I intended to write an article on the necessity of Speaker Pelosi visiting Taiwan in the wake of senior Chinese officials’ demands that such a visit would upset US-China relations. Before the PRC challenge I would have advised that she skip such a visit on the grounds that we only maintain “unofficial” relations with the island. Indeed, appearances are important in maintaining our support for Taiwan. Once China’s spokesman, Zhao Lijian made his threats, however, I thought she had no option other than to include Taiwan in her itinerary. To let China determine our ties with Taiwan goes against everything the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) stands for.
Now I hear from Hong Kong news reports that President Biden, soon to talk with Xi Jinping, has indicated that he doesn’t expect Pelosi will make a stop in Taipei. Because the executive branch usually controls the aircraft, it is normal procedure to seek the guidance from the White House before embarking on a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip. President Biden’s comments put to rest any speculation she will make a stopover in Taiwan on her upcoming trip. She likely won’t.
I thought our unseemly withdrawal from Afghanistan would be the low point in the Administration’s foreign policy missteps but kowtowing to China, in this case, comes a close second. It will only reinforce China’s view that US influence in the world is on the wane and that China’s role in international affairs on the rise. Showing weakness to China gains us nothing and will be seen throughout Asia as signaling who is boss in US-China relations.
Believing that putting the kibosh on Pelosi’s trip will gain us something from China in return is wishful thinking. China will do only what benefits its own interests. It is not in the business of doing favors for anyone, especially a country afraid of its own shadow. Once they learn that their threats cause this administration to talk softly and carry a small stick, they will only grow more demanding.
Rught on Carl! Being Mandy pansy with the PRC is perceived as weakness by the PRC!! There are no good intentions from Beijing…