So, it seems
China's state visit is starting to make it's way to the top of the news cycle. And it seems that Mr. Bush doesn't really like the idea of unbridled democracy sprouting up unless it's his doing. His quote when asked about the upcoming referendum:
"We oppose any unilateral decision by either China or Taiwan to change the status quo. And the comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally, to change the status quo, which we oppose."
Nice touch with the use of 'unilateral'
However this paragraph is my favorite (note the liberal uses of partial quotes so be wary):
Speaking to reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Bush in the Oval Office, Wen said China "respects the desire of the people in Taiwan for democracy," but that some Taiwanese leaders were "only using democracy as an excuse" to move toward splitting Taiwan away from China, which the Beijing government "cannot tolerate." He said China is determined to uphold its "one-China policy" and maintain "national unity," but also would not give up "our aspiration for peaceful reunification." Under the policy, China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that can never become independent.
So, is anyone going to hammer Bush for coddling totalitarian regimes while turning his back on a people that desire to be self-governing? Why is this never an issue in politics (yeah, I know, money, but dammit there has to be some principles somewhere... maybe). Sure there's some possible long-term payoff of bringing democracy to mainland China, but it sure seems that they've got totalitarian capitalism down pat, so there might not be much of a need to let the masses have any sort of power.
But back to the quotes, this defnitely seems like Bush coming out in having of a totalitarian regime over a democratic one (how democratic is Taiwan?). Why is the press coverage so gentle? - this is more of a rhetorical question -
Really, I'm ignorant on most foreign policy stuff relating to China. Anyone have some input?