Other prominent Chinese politicians have applied pressure on the United States, as well. On March 6, for example, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxun also urged the Bush administration to back off from selling arms to Taiwan. China has linked the sale of arms to Taiwan with U.S. economic interests in East Asia. It would not only hurt U.S.-China relations, but also hurt U.S. interests in the region. To plough in such a hot spot could be explosive at any time, eventually hurting bilateral relations, as well as U.S. interests.
Asian nations are worried, as well.
As China modernizes and continues its economic expansion, it has become an increasingly important trading partner for many Asian countries. Certainly, they fear they will have to take sides if a serious conflict erupts between China and Taiwan. That delicate balance was in evidence this week. On April 20, Japan, in the face of PRC outrage, granted a visa on humanitarian grounds to former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, for treatment of his heart condition. Lee was allowed into Japan on the condition that he refrains from political activity, but China said his visit could seriously damage diplomatic ties between the two countries.