Antonio Chiang (
To me, the situation calls to mind the former strategic importance in Europe of the Low Countries -- Belgium and the Netherlands -- between France and Germany. With inland ports such as Antwerp and the Schelde Estuary capable of accommodating fleets that could dominate both the English Channel and its two shores, the two countries, if held by one of the two continental great powers, could threaten the other -- as well as England. The solution was of course neutralization of the states in question, and agreement that they should not be attached to any of the great powers.
The international community should help Taiwan reach a similar status: a reliable, self-sufficient, disinterested guardian of sea lanes important to all -- ?and never again as a point of departure (as during World War II, when it was a vital Japanese base) for military operations against other parts of Asia.
Arthur Waldron
International Assessment and Strategy Center,
Washington
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