A VOICE FROM TAIPEI

I've written earlier of my worries about the effects of dropping the embargo on arms sales against China. Such a short sighted act could, and probably would, cause serious troubles in the future. If the lure of getting into the growing Chinese market is so strong that the EU consider it perfectly fine to sell weapons to a country that not only has more political prisoners than any other country, but that has also just confirmed a new law making it possible for them to invade the liberal democracy of Taiwan - how irresistible will not the the temptation prove in the future?

Many arguments agains dropping the ban on arms sales have been put forth by people in America and in Europe. But we seldom get to see what's written in the place where this decision has the biggest impact: in Taiwan.

In an editorial earlier this week the Taipei Times gave their view, and they're not exactly in love with the French in general, and their Minster of Defense Michele Alliot-Marie in particular. I recommend reading it - it's very entertaining. Now, I'm not sure taking such an aggresive position would be wise for Taiwan - China does pose a real threat - but, some sort of measures directed towards countries selling arms to China might be worth thinking about.

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