Leaders' Meeting convenes in Auckland this weekend, most eyes will be focused on U.S. President Bill Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Washington has made it clear that Clinton can not accept less than Zhu originally offered and Beijing has made it equally clear that Jiang will not offer more. Spin doctors on both sides will have a field day explaining how they have come away with a better deal this time.
Prudence dictates some caution here.
This is about as much of a concession as Taiwan is likely to make. Taiwan domestic politics, which largely drove Lee's initial comments, will not permit further backsliding. It's time for Jiang to declare victory on this issue and not press for more retractions from Taipei. Continued overt pressure will likely work against Beijing's long-term interests. There should be no further U.S. apology without some clear statement by Jiang in return that he accepts President Clinton's assurances that the bombing was not a deliberate act.