The Chinese president also called on the U.S. to respect China's "core interests" code for ending support for Taiwan and for the Dalai Lama, in his Tibetan government-in-exile. Obama obliged by saying that Tibet was part of China, but urged China to restart talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives something Hu did not mention.With the Dalai Lama himself now only asking for greater autonomy and democracy in Tibet, Obama's statement does not qualify as a change in the US position on Tibet but it may have implications for Taiwan, especially considering that the US President has made it clear that China helped the US out of recession and that the two superpowers are mutually dependent on maintaining non-conflictual relations, especially for the sake of the economies of China and the US.
The question remains, are we about to see the beginning of a gradual shift in US policy on Taiwan from strategic ambiguity to strategic concessions in return for economic security? Clearly the issue of arms sales to Taiwan will be a key indicator or litmus of any possible changes in the future.
Will Obama declare that Taiwan is a part of China (ROC but without saying so explicitly) so as to indirectly support KMT-CCP efforts at resolving the long running Chinese civil war and thereby free the US to focus on North Korea and Iran? (Although President Lee formally ended hostilities in the early 1990's it appears from statements by retired Chinese officials that China missed the memo on that one).
In discussions with a breakfast compatriot this morning we both agreed that Obama's forte was not foreign policy (though his rhetoric on democracy and freedom is generally in the right direction) and that more than ever the pro-China US State Department is directing his administration's policies toward Taiwan.
If Obama doesn't get a better overview of events in Taiwan, there is a danger that we could see movement on Taiwan sovereignty that is completely absent of any referent to public opinion in Taiwan, much in the same way the KMT is effectively excluding opposition parties from participating in CCP-KMT talks, negotiations, forums and exchanges.
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Here's a short tongue-in-cheek poem I wrote based on the Guy Fawkes rhyme:
Remember, remember, the December surrender
Taiwan sold off for a dime
I know of no reason why KMT treason
Should not be condemned for all time
LC, LC
Twas his intent
To punish Taiwan and make it repent
Pandas and pictures and whitewash like snow
Poor old Formosa to overthrow
By exchange, ECFA and MOU
They forced their cruel annexation through.
