Ladies and gentlemen, when America's military might is stretched thin around the globe, and tentions between China and Taiwan are stretched to the breaking point themselves... and the US has an obligation BY TREATY to respond with military force should China act aggressively against the people of Taiwan... I give you Colin Powell... remember... he's the 'diplomatic one' who 'treads cautiously' in the Bush White House. In a time when carefully chosen words and embracing calm and rational language that is not likely to make a tense situation worse is called for, and all you have to do is tread lightly and speak with words that will not frighten or embolden the worst instincts in a conflict, here is what was said.
"There is only one China. Taiwan is not independent. It does not enjoy sovereignty as a nation, and that remains our policy, our firm policy."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6337218/
This was a complete surprise to the Taiwanese, who had expected something to defuse tensions rather than enflame them.
Better yet: MSNBC's take on what was a hamfisted diplomatic gaffe on the suddenly forceful US position... well US policy on Taiwan is:
Less fuzzy than usual