Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 11:48:18 GMT -5
www.nytimes.com/2016/12/02/us/politics/trump-speaks-with-taiwans-leader-a-possible-affront-to-china.html
Well. My own take from what I can see so far (subject to change as events develop) is that this call, all by itself, will probably not prove disastrous, but it would be wise for Trump to maybe get some kind of a grip on our foreign policy and the reasons behind it before he stomps about doing whatever pleases his whim of the moment. This shit is delicate and requires delicate handling.
Alas, though, it's in line with what I expected and feared -- that he'd just charge off doing things without examining too deeply into whether they were actually a good idea and thinking through any potential consequences. I am hoping Trump appoints Romney or someone of his ilk -- sane, level-headed, cautious, diplomatic -- as Secretary of State, and that it helps keep Trump's impulses somewhat in check. But I'm not feeling all that optimistic on either front at the moment.
But what do YOU think? (Poll to follow.)
President-elect Donald J. Trump spoke by telephone with Taiwan’s president on Friday, a striking break with nearly four decades of diplomatic practice that could precipitate a major rift with China even before Mr. Trump takes office.
Mr. Trump’s office said he had spoken with the Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, “who offered her congratulations.” He is believed to be the first president or president-elect who has spoken to a Taiwanese leader since at least 1979, when the United States severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan as part of its recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
In the statement, Mr. Trump’s office said the two leaders had noted “the close economic, political, and security ties” between Taiwan and the United States. Mr. Trump, it said, “also congratulated President Tsai on becoming President of Taiwan earlier this year.”
Mr. Trump’s motives in taking the call, which lasted more than 10 minutes, were not clear. In a Twitter message late Friday, he said Ms. Tsai “CALLED ME.”
But diplomats with ties to Taiwan said it was highly unlikely that the Taiwanese leader would have made the call without arranging it in advance. Ms. Tsai’s office confirmed that it had taken place, saying the two had discussed promoting economic development and “strengthening defense.” Taiwan’s Central News Agency hailed the call as “historic.”
On Saturday, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, in his government’s first official reaction, played down the call.
Stressing the good relationship between the United States and China, he said, “I also believe this will not change the One China policy upheld by the American government for many years.”
Mr. Trump’s office said he had spoken with the Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, “who offered her congratulations.” He is believed to be the first president or president-elect who has spoken to a Taiwanese leader since at least 1979, when the United States severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan as part of its recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
In the statement, Mr. Trump’s office said the two leaders had noted “the close economic, political, and security ties” between Taiwan and the United States. Mr. Trump, it said, “also congratulated President Tsai on becoming President of Taiwan earlier this year.”
Mr. Trump’s motives in taking the call, which lasted more than 10 minutes, were not clear. In a Twitter message late Friday, he said Ms. Tsai “CALLED ME.”
But diplomats with ties to Taiwan said it was highly unlikely that the Taiwanese leader would have made the call without arranging it in advance. Ms. Tsai’s office confirmed that it had taken place, saying the two had discussed promoting economic development and “strengthening defense.” Taiwan’s Central News Agency hailed the call as “historic.”
On Saturday, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, in his government’s first official reaction, played down the call.
Stressing the good relationship between the United States and China, he said, “I also believe this will not change the One China policy upheld by the American government for many years.”
Well. My own take from what I can see so far (subject to change as events develop) is that this call, all by itself, will probably not prove disastrous, but it would be wise for Trump to maybe get some kind of a grip on our foreign policy and the reasons behind it before he stomps about doing whatever pleases his whim of the moment. This shit is delicate and requires delicate handling.
Alas, though, it's in line with what I expected and feared -- that he'd just charge off doing things without examining too deeply into whether they were actually a good idea and thinking through any potential consequences. I am hoping Trump appoints Romney or someone of his ilk -- sane, level-headed, cautious, diplomatic -- as Secretary of State, and that it helps keep Trump's impulses somewhat in check. But I'm not feeling all that optimistic on either front at the moment.
But what do YOU think? (Poll to follow.)