Beijing warns Trump: One China 'not negotiable'

I can't stand Trump but China's government makes me teeth itch more so this ought to be worthy of a large bucket of popcorn.

The status quo in Taiwan is not good by any means, but it was something every stakeholder in the situation could live with. Trump's trying to see how much of a poke it takes to tip it over, and when it tips I can't see any realistic result that doesn't have lots of innocent casualties. A truly independent Taiwan seems unlikely and would require enormous bloodshed. The more likely scenario is China pulls them in completely and the Taiwanese people lose what power they previously had. All because a bunch of Americans felt insecure about their masculinity.

Considering the circumstances, forcing the Chinese to make a mistake that's big enough for the world to finally stop pampering their excesses like they do now might not be the worst idea. This is something that should be done twenty years ago, but everyone was deluded into thinking China would improve on its own if only we gave it no more than wrist slaps for its excesses.

“There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable region of China, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing China.”

I suspect most Taiwanese people disagree strongly.

Great post, katsu. Trump's narcissism breeds hubris that could lead to global calamity. Whatever you think about Zhongnanhai, they're not bluffing here. Might as well suggest trading Texas to Mexico for a wall. (Actually, that might not be a bad idea, except for the wall..)

Crazy that the right was so worried that Hillary might start a war, that they elected a guy who might start one before he even gets into office.

Sure, China, whatever you say, but Taiwan will remain independent of your tyranny.

Confrontation with the Government of China is inevitable.

Consistently failing or refusing to stand up and confront President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, his Government from the moment Beijing brazen and unlawful militarization of reclaimed islands in the South China Sea. Subsequently putting freedom of navigation to trade routes vital for the future stability of the global economy has to have repercussions.

Time and time again the government of China set about bullying and harassing its neighbours, their fisherman, their rightful claims upheld under international law at The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration. History has taught us that following a policy of inaction and appeasement will have consequences, both politically and militarily.

US President-elect Donald Trump certainly appears to present a tougher and more robust stance. However US President-elect Donald Trump lacks leadership in any political office or understanding of even the basic functions of Government. In fact Donald Trump processes little if any proven military experience casting doubt he is will be able to adequately discharge the duties of Commander in Chief.

It makes little difference mulling over whether a Hillary Clinton administration would have been able to avoid a conflict with could eventually lead to war. The failure to confront an aggressor has set events, a countdown into motion.

The funniest (and probably scariest) thing about this is that this is probably what the CCP was waiting for all this time. The status quo was created by all parties, and the US' (previous?) stance was if China changed the status quo, it would mean war. Now we're living in an era where the US might be the one who changes that status quo, effectively causing a war. At the same time, China actually has the military capability now, especially with regards to their proximity to Taiwan.

Sigh! The left and their angst, China is not going to do anything, yeah, they'll huff and puff and act all tough, but someone tell me, when was the last time China went to war with any country and I mean a very serious and all out in the trenches war? China is all talk and want to give a strong impression that they will do something, even engage the US militarily. Never going to happen. Trump should call their bluff.

Strangerland: "Crazy that the right was so worried that Hillary might start a war, that they elected a guy who might start one before he even gets into office."

Not just one, either, and not just full out wars, but trade wars, too.

Trump rolled over on having Mexico pay for his wall and he rolled over when learning Russia hacked the US. Now he is backtracking on his desire to end the one China policy.

This concerns me. Crazy policy is one thing, a US president who has no balls in entirely different. Others countries will learn that he's all talk and the only response they can expect is some negative words on Twitter.

In other news, Obama is a million billion times worse so that sucks, but he will be gone in a few days so now we have to worry about Trump and the future of the US. I understand that Obama destroyed everything but what will happen when Trump follows up with weakness (even if that weakness is a zillion times stronger than Obama?). How will our enemies and allies react to Trump talking a big game then backing down (as Obama did much more bigly?)

Trump rolled over on having Mexico pay for his wall and he rolled over when learning Russia hacked the US.

How do you know? Did you talk to him? Can you swear beyond a shadow of a doubt he won't? As for Russia, he should, why give the .Democrats a nugget, let them stew, think, wonder and leave it at that.

Now he is backtracking on his desire to end the one China policy.

Oh, that would be a great thing and why are you shocked, you supported Obama making a secret deal with the Iranians, you supported Trump when he was Waltzing along the beach with the Castro brothers, even though as with the Iran deal we got nothing in return. Cuba is still jailing political prisoners, not giving their people freedom snuffing out any outspoken language.

This concerns me. Crazy policy is one thing, a US president who has no balls in entirely different.

Don't worry in six days Obama will be gone. Now we're going to have a president with a pair.

Others countries will learn that he's all talk and the only response they can expect is some negative words on Twitter.

They did with Obama as well, that's why Putin could take Crimea and the Iranians told Trump to stick it and reneged on the deal.

In other news, Obama is a million billion times worse so that sucks, but he will be gone in a few days so now we have to worry about Trump and the future of the US.

I think now we will be fine.

Now that we've established that Obama did horrible things with Iran and Cuba and Crimea, what should Trump do about Russia? More sanctions? Espionage? Has he even release a statement criticizing hacking?

what should Trump do about Russia?

Maybe do what Obama did with Cuba and Iran, try to deal with them through dialogue.

More sanctions?

Hasn't helped with Iran and Cuba.

Espionage?

Already been happening for a very, very long time.

Has he even release a statement criticizing hacking?

He really should stay away, leave that Democrat worm on the hook alone. Just acknowledge that you're taking it serious and ensure people that you will review the findings and that's it.

Will that be his strategy with China as well? Just say he is taking it seriously and will review the findings and move on?

ThePbOt: and the US' (previous?) stance was if China changed the status quo, it would mean war. Now we're living in an era where the US might be the one who changes that status quo, effectively causing a war.

That's because the status quo is the de facto, unrecognized independence of Taiwan, and in order for China to change that, unless the Taiwanese say "sure, we'll join the mainland, no problem" it DOES mean war if China still insists.

But does the US recognizing an independent country automatically mean war? It would still be China insisting on the war.

Suppose they claimed your country of residence. And, for example, you lived in (remote outpost of the Commonwealth, or whatever). And China: "Great Britain attacked us unfairly during the Opium War, so we'll just take this (remote outpost of the Commonwealth, or whatever) and call it even-Steven." There'd probably be a war. Would you think your country started it?

That's because the status quo is the de facto, unrecognized independence of Taiwan,

No it means Taiwan is not independent. Hence, "unrecognized". That's why they can join certain international organizations regarding nations. That's why the US officially recognizes the One China policy. That's part of the status quo, the thing that keeps the peace. So if the US recognized Taiwan to be independent, that's changing the status quo. And I know Americans feel exceptional, thinking that breaking the status quo is an act of war unless they themselves do it, but Trump is in the wrong here simply because all of this tension is unnecessary. When China can justify fighting a war because of this, then Taiwan will definitely lose whatever independence they have left, because there's no way the US can defend it when they're that close to a modernized military. All thanks to Trump, being all insecure with his tiny hands.

Beijing warns Trump: One China 'not negotiable'

Trump doesn't have to negotiate it.

ts: That's because the status quo is the de facto, unrecognized independence of Taiwan,

ThePBot: No it means Taiwan is not independent.

If you claim Taiwan is not independent, tell me how many military units the PRC has in Taiwan right now.

If a war is started over the question of Taiwan's independence, it will be the PRC starting it, as Taiwan is already independent.

Will that be his strategy with China as well?

I think you keep forgetting one thing, Trump has military advisors and a council that will advise him what would be the best and appropriate way of dealing with China.

Just say he is taking it seriously and will review the findings and move on?

Personally, Trump shouldn't deal a hand and tell anyone except his advisors as to what he will or won't do.

The problem with Obama was he always told the enemy what he WASN'T going to do. So all our enemies had Obama pegged and knew what he was willing not to do and all the enemy had to do is wait it out. That's never a good thing, he should always leave his foes guessing.

I hope every one of you flippantly predicting China will meekly submit to US power is a front-line US soldier stationed in Pacific Asia. There's nothing worse than someone from the peanut gallery trying to talk tough from way back behind the battle lines when it's an entirely different person who's life is in danger.

He wanted to negotiate it.

Why give away your leverage upfront? That said, it is a card Trump can play on China. If they pull something extreme to combat Trump's policies, he can declare that the US sees Taiwan as an independent nation and begin to treat it as such. What's China going to do - start a war?

Formosa has not been a part of China for a very long time, in spite of what Beijing claims. Starting a war over the issue now would be a hugely irresponsible act on the side of whoever starts it. There won't be any winners. Mainland China will be isolated. Their lying about their actions in the south china sea has already earned them many enemies and won't help to get foreign companies to invest.

@Robert S. Abenz: I will ask you the same question too. If China really invades Taiwan and proclaim it as it's territory, What's America going to do - start a war?

If China invades Taiwan wouldn't there already be a war?