I heard on NPR this am that the U.S. is officially opposed to Taiwanese independence.

[jerryme1]

How is that consistent with our "Freedom on the March" policy in Iraq.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. It's consistent with our "MallWart on the March" policy

on the mainland. There's a nearly infinite pool of laborers and consumers on the mainland, and besides, those Taiwanese are getting too uppity with their first-world wage demands.

[Demeter]

2. You Think Iraq Is Scheduled for FREEDOM???

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[onenote]

3. us policy on taiwan has been complex and muddled for years

The establishment of relations between the Peoples Republic of China (mainland) in 1979 coincided with Pres. Carter's announcement of US recognition of Taiwan. By and large, the US policy has been that we don't support anything that would change the status quo.

[MonkeyFunk]

4. Because for almost all practical purposes...

Taiwain IS independent. It's been US policy for decades not to poke the tiger and let the situation remain just the way it is.

[SlipperySlope]

5. Policy hasn't changed for decades.

We have long supported "one china".

We want Taiwan and the mainland to resolve their differences peacefully.
- We oppose Taiwan declaring independence.
- We oppose the mainland attacking Taiwan.

We appear ready to defend Taiwan against force from the mainland.

[Lobster Martini]

6. It's the "say something that sounds forceful and is absolutely meaningless" policy

Unless something has changed, the official policy is that the U.S. supports democracy in Taiwan, opposes China using force against Taiwan, doesn't support independence for Taiwan, and likes spring rolls and soups with cellophane noodles.

[bryant69]

7. I heard tha too

Our position on Taiwan is not very good (sorry had walmart in my head for a momment there).

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[KharmaTrain]

8. That Was The Nixon Sell-Out

To get his coveted China photo-op in '72, Nixon...the ardent "cold-warrior"...struck a deal with the "Red" Chinese. First part happened to allow the PRC to outst Taiwan as the UN Rep and then the deal where the U.S. refuses to recognize Taiwan as an independent country...or support independence...and China won't invade. It was later rolled into other deals that opened up China to capitalism while allowing Taiwan to function as a de-facto non-defacto country.

It's bad enough we've got the right wing ready to drag out the "Chinese are taking over the world" card.