The U.S. are not going to protect Taiwan? ?

Question

I'm not in favor of either Taiwan or China, but just curious about this issue... since i do have some Taiwanese & Chinese friends that from time to time talk about this subject. And today, i was bored and just decided to explore this issue--though i don' t know much about it.

But based on this youtube video... it appears that the U.S. are not going to protect Taiwan against China? Or maybe i interpreted it wrong...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5YLHoGKaDY

Anyways, what are your opinions based on this video or just about the U.S. (not) protecting Taiwan from China?

Answer 1

[Comments on the answer given by another person]

* Taiwan was at one point or another recognized by the US as the "legitimate" gov't of China in Exile...a bit like the Dali Llama.

THIS IS INCORRECT.  It was the "Republic of China" which was recognized as the "legitimate" government of China in Exile.   Taiwan is only a geographic term, and not the name of a country.

* Yet the interesting thing about both situations is that China has legitimate claims to both territories. Taiwan was under the control of China in general prior to the fleeing of Chiang Kai Shek and his gov't.

THIS IS INCORRECT.  If you would bother to read the post war peace treaties, you would quickly see that China (either ROC or PRC) has no legitimate claims to Taiwan whatsoever.  Taiwan was sovereign Japanese territory until April 28, 1952.

* .....yet it's clear to many/most that Taiwan belongs as a part of China albeit a grudging one.

THIS IS INCORRECT.   You have been brainwashed by the Chinese propaganda machine.   Taiwan does not belong to China, either ROC or PRC.

Answer 2

Taiwan was at one point or another recognized by the US as the "legitimate" gov't of China in Exile...a bit like the Dali Llama.  Yet the interesting thing about both situations is that China has legitimate claims to both territories.  Taiwan was under the control of China in general prior to the fleeing of Chaing Kai Shek and his gov't.  Long ago the Tibetans signed themselves over to China in a pact for protection that many/most westerners ignore...Tibet is Chinese territory...they ceded it themselves than turn around and say we're free...no not the case.  At any rate the US has provided Taiwan sufficient munitions and arms to be capable of defending itself...yet it's clear to many/most that Taiwan belongs as a part of China albeit a grudging one. PEACE!

Answer 3

QNH   <..........Thinks that Taiwan is not in danger from anyone, especially China and does not need to be protected.

China might covet Taiwan and Hongkong for its economic successes and close ties with the West but China is smart enough to not use this desire to antagonize the West.

China <........ not dumb.

Answer 4

The US has washed it's hands of Taiwan.  This was part of the deal that Bill Clinton made with the Chinese Government when they donated millions to his defense fund resulting from the BJ heard round the world.