A broad American policy choice may be emerging. The United States is directed by longtime bipartisan policy as well as by statute to help provide for Taiwan's defense and to ensure that the island's future unfolds by peaceful means. But a missile shield, once developed and deployed, does not stop at protecting the intended beneficiary, here Taiwan. It is in the nature of such a shield that it also could embolden Taiwan to feel that it did not really have to negotiate seriously with the Chinese. But all of this is a long way from happening, if it even happens at all.
Negotiations ought to take place without coercion and on the basis of mutual interest.
No serious talks seems possible while China is flexing its missiles, stirring fresh doubts about its appetite for negotiation, heating upa regional arms race and alarming the Taiwanese people whom it ought to be conciliating.