But we should note that he is articulating the same modest, limited agenda that has been in place for close to 20 years.
The relationship between the US Department of Defense and the People's Liberation Army is either frozen in time, or it is once again bumping up against the limitations imposed by an environment created by two parties who share little trust, and very few complementary objectives (as is more often the case, our objectives are diametrically opposed in the military-to-military exchanges).
But the relationships between the US and South Korea, and the US and Japan are not static ? they are very dynamic -- and unfortunately facing challenges at this juncture.
Success in Seoul and Tokyo for Gates will be a shared success throughout Asia.
These are the challenges and events that should capture more time and attention from people in Taiwan.
Randall Schriver is a former US deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs and a founding partner of Armitage International.
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