To approach the Taiwan challenge that way is ludicrous. Each Aegis destroyer can track and intercept more than 100 missiles and aircraft, but by 2008 China might have 800 missiles within range of Taiwan. Many business executives are wondering whether if China pays a price for the standoff, their own businesses might pay a price too. We've all put so much of our lives into a stable relationship with China. He hopes that a great deal of calm and reflection takes place before we make decisions and that we not paint ourselves into corners.
Chinese officials are anxious, too.
The new Chinese ambassador in Washington, Yang Jiechi, and other embassy officials have been inviting people who helped establish Sino-American ties during the Nixon and Carter administrations to discuss the downward trend in relations. Though appointed because of his earlier contacts with former President George Bush , Yang suddenly finds himself without American allies who can act as dependable channels for expressing Chinese concerns. Indeed, the administration has few China experts in key positions. The top Asia posts at the national-security council and State Department are held by people who are primarily Japan experts. The top Asia post at the Pentagon is still unfilled, as are the top China slots at the NSC and State Department.