AIT (US embassy) urges Taiwan to beef up the armed forces

AIT head urges the government to beef up the armed forces

A top US envoy yesterday expressed apprehension about the military balance between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and urged the government to upgrade its combat readiness to give the US time to send troops should China invade.

Therese Shaheen, chairperson of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), also threw her weight behind President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) controversial plan to write a new constitution in 2006.

"China's military buildup is one of the cross-strait issues the US government is most concerned about and one of the urgent problems that needs to be taken care of," Cabinet Spokesman Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) quoted Shaheen as saying yesterday afternoon.

Shaheen, who is in Taiwan for a five-day visit, made the remarks yesterday morning while visiting Premier Yu Shyi-kun at the Executive Yuan.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2003/10/17/2003072096

Is there any doubt where the Bush Crime Family is making it's money? WEAPONS

I'm sure an extra frigate, or a dozen extra tanks would make a HUGE difference when you've got half a million troops flinging themselves at Taiwan. Hell, even if the Chinese just walked ashore unarmed the defenders would probably run out of bullets! But what's logic when it means a couple of extra billion dollars going to Lockheed Martin et al?

China is like 'Glory' from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Keep her happy and she'll act like your best friend, cross her and she'll tear your head off! Surely there must be better ways to placate that country than investing more money in a military which wouldn't stand a chance.

By the way, I'd like to Introduce myself, as this is my first post... I'm from New South Wales, Australia. 20 years of age, and completing a Psychology Degree at University. Lovely to be here. :hi: