Colon Powell Puts Foot in Mouth

20041027.002

It’s not often you see the Secretary of State make such a verbal gaff. Powell had stated the other day that the US did not consider Taiwan an independent nation. This is the “Official” policy which as always been less than clear. The One China policy has been that we do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. In reality Taiwan is a country with an independent freely elected government. Since when is the US in the business of not supporting democracy?
China regards Taiwan a rouge province and is very interested in reclaiming it. Their army, air force and navy have all been equipped and trained with this goal in mind. It is a matter of national pride with them, a matter of embarrassment for the politburo of the communist party.
Powell said “We want to see both sides not take unilateral action that would prejudice an eventual outcome, a reunification that all parties are seeking”. This is the biggest blunder in the “One China” policy since it’s less than brilliant inception. With his statement Powell has offended an ally and emboldened an enemy.
China will not hold talks to Taiwan and have threatened to invade if the island government claims independent statehood. Powell also called for China to talk with Taiwan on the issue receiving this response:
"It does not matter who calls for the resumption of peace talks, the problem is not with us," Zhang Mingqing, a spokesman for the policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, told a news conference. "If they are fake olive branches, it doesn't matter if it's 30 or 30,000, it's meaningless."
Powell not only offended a democracy but its threatening neighbor. He put his foot in his mouth and started chewing.

Vulture 6