillance role in the region could be worth nearly as much to China as the technology transfer it achieved upon taking possession of the plane.
It would be greatly more reassuring to this reader if the press in Taiwan could find enough common ground with the idea that somehow, as an ally, the US offers the only real means to counter China's military power and that such a counter is in Taiwan's interest, regardless of policy on weapons sales. This particular incident is indeed an example of what happens when peacekeepers are threatened.
China's F-8 pilots had no reason or justification for coming into close contact with the slow-flying EP-3. Certainly, they were acting aggressively under orders. An American flight crew and their highly sensitive aircraft have been seized in what was essentially an act of air piracy. This perspective is slow to emerge perhaps because the regional press prefers to view China as the eventual, lasting power-broker in east Asia. It looks more likely to happen all the time.
Douglas F. Miller
Puli, Nantou
If the intelligence source you quote in your report ("US airplane was probing new warship," April 3, page 1) is telling the truth, the Chinese fighters first collided with the American plane and then forced it to land at gun point. This is quite different from the story we are hearing in America and from what China is claiming happened. If your report is true I would love to see recordings of the cockpit exchanges released. These would show that this was an aggressive act by China and that they captured at gun point an American plane that was operating in international waters.
I am married to a woman who is from Bulgaria. If former US president Ronald Reagan had treated the Soviet Union the way we are now treating China, my wife would still be living under communist tyranny. It is beyond my comprehension why the US continues to treat China as a friendly nation, when China openly states that we are their number one enemy!
Michael Welcome
Denver, Colorado
Dooming Taiwan's freedom
Regarding your editorial ("Sticks and stones won't hurt us," March 30, page 12) I agree that Beijing's boorish conduct in trying to constrain Taiwan's international living space is deplorable and betrays its lack of self-confidence. Beijing's offensive conduct, however, is actually a blessing in disguise.
China is the country which has killed over 1,200,000 Tibetans since the early 1950s through massacres and starvation. The people of Taiwan stand to forfeit their liberty, property and dignity if Taiwan falls into the grasp of the PLA. "One country, two systems" is nothing but a ruse.
Today, in the face of Beijing's arrogant misconduct, Taiwan is beset with an unhealthy China fever. Businessmen pour capital and technology into China. Opposition politicians rush to Beijing to pay homage to China's rulers. If Beijing decides to put on a smiling face, it could persuade a gullible Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) government to open Taiwan up to unbridled infiltration by Chinese capital, tourists, merchants, researchers, intelligence operatives and PLA officers. Taiwan's national defense could be scuttled in short order. Beijing could achieve a peaceful absorption of Taiwan through internal subversion. Conclusion: a bellicose and forthright China is less dangerous than a friendly and false one intent on deceiving the people of Taiwan. Sticks and stones won't hurt Taiwan but a smiling friend could doom Taiwan's freedom.
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