Blue Teamers helped write and promote the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, a controversial bill that passed the House last year, and have succeeded in attaching riders to legislation that force the Pentagon to provide regular updates on China's military strength. Their handiwork was evident last week in a letter signed by 82 House members urging President Bush to sell advanced destroyers to Taiwan. Unlike them, many of us believe you can be suspicious of China but understand that it's necessary to get along. Bush's handling of the spy-plane incident gets a grudging pass from most Blues, who would prefer more assertive actions but applaud the contrast to the previous Administration. While the Blues are encouraged by the new rightward tilt in Washington, they know the pro-engagement policymakers still hold sway.
China makes the same prediction.