The U.S. is committed to a peaceful resolution, but the paper draws more attention to the U.S. role than is warranted. It misreads the cross-Strait problem, the solution for which can only unfold between the two sides without use of force. But they fear as well that developing China might emerge as a power that is quick to use force. On balance, the white paper is more about threats and lowering the threshold at which violence might occur than about motivating Taiwan. In the end, arrangements between China and Taiwan will require the acceptance of the people on Taiwan.
Harsh pressure does nothing to bring that date sooner.
Don't Miss Beijing's Real Message by Karen Sutter U.S. government and media commentary on the People's Republic of China's white paper have missed the document's important message. If you only interpret one quarter or one-half of the document, then the white paper does present good reason for alarm. But this is only part of Beijing's complex message. While Beijing does not address all of Taipei's concerns, amid old language reemphasizing the importance of adhering to a one-China policy, Beijing specifically meets two of Taipei's outstanding conditions for reopening talks. One, Beijing reaffirms that any cross-Strait talks be conducted on the basis of equality.