On January 31, I posted an article about the sale of arms to Taiwan ( at rightwinggranny.com). A friend of mine who grew up in Taiwan and served in their military as a young man was kind enough to offer his perspective on the sale. These are his comments:
1. The sale was negotiated and decided during the Bush Administration back in 2008, only now the Obama Administration "announced" it,
2. $6B ?? How much of that is really for defending Taiwan? How much really is for our recession recovery money? Taiwan asked for the advanced F-16 C/D jets and submarines, which are what they really need, but President Obama didn't give them the real defensive weapons.
3. As you know, there is an increasing concern within the Congress that China has become the World superpower. The right wing Eagle Republicans, like Dick Chenney and others, have always been against any legislation in favor of China. Remember the recent G8 (or G10 now?) and APEC meetings between Obama and the Chinese Leader? Clinton said Obama is too young and inexperienced - I think he is right. I believe this is just a "balancing act" from President Obama.
Further comments are welcome.
Leave a comment