Sorry seems to be the hardest word.

[BrianR]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

The fundamental reason that China wants to keep Taiwan under its control is because it's a strategic island right off their coast, which could be used against them very nicely in a large-scale war.

What if Puerto Rico suddenly decided it wanted to be independent? And more importantly, that it wanted to ally with, say, North Korea? I guarantee you our government would not be supporting that "freedom and democracy." Taiwan as a landmass is a liability for China, Taiwan is very friendly with the US, and I honestly find it somewhat unreasonable for us to expect them to just give it up willingly.

*imitation of Fred Rogers*

Can you say Cuba? Sure, I knew you could!

/Fred Rogers

I seem to recall Cuba being only 90 miles off OUR coast, allying itself with the then-Soviet Union, our mortal enemy. We didn't invade or even attack. Of course, it's still communist and under the control of a defiant Fidel Castro but so what? If Taiwan is taken back by China, all the computer manufacturers will go elsewhere and China will be stuck with another Hong Kong. Big Yip. I won't lose sleep over it.

I think the US will rattle it's saber some, impose sanctions and supply Taiwan with weapons similar to what we're doing with Israel but will stop short of committing troops in battle. But what do I know?

Brian