What is the US’ aim behind arms sales to Taiwan? (2)

By Wang Xinjun (People's Daily Overseas Edition)

08:26, May 24, 2012

Obviously, the United States' arms sales to Taiwan are closely linked with its adjustment of military strategy and the actual political and economic conditions in the country.

Firstly, the eastward shift of the strategic focus urged the United States to redefine the military strategic value of Taiwan. At the beginning of 2012, the United States declared the eastward shift of its strategic focus with a great fanfare and redefined the strategic status and role of Taiwan. The United States will make use of Taiwan to carry out "joint interdiction action", thereby reducing the burden of the U.S. military operations, lowering the risk of intensification of the crisis and giving full play to the key role of Taiwan in the United States' strategic rebalance in Asia-Pacific region.

Secondly, prevent too close cross-Strait relations and avoid the failure of the United States on controlling the cross-Strait relations. Some U.S. strategists said that it is good for maintaining the status quo of the cross-Strait relations to regularly stir the sensitive nerve of the cross-Strait people whether the arms sales to Taiwan are successful or not.

Thirdly, maintain a hard line to China to serve the presidential election. As the U.S. presidential election draws near, it seems a tough image of president would win more votes. Especially when some domestic political or economic problems appeared, a tough image can always transfer the public attention.

In addition, arms sales to Taiwan also have economic benefits. It is estimated that sales of F-16 fighters can bring 17 billion U.S. dollars of economic benefits for the United States and secure 87,000 job opportunities. If the transaction is successful, it can also award marks for presidential campaign.

Both the United States and China know clearly the above intentions.

However, an old saying in China said that "a promise is weightier than one thousand bars of gold." Any party who violates the promise of committing to building healthy, stable, reliable and sustained military relations certainly will undermine the bilateral strategic mutual trust.

On the occasion of China-U.S. military relations becoming relaxed, the United States still suspects and throws mud at China, deliberately provokes the cross-Strait relations and seeks excuses for its arms sales to Taiwan. China will firmly oppose to these behaviors of the United States.