Two decades ago, the Cold War ended, but ramifications of that episode in history continue to impact the world. For some strange reason, the United States continues believing that Taiwan needs armaments to protect itself against–China? At a meeting with US General George Casey, General Chen Bigde, head of the Chinese Army sharply reacted to reports of US arms sales to Taiwan claiming “you keep challenging and violating our national interests.” He went on to emphasize that “when the US wants us to cooperate, they are good to us, they are friendly to us. Otherwise they can do anything they want, even to offend the Chinese people.”
China is not going to invade Taiwan, a major trading partner and a nation that has invested heavily in its economy. There is no need to sell arms to Taiwan other than to assist American arms manufacturers making money. Pray tell us why Taiwan needs $6.5 billion in arms.
