Assistant Secretary of State, James Kelly, minces no words on the realities of a U.S. defense of Taiwan in testimony before a congressional hearing of the House international relations committee. Yikes! The right-wing nut-cases will go bonkers over this. I can hear it now: "Bush loses Taiwan to communists." I mean, 55 years ago, their rallying cry was: "Democrats lost China to reds!" And it went on for decades. The label of "(Fill in the Blank) lost China to Commies" was maliciously attached to anyone slightly left of John Foster Dulles, or John Birch himself. As if 750 million folks (back then) and half a continent could be "lost."
The US warned Taiwan on Wednesday that the island's defence could not be ensured if it were to unilaterally move towards independence and insisted that China's threats of military action must be taken seriously.
In testimony before the US House international relations committee James Kelly, assistant secretary of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said: "We have very real concerns that our efforts at deterring Chinese coercion might fail if Beijing ever becomes convinced Taiwan is embarked on a course towards independence and permanent separation from China.
"While we strongly disagree with the approach, it would be irresponsible of us and Taiwan's leaders to treat these statements as empty threats."
When asked whether the Taiwanese were under the impression that the US was willing to defend them at all costs Mr Kelly replied: "If they heard that they misunderstood."
"Taiwan must be stopped in these efforts," Kelly said, amid continuing worry over moves by President Chen Shui-bian toward greater independence during campaigning ahead of Taiwan elections last month.
Kelly made his remarks at a hearing heralding 25 years of strengthening diplomatic and trade relations with Taiwan -- a delicate balancing act that has often required assuaging Beijing, even while providing military assistance to the island.
Lawmakers held the hearing to mark the silver anniversary of the 1979 legislation, which members of praised as a success -- albeit a somewhat precarious one.
"The current situation is a delicate balance which is in the interest of all to maintain," said Representative Henry Hyde, Republican chairman of the committee.
The panel's top Democrat, Representative Tom Lantos, hailed the legislation, which affirms the "one China" policy and commits Washington to coming to Taiwan's defense if attacked by Beijing, as "flexible and durable."
Lawmakers also stressed US commitment to strict adherence to the policy, which defines the island as a part of China.
