On Shooting Oneself In The Foot

Despite the murkiness of the entire situation, a recent statement by U.S. diplomat Stephen Young shows that, even with the noblesse oblige inherent in America's dealings with Taiwan, there is a recognition that it's a pretty good idea to, y'know, not irritate China more than is absolutely necessary. China responds to incentives, seeking rapid growth, and a surefire way to get in trouble is to appear as a direct threat to that progress. Given the relationship between China and America, positive reinforcement appears more prone to promoting liberalizing influence in China than negative. A little more carrot, a little less stick. Hopefully this stance against Taiwanese offensive weaponry is an indicator, however slight, that we're moving away from a covert-Teddy philosophy where Asia is concerned. In the meantime, maybe it's just me, but statements such as

"This is Taiwan's domestic problem, unrelated to the United States or U.S.-Taiwan ties,"

by Taiwanese legislators seems a cue to ignore even sentimental attachment to Taiwan, let alone political. It's annoying enough to have to save an adult from an oncoming truck, but when the fellow turns around and kicks you in the shins, it's downright absurd.

(Addendum -- Of course, even incentives don't guarantee that change will always come swiftly, but any improvement at all is still... well, improvement.)