Beijing now thinks time on its side, a new report says

Future arms sales should be "evaluated by the United States in terms of contribution to Taiwan's ability [in terms of strategy, doctrine, personnel, training, C3I, and resources] to use the weapons to meet a plausible threat, rather than for their symbolic value," the Council said.

Nevertheless, the report urged the continuation of "extensive and substantive" military exchanges between Washington and Taipei.

It also urged against any Washington visit by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), which would not produce benefits and would exacerbate cross-strait tensions.