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October 27, 2004

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New US policy on Taiwan?

With a week to go to the US elections, suddenly it seems Colin Powell has altered US policy on Taiwan. After meeting with Chinese officials, where the usual exchanges took place, Powell said in an interview "there is only one China. Taiwan is not independent. It does not enjoy sovereignty as a nation, and that remains our policy, our firm policy," a marked difference from the previous ambigious policy of the US. Suffice to say Taiwan is pissed off and the State Department is scrambling. Even China isn't sure what this all means, suspicious of the motives behind the move and have rejected Powell's call for talks with Taiwan.

Not a good time to be making gaffes.

UPDATE: David's right, I've missed the big story: FOOD FIGHT! If you've seen the Cat in the Hat (which I have, several times, thanks to the kids), you'll appreciate the drama and entertainment Taiwan's Parliament provides for all of us.

 posted by Simon on 10.27.04 at 10:44 AM in the




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Comments:

He does seem to have put his foot in it - not so much with the sovereignty issue (after all, the US has never recognised Taiwan), but with his comments about working towards 'a reunification that all parties are seeking.'

I think Powell is a smart guy, but it's easy to underestimate how much is read (by China and Taiwan) into every word the US says about this issue. One incorrect word, and everyone's running around thinking the world has changed (replace 'reunification' with 'peaceful resolution' in his quote, and he's back in line with the standard policy).

 posted by: David on 10.27.04 at 11:19 AM [permalink]

By the way - you've missed the biggest Taiwan news story of the day: Food fights in the parliament http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3954847.stm

Democracy in action :)

 posted by: David on 10.27.04 at 11:23 AM [permalink]




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