China's going to pop an artery in response to re-elected Taiwan President Chen's comments in this article. Again Chen has stated the obvious and for his troubles he will cop it from all sides: from his opponents in Taiwan for being honest, the CCP for being honest, and the USA for disturbing the status quo. That's the problem with common sense: people don't want to hear it. What is also ridiculous with the China/Taiwan question is the ongoing diplomatic battle they wage for recognition:

Just days after Chen's narrow election to a second four-year term that faces an opposition challenge, China further isolated the island it claims as a rebel province by winning over one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies, Dominica. Only 26 countries now recognize Taipei and not Beijing.

As Chen points out recent events in Hong Kong also do not bode well:

Chen also chastised Beijing for blocking democratic reforms in Hong Kong, a move that he said would make Taiwan even more determined to reject unification with China, the [Washington] Post said. "Right now, the people of Hong Kong are fighting for direct elections...but the Beijing authorities are unable to consent. They even say, 'Wait another 30 years and we'll see'," he said. "I think this is very ridiculous," Chen said. "For the 23 million people of Taiwan, this is the greatest warning and also the clearest signal," he said.

Look for another big march this July in HK. The economy may be better but the politics is a lot worse.

*_{which will come, as night follows day, given they can publish a human rights progress report with a straight face.}

(Article via Conrad)