Chinese Arrogance

China is upset that the U.S. has dared to sell $6 billion in defense equipment to Taiwan against Chinese wishes -- as if the U.S. has to ask permission of China before concluding an arms deal with its allies. China is going so far as to make threats of retaliation.

the Chinese side has decided to suspend planned mutual military visits," Xinhua quoted the ministry as saying. The Foreign Ministry said China also would put sanctions on U.S. companies supplying the equipment. ... Beijing was "strongly indignant" about the arms sales to Taiwan and warned that they would have a "serious negative impact" on U.S.-China cooperation

China is even threatening to

sanction businesses in the districts of congressional lawmakers known to be backers of Taiwan.

Just about every time we talk to the Chinese about issues important to the U.S., such as human rights, specific concerns of U.S. business within China, intellectual property issues, and anything relating to the internet, we are told not to interfere in China's "internal affairs." They are completely uncooperative on other major foreign policy issues, such as the Iranian situation, and have been of minimal use with regard to North Korea. There's some evidence that they've been conducting cyber attacks against the U.S. They may be a major trading partner and financial investor in the U.S., but they need economic ties with America just as much as we need our connections with China. Nothing about our relationship requires that the U.S. put up with the obnoxious arrogance of the Chinese regime. Chinese protests about Taiwan should be met with the clear and unmistakable response that we will sell our allies whatever, and however many weapons we wish, and that China has absolutely no say in the matter -- they will not be permitted to interfere with our affairs. A good start would be the immediate approval of F16 sales to Taiwan.

The only silver lining for China in Friday's announcement was that it did not include the sale of 66 F-16 C/D fighters to Taiwan. But that does not mean the Obama administration has rejected Taiwan's request for the advanced fighters to replace its aging air force. The Defense Department is drawing up a report on the air power balance between China and Taiwan that could be used to push a decision.

Expedite the sale, and send China a message that arrogant attempts to intimidate the U.S. will only be counterproductive.