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An Open Letter to the US Congress |
2008-08-07 14:01:41 |
Li Thian-hok
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ip: 59 .X.X.X/.net |
The Honorable Senator/Representative ...
On July 16 commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Timothy Keating announced that it is the policy of the Bush administration to freeze the sale of $11 billions worth of arms to Taiwan, as well as 66 advanced F-16 fighter jets. The admiral said \"the Chinese have made clear to me their concern over any arms sales to Taiwan.... We want to do nothing to destabilize the Straits.\"
On July 17 and 18, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack denied the freezing of arms sales to Taiwan, claiming that \"The Administration faithfully implements the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States makes available items necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient defense.\" However, McCormack didn\'t indicate when the interagency review for the arms package may be completed so Congress may be notified. On June 27 fourteen concerned US Senators wrote to President George W. Bush urging movement on the stalled arms sale. To date, there has been no response from the White House.
Admiral Keating stated that \"...there is no pressing, compelling need for, at this moment, arms sales to Taiwan...\" because China is highly unlikely to attack Taiwan. This is a dangerously complacent view. The People\'s Liberation Army (PLA) is increasingly capable of launching a multi-pronged blitzkrieg on Taiwan and overwhelming the island before outside help can arrive. PLA military doctrine stresses deception and surprise. It will launch an attack when the adversary least expects it.
Military balance is shifting rapidly in favor of China. Taiwan badly needs to bolster its defensive capabilities lest its growing vulnerability invites Chinese aggression. This means enhancing readiness by constantly maintaining and upgrading Taiwan\'s weapon systems. Even a temporary freeze can irreparably alter the strategic balance and endanger Taiwan\'s viability. The best way to deter a conflict in the Taiwan Strait is to strengthen, and not weaken, Taiwan\'s defensive capabilities.
Ever since Ma Ying-jeou was inaugurated as Taiwan\'s president in May, his administration has eagerly sought rapprochement with China. The negotiations on economic engagement will eventually move on to more vital issues of Taiwan\'s status. Washington has encouraged cross-Strait dialog as a way to ease tensions. It makes no sense for the US to undermine Taiwan\'s negotiating position by degrading its national security now that Taipei is fulfilling a US goal.
The State Department notifications to the US Congress would need to be made at least one month before an October break if the sales are to proceed this year. The $11 billion budget passed by Taiwan\'s Legislative Yuan expires at the end of this year. If the freeze is not lifted by December, the problem will be carried over into the next US administration which will be swamped with pressing issues such as the wars in the Middle East and the weak economy. The resumption of arms sales to Taiwan would then be delayed for many months, thus exacerbating the dangers of PLA miscalculation and the potential for war.
The arms freeze clearly contravenes the Taiwan Relations Act. Admiral Keating\'s consultation with Beijing regarding arms sales to Taiwan violates President Reagan\'s 1982 Six Assurances to Taipei that China will not be consulted about arms sales to Taiwan and that decisions about such arms sales will be based solely on Taiwan\'s needs. The arms freeze as described by the admiral represents a radical departure from longstanding US policy and has grave long term strategic consequences. It is not appropriate for the Bush administration to launch such a bold initiative so late in its term, without intensive review of its consequences, not just on the future fate of democratic Taiwan and its 23 million inhabitants but also on the peace and stability of East Asia.
A prolonged freeze on arms sales to Taiwan could be perceived by Japan and other democratic allies in Asia as indicative of US intent to acquiesce in the annexation of Taiwan by China, peacefully or by coercion. The sea lanes and airspace around Taiwan are critical lifelines for Japan and South Korea. America\'s seeming willingness to sacrifice Taiwan on the altar of Chinese expansionism could result in Chinese hegemony of Asia or create a destabilizing arms race, including nuclear armaments for Japan. In any event, US credibility and interests in the region will be severely damaged.
So we request that as soon as it returns from the summer recess Congress pass a resolution to urge the Bush administration to expeditiously approve the arms sale to Taiwan, reaffirm the requirements of the Taiwan Relations Act and President Reagan\'s Six Assurances and reiterate the US position that the status of Taiwan remains in abeyance but must be settled in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people on Taiwan. We also urge that the Senate Armed Services Committee or the House Foreign Affairs Committee to hold hearings on the issues concerning arms sales to Taiwan, to query the Bush administration officials on their policy position regarding arms sales to Taiwan as well as their strategic vision for the future of Asia and America\'s role as a Pacific power in realizing that vision.
7/22/08 |
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