Military Balance and Arms Sales

Documents

Quadrennial Defense Review 2009

Polls

Survey on Taiwan Relations Act, Arms Procurement, Participation in WHA, and President Ma’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Apr. 24, 2009) 48.3% of Taiwanese say the government should procure more weapons to gain more ground with China; meanwhile, 32.8% of Taiwanese approve of President Ma’s performance.

China Warns US against Selling Taiwan Radars
(AP, Aug. 28, 2010) China objected to a U.S. plan to supply radar equipment to Taiwan's air force, even though the sale was far short of the F-16 fighter jets the island's president urged Washington to provide last week.

US to Supply Taiwan Air Force Radar Equipment
(AP, Aug. 26, 2010) The United States said it will supply radar equipment to Taiwan's air force, an approval of a relatively marginal item less likely to anger China than the F-16 fighter jets the island's president urged Washington to provide last week.

President Pushes US to Sell Taiwan New Jet Fighters
(CNA, Aug. 20, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou urged the United States yesterday to sell F-16 C/D jet fighters to Taiwan to prevent the balance of military power across the Taiwan Strait from tilting further in China's favor.

Taiwan Vigilant in Face of China’s Military Buildup: Ma
(CNA, Aug. 19, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou stressed the importance of the Japan-U.S. security treaty signed in 1960, saying that it has since formed the bedrock of peace and stability in East Asia, during an interview with Sankei Shimbun.

Taiwan Renews Bid for US Arms after Pentagon Says Chinese Military Threat against Island Grows (AP, Aug. 17, 2010) Taiwan's Defense Ministry urged the U.S. to sell the island advanced weapons systems, after a Pentagon report concluded that China's arms buildup is giving it a wider military advantage over Taiwan.

Report: US to Sell Taiwan Decommissioned Warships
(AP, Aug. 5, 2010) A Taiwanese newspaper reported that the U.S. will sell the democratic island two Perry class frigates, a move that would almost certainly anger China and further undermine Beijing's already tense relations with Washington.

War Game Gives China 3-Day Victory: Report
(AFP, Aug. 5, 2010) A computerized scenario carried out by Taiwan's military showed that in a war with China the island's capital Taipei would be in enemy hands in just three days, a report said.

Ma Quotes Mencius, Says Best Not to Provoke China
(Taipei Times, Aug. 4, 2010) Likening the military might of Taiwan and China to a grasshopper and a rooster, President Ma Ying-jeou said although Taiwan could be a powerful grasshopper, the best strategy was not to provoke the rooster but to prevent it from taking any reckless action.

Ma Wants Unconditional Missile Removal
(China Post, Aug. 3, 2010) Beijing should begin to remove its missiles pointed at Taiwan without preconditions because such a move will mark an important step towards improving relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, said the Presidential Office.

Taiwan Rejected Beijing Plan for Missile Talks
(DPA, Aug. 1, 2010) Taiwan has rejected China's call to hold talks on China removing missiles facing Taiwan, but asked China to remove the missiles on its own initiative instead.

China Missile-Removal Offer Goes Unanswered
(China Post, Jul. 31, 2010) Taipei's China policymakers declined to comment on Beijing's latest overture hinting at the possibility of removing missiles targeting Taiwan.

Boeing to Build Missiles for Taiwan: US DoD
(CNA, Jul. 31, 2010) The Defense Department approved in 2008 Taiwan's request for the missiles which are reportedly to be used to arm Taiwan's two submarines.

Taiwan Leader Chairs China Attack Wargame: Report
(Bangkok Post, Jul. 22, 2010) Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou has presided over a computerized wargame simulating intensive ballistic missile attacks by China, it was reported.

Taiwan Nears Patriot Contract: Raytheon
(Taipei Times, Jul. 22, 2010) A Taiwanese official visiting Washington said if the US did not sell Taiwan F-16C/Ds, it would consider upgrading Taiwan’s fleet of older F-16A/Bs.

Military a Key Bargaining Chip for Taiwan: DPP
(CNA, Jul. 20, 2010) Taiwan has to maintain its military strength to serve as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China, Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party said.

Ma Orders Ministry to Draft Military Shopping List
(AFP, Jul. 20, 2010) Taiwan plans to buy US-made torpedoes and heavy tanks to boost its defense capabilities despite improving relations with China, reports said.

PRC’s Preparation to Attack Taiwan Accelerate: Report
(Taipei Times, Jul. 19, 2010) Despite repeated displays of goodwill by the government of President Ma Ying-jeou, China’s military preparations for an attack on Taiwan continue to accelerate, a report by the MND’s intelligence research branch says.

Taiwan Still Needs Weapons from US, GIO Minister Says
(Taipei Times, Jul. 18, 2010) Taiwan still wants the US to approve further weapons sales despite a marked thaw in tensions between Taipei and Beijing, Government Information Office Minister Johnny Chiang said in Washington.

US Deploys Three Subs in Asia
(Taipei Times, Jul. 10, 2010) Three Ohio-class nuclear submarines — heavily armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles — are now making a show of US military power closer than usual to China.

Arms Sales Will Continue, US Says
(Taipei Times, Jul. 9, 2010) In a policy speech on Taiwan, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Shear has pledged that arms sales will continue.

Taiwan To Run Computer Simulation of Invasion
(DPA, Jul. 8, 2010) Taiwan's military is to run a computerized simulation of a surprise attack from China from July 19 despite warming cross-strait relations, officials said.

China Lobbying Provokes Freeze on US Arms Sales
(Taipei Times, Jun. 30, 2010) The president of the US-Taiwan Business Council confirmed a report in a US-based defense magazine that the US State Department had frozen US congressional notifications for new arms sales to Taiwan “until at least spring next year.”

Taiwan Sends Aircraft to U.S. for Upgrade
(AFP, Jun. 23, 2010) Taiwan's defence ministry said it has shipped two Hawkeye early warning aircraft to the United States to boost their capabilities.

No Redeployment Plans from China: U.S.
(CNA, Jun. 19, 2010) China has never presented a concrete plan for redeployment of its missiles targeting Taiwan, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg said.

MAC Welcomes Report on PLA Forces Repositioning
(Taipei Times, Jun. 18, 2010) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) welcomed China’s reported offer to reposition its military forces opposite Taiwan.

President: U.S. Arms Sales Boost Taiwan’s National Defense
(CNA, Jun. 17, 2010) The president's remarks were seen as a veiled rebuttal of a recent statement by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein that arms sales to Taiwan undermine Washington's ties with China.

Senator Questions Arms Sales to Taiwan
(Reuters, Jun. 16, 2010) A senior U.S. senator said that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan were hurting closer ties with China and asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates what Beijing would have to do for the Pentagon to reconsider the transfers.

Taiwan Navy Offers Reward for Missing Torpedo
(AFP, Jun. 15, 2010) Taiwan's navy is offering a cash reward to any fisherman who finds a torpedo its sailors lost during a drill last week, the military said.

Report: Taiwan to Test Missile That Could Reach Beijing
(AFP, Jun. 2, 2010) Taiwan is slated to test a missile for the first time that could hit Beijing, a report said.

Gates Says Taiwan Arms Sales Serve to Keep the Peace
(LA Times, Jun. 5, 2010) Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates defended U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, saying that the weapons transfers are meant to enhance stability in Asia by countering mainland China's military buildup.

U.S. Still Studying Fighter Jet Sales to Taiwan: Envoy
(AFP, Jun. 5, 2010) Washington is still evaluating Taiwan's bid to acquire U.S. fighter jets, a U.S. envoy said, amid growing concern in Taipei that China now has an edge in air power.

Time Not Ripe for Cross-Strait Military Talks: Former Official
(CNA, Jun. 3, 2010) A Taiwanese ex-national security chief said that the time for talks between Taiwan and China on the building of military mutual trust is not ripe at this time.

China Still a Threat: Yang
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2010) Deputy Minister of National Defense Andrew Yang told a Washington symposium that although President Ma Ying-jeou’s administration was doing everything in its power to maintain peace, it still considered China a “major threat.”

Security Lax at Super-secret Base
(Taipei Times, May 26, 2010) Defense News and Kyodo news agency reported that security at a key signals intelligence facility in northern Taiwan was so lax that neighboring cows were observed walking freely around the base.

US Air Force Assessing Air Defense Capabilities
(CNA, May 22, 2010) The US will further evaluate whether to upgrade Taiwan’s existing F-16A/B fighters or sell the country new F-16C/D fighters to help it maintain a viable air defense, a senior US Air Force official said.

Taiwan Leader Says China May Dismantle Missiles
(AP, May 19, 2010) China could feel compelled to dismantle the more than 1,000 missiles it has pointed at Taiwan as relations between the rivals improve, the island's president said.

136 U.S. Congressmen Call for Sale of F-16 Fighter Jets
(CNA, May 16, 2010) In a joint letter sent to U.S. President Barack Obama Friday, 136 members of the House of Representatives called on the U.S. administration to seriously deal with Taiwan's self-defense by selling it F-16 C/D fighter jets.

Taiwan Shows Images of Killer Carrier
(UPI, Apr. 13, 2010) Taiwan has made public its first images of a state-of-the-art missile corvette intended to match China's design to acquire an aircraft carrier.

U.S. Helicopter Sale to Taiwan to Be Finalized in May
(CNA, Apr. 13, 2010) The U.S. sale of 30 AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters to Taiwan is expected to be finalized in May, the Defense News reported in a story from Taipei.

Taiwan Retired Generals’ Mainland Visit Enriches Cross-Strait Exchanges: Top Political Advisor (Xinhua, Apr. 7, 2010) Top political advisor Jia Qinglin said the mainland visit by retired generals from Taiwan has enriched the content of exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and is a sign of improved ties.

No Peace Unless China Removes Missiles: Ma
(CNA, Apr. 7, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou said removing or dismantling Chinese missiles that target Taiwan is requisite for a cross-Taiwan Strait peace accord to take place.

Taiwan Military Defends Development of Medium-Range Missiles
(DPA, Mar. 29, 2010) Vice Defence Minister Andrew Yang said that developing medium-range missiles is a 'right direction' for Taiwan, because the military balance of power is tilted towards China.

China Adding Missiles Near Taiwan: Navy Official
(Reuters, Mar. 27, 2010) China has added long-range missiles near Taiwan and leads the self-ruled island in military defenses, a U.S. navy official said, suggesting that Taiwan may need new F-16 jet fighters.

US Leaves Open More Arms for Taiwan
(Bangkok Post, Mar. 19, 2010) The United States left open the possibility of further arms sales to Taiwan, with a senior official saying that China's military buildup was aimed squarely at the self-governing island. China-Taiwan: Recent Economic, Political and Military Developments Across the Strait and Implications for the United States

China Warns U.S. against Selling F-16s to Taiwan
(AP, Mar. 10, 2010) China warned the United States against any future arms sales to Taiwan, including F-16 fighter jets the island has been pushing for in hopes of upgrading its air defense capabilities.

China Warns U.S. Against Selling F-16s to Taiwan
(New York Times, Feb. 26, 2010) A top Chinese military official reaffirmed China’s resolve to punish the United States over its decision to sell weapons to Taiwan and suggested that there would be even greater consequences should Washington fulfill a longstanding request by Taiwan for advanced fighter jets.

US-China Confict Over Taiwan Possible: Report
(Taipei Times, Feb. 25, 2010) A new study published this week by Foreign Policy magazine concludes that Taiwan remains the one place in the world where China and the US “could conceivably come into direct conflict.”

China’s Military Warns Washington, Denies Hacking
(Reuters, Feb. 24, 2010) China's military warned the United States to "speak and act cautiously" to avoid reigniting tensions between the two powers, denying the People's Liberation Army played a part in Internet hacking.

DIA Report May Not Sway US on F-16s
(Taipei Times, Feb. 24, 2010) Despite a major new report by the US’ Defense Intelligence Agency making it clear Taiwan’s Air Force is in poor shape, it is by no means certain that Washington will sell Taipei the 66 advanced F-16C/D fighters it wants, sources in Washington said.

U.S. Intel Report on Taiwan Air Power Released
(DefenseNews, Feb. 22, 2010) A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment that points out weaknesses in Taiwan's air power and air defense capabilities seems to support Taiwan's case for new F-16s.

On Arms Sales to Taiwan, China Sends Mixed Signals
(New York Times, Feb. 12, 2010) China sent contradictory signals about its policies toward the United States two weeks after the Obama administration approved the sale of arms to Taiwan, signaling some willingness to cooperate militarily.

Submarine Procurement Plan Not Dropped: Defense Ministry
(CNA, Feb. 10, 2010) he military has not dropped its plan to procure submarines to help beef up Taiwan's self-defense capability, the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.

China PLA Officers Urge Economic Punch against U.S.
(Reuters, Feb. 9, 2010) Senior Chinese military officers have proposed that their country boost defense spending, adjust PLA deployments, and possibly sell some U.S. bonds to punish Washington for its latest round of arms sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan to Seek More Arms from the U.S.
(AFP, Feb. 8, 2010) Taiwan's national defense minister has vowed to seek more weaponry from the United States, which he said would give the island greater confidence in pushing for rapprochement talks with China.

‘Economist’ Urges Washington to Stand Up to China
(Taipei Times, Feb. 7. 2010) The strength of Sino-US relations is vital to global peace and prosperity, The Economist said in its latest issue, adding that the US and other countries must at the same time “stand firmer” against Beijing’s whims and wants.

Taiwan Air Force to Get 3 Helicopters from Europe
(AFP, Feb. 4, 2010) Taiwan said Friday its air force would get three rescue helicopters from Airbus sister company Eurocopter, in a development observers warned could worsen Chinese anger over military sales to the island.

China’s Interests May Limit Sanctions on US Firms
(AP, Feb. 1, 2010) China's threats to punish U.S. companies involved in a major arms sale to Taiwan are raising questions over whether Beijing could pull it off without undermining its own aviation industries.

China Fumes at Latest U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
(Reuters, Feb. 1, 2010) Chinese state media blasted the United States for a planned $6.4 billion arms package for Taiwan, while a U.S. official said Washington was committed to helping the island defend itself.

Navy Denies Chinese Sub Spotted off South Taiwan
(China Post, Feb. 1, 2010) The R.O.C Navy denied a media report that the nation's naval battleships detected a suspected Chinese submarine off southwestern Taiwan during a military exercise on Jan. 27.

U.S. Deal with Taiwan Has China Retaliating
(New York Times, Jan. 31, 2010) The Chinese government announced an unusually broad series of retaliatory measures in response to the latest United States arms sales to Taiwan, including sanctions against American companies that supply the weapon systems for the arms sales.

U.S. Approval of Arms Sales to Taiwan Angers China
(New York Times, Jan. 30, 2010) The Obama administration has approved an arms sales package to Taiwan worth more than $6 billion, a move that has enraged China and may complicate President Obama’s effort to enlist Beijing’s cooperation on Iran.

Inside the Ring: Taiwan Air Threats By Bill Gertz
(Washington Times, Jan. 28, 2010) Included in the Obama administration's latest arms package for Taiwan will be authorization for a joint U.S.-Taiwan feasibility study on bolstering air power against the threats to the island posed by Chinese missiles and aircraft.

China Issues Warning Over US Arms Sales to Taiwan
(AP, Jan. 26, 2010) Contacts with China's military would likely be the first to suffer if Beijing moves to retaliate over upcoming U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

White House OKs Taiwan Arms Package
(Washington Times, Jan. 26, 2010) The Obama administration has agreed to sell a new package of arms to Taiwan in a move that is expected to be met with an angry response from China, according to U.S. officials.

China Urges US to Halt Arms Sales to Taiwan
(AP, Jan. 9, 2010) China has reiterated its opposition to American arms sales to Taiwan, calling them an interference in Beijing's internal affairs that could undermine relations with the United States.

Washington Clears Patriot Missile Sale
(Reuters, Jan. 8, 2010) The US has cleared a sale of advanced Patriot air defense missiles to Taiwan, the US Department of Defense said

Obama Imperiling Taiwan: US Group
(Taipei Times, Jan. 3, 2010) Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said the White House ‘clearly views Taiwan as a barrier to US interests in Asia.’

In War We Trust By Jens Kastner
(Asia Times, Jul. 30, 2010) All recent signs show that closer economic ties and improvements in the Taiwan government's relations with Beijing are of little help in reducing military hostility across the strait.

Experts See No Big U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan in 2010 By Ralph Jennings (Reuters, Jul. 29, 2010) U.S. officials will defer any major new arms sales to Taiwan until at least 2011 as Beijing steps up pressure on Washington, where mending Sino-U.S. ties is a priority, defense analysts say.

Taiwan Overdue for F-16 Jets, Ex U.S. Official Say By Jim Wolf
(Reuters, Jul. 6, 2010) The United States is "way past due" to meet Taiwan's request for updated F-16 fighter jets to help plug a growing gap with China, said a former U.S. official overseeing Air Force programs designed to help the self-governing island keep up its defenses.

Taiwan: Hawaii, Jamaica or Cuba? By James Holmes
(Taipei Times, Jun. 24, 2010) A navy made up of small craft that nimbly shift from side to side, finding refuge and supplies in numerous coastal sites, could defy a Chinese offensive for long enough to matter.

Take China Out of the Driver’s Seat on Taiwan By Rupert Hammond-Chambers (Wall Street Journal, Jun. 13, 2010) The key U.S.-Taiwan problem is that Washington has made changes in its process for selling arms to Taiwan that increase incentives for Beijing to raise a fuss.

Operational Changes in Taiwan’s Han Kuang Military Exercises 2008-2010 By Fu S. Mei (China Brief 10(11), Jamestown Foundation, May 27, 2010) The annual exercises (HK-24 to HK-26) have since begun to reflect many of the themes in Ma’s defense policy platform, which calls for increased emphasis on passive protection measures and ground defense, rather than the more (air and naval-focused) active defense strategy favored by previous administrations.

Taiwan Plans Stealthy 900-ton Warships By Wendell Minnick
(Defense News, Apr. 18, 2010) Taiwan's recently announced plans to build a new 900-ton warship is just the vanguard of a projected new generation of low-observable surface combatant vessels tailored to battle in the Taiwan Strait, analysts said.

China-Taiwan Up Missile Ante By Russell Hsiao
(China Brief 10(7), Jamestown Foundation, Apr. 1, 2010) As China continues its acquisition, development and deployment of new ballistic and cruise missile systems, the region appears to be slowly edging toward a missile race as China's neighbors equip themselves with both offensive and defensive systems to hedge against Beijing's growing array of strategic weapons.

Taiwan’s Navy: Able to Deny Command of the Sea? By James Holmes and Toshi Yoshihara (China Brief 10(8), Jamestown Foundation, Apr. 16, 2010) Reorienting the ROCN toward sea denial would mean playing down its tradition of fleet-on-fleet engagements and letting go of prized assets.

Taiwan’s Navy: Still in Command of the Sea? By James Holmes and Toshi Yoshihara (China Brief 10(6), Jamestown Foundation, Mar. 18, 2010) Taipei’s vision of offensive sea control appears less and less tenable, and Beijing knows it. Chinese naval thinkers have shrewdly and accurately taken the Taiwan Navy’s measure.

Strategic Implications of China’s Access to the Rajin Port By Russell Hsiao (China Brief 10(6), Jamestown Foundation, Mar. 18, 2010) North Korean authorities are currently studying a proposal to grant a 10 year extension to China's lease of Rajin Port, which is located strategically on the border of North Korea and Russia, close to the mouth of the Tumen river basin and the Sea of Japan.

Addressing the Military Imbalance By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Mar. 7, 2010) The recent assessment by the US Defense Intelligence Agency of Taiwan’s air defense status, which was delivered to Congress on Feb. 16, requires serious reflection and action, both in Taiwan and the US.

The Role of U.S. Arms Sales in Taiwan’s Defense Transformation By Michael S. Chase (China Brief, Jamestown Foundation, Mar. 5, 2010) Assessments of the motives underlying China’s reaction to the arms sales announcement and its potential ramifications for U.S.-China relations have dominated media coverage and online punditry, but an equally important question is that of Taiwan’s future approach to defense transformation and arms procurements from the United States.

How to Win the Cyber-War By Mike McConnell
(Washington Post, Feb. 28, 2010) The cyber-war mirrors the nuclear challenge in terms of the potential economic and psychological effects. So, should our strategy be deterrence or preemption? The answer: both.

Meeting Taiwan’s Self-Defense Needs By Dean Cheng
(Backgrounder #2379, Heritage Foundation, Feb. 26, 2010) Given China's ongoing military buildup, particularly toward Taiwan, it is essential that the United States provide Taiwan with the physical and political means to resist the capacity of the Chinese military to alter the political status quo.

Debunking Myths about US Arms Sales to Taiwan By Bonnie Glaser
(PacNet #6, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Feb. 17, 2010) Understanding the reasons for the US sale of weapons to Taiwan may not diminish China’s opposition to them, but it is nevertheless important for assessing the broader US-China relationship and predicting future US policy decisions.

US-China Relations on a Downward Slide By Ralph A. Cossa
(PacNet #4A, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Feb. 10, 2010) Arms sales to Taiwan are a clear demonstration of Washington’s commitment to peace and stability in Asia that send a clear signal to allies and potential adversaries alike that the US is determined to be an Asia-Pacific power.

U.S. Sees Limited Chinese Backlash Against Its Arms Sales to Taiwan By Peter Spiegel (Wall Street Journal, Feb. 19, 2010) China's premium on bilateral military ties with Washington appears to be tempering its reaction to the recent U.S. decision to sell arms to Taiwan, say current and former U.S. officials.

Taiwan Comes between the U.S. and China Again By Richard C. Bush III (LA Times, Feb. 11, 2010) The logic behind the sale is simple: China has increased the island's vulnerability even when it did not need to do so; at the request of Taiwan, the Obama administration seeks to reduce the island's insecurity.

The Winter of PRC Discontent By Alan D. Romberg
(China Leadership Monitor, Hoover Institution, Winter 2010) Both Taipei and Beijing seem committed to completing ECFA by May, and formal talks have begun. At the same time, cross-Strait political dialogue appears to have been put on the back burner for now. In this context emerged the sharp PRC reaction against U.S. arms sales for Taiwan.

China’s Hawks Demand Cold War on the US By Michael Sheridan
(The Times, Feb. 7, 2010) More than half of Chinese people questioned in a poll believe China and America are heading for a new “cold war.”

What is the U.S. Really Selling Taiwan?
(Editorial, China Post, Feb. 6, 2010) The weapons systems Taiwan is getting from the U.S. may just be toys, or a Linus blanket that makes us feel safe.

US Arms Sales to Taiwan stifle US-China Military Engagement By Peter Ford (Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 2, 2010) To protest the US’s arms sales to Taiwan, China halted contact between the two nations’ militaries, which expanded in recent months to include study tours and naval exercises.

US Arms Sales to Taiwan—Beijing Reacts Sharply By Alan D. Romberg (Stimson Center, Feb. 1, 2010) It is easy enough to understand why, in principle, China must protest any sales. What is less clear is why Beijing has ratcheted up its reaction this time, and what it really expects to come from its actions.

U.S. Arms for Taiwan Send Beijing a Message By Helene Cooper
(New York Times, Feb. 1, 2010) For the past year, China has adopted an increasingly muscular position toward the United States; now, the Obama administration has started to push back.

China’s Strident Tone Raises Concerns among Western Governments, Analysts By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Jan. 31, 2010) China's indignant reaction to the announcement of U.S. plans to sell weapons to Taiwan appears to be in keeping with a new triumphalist attitude from Beijing that is worrying governments and analysts across the globe.

Report Calls for Slow Approach to CBMs By William Lowther
(Taipei Times, Jan. 14, 2010) A major new US study warns that while it is important to build mutual trust, China and Taiwan should not move prematurely to discuss military CBMs and should wait until both sides are fully prepared.

With Defense Test, China Shows Displeasure of U.S. By Andrew Jacobs and Jonathan Ansfield (New York Times, Jan. 13, 2010) Chinese and Western analysts say there is no mistaking that the timing of the test, coming amid Beijing’s fury over American arms sales to Taiwan, was largely aimed at the White House.