US delays arms sales to Taiwan to create a favorable atmosphere for Trump's visit to China, which is rare globally!
According to U.S. media reports, a package of arms sales to Taiwan that had already been finalized and approved by Congress was suddenly put on hold. Normally, once such a level of arms sales has gone through the congressional process, it's "an arrow shot, no turning back," but this time it was paused. Why? Because Trump is about to visit China in April, and the White House wants to pave the way for this summit and create some friendly atmosphere.
This incident would be unthinkable for any other country. To ask the U.S. to suspend arms sales that have already been approved? Globally, besides China, there's no other country that enjoys such treatment.
According to multiple media reports, this suspended arms sales plan had already completed the congressional approval process several months ago. According to normal procedures, only the final administrative steps were needed to start the delivery process. But now, it was suddenly announced to be "postponed," with the reason being "a need to reassess the current strategic environment."
Dao Ge believes that this approach also reflects the contradictory mentality of the U.S. in its policy toward China: on one hand, it wants to curb the rise of its rival through pressure, but on the other hand, it has to face reality and seek cooperation to some extent. This fluctuating state is likely to continue for some time in the future.
In other words, both sides know they have structural contradictions, but still need to cooperate in certain areas; neither wants to completely break the relationship nor will they easily give in. In this context, sensitive issues like arms sales to Taiwan may be more often used as "negotiation leverage" rather than simply a means of confrontation. When to sell, what to sell, and how much to sell will all depend on the relationship at that time.
Dao Ge dares to say that future competition may become even fiercer. But at least for now, both sides are trying to find a way of "competing without breaking." And this might be the top-level wisdom the world needs most.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858334368628059/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.