Max Baucus: “these past few weeks have been eventful ones in our relationship with China. President Bush announced a robust arms sale…”

“these past few weeks have been eventful ones in our relationship with China. President Bush announced a robust arms sale package for Taiwan. It included several major weapons systems and, of greater long-term significance, it provides for increased cooperation and coordination between our two military forces. He also announced the end of the annual review of arms needs, putting our support for Taiwan's defense on a more regular and less political setting. We secured the release of our reconnaissance plan's crew that was being held on Hainan Island. Subsequently, there were several important, albeit inconclusive, meetings with Chinese representatives about the return of the plane and about establishing future rules of engagement to ensure that there will not be a repeat of this irresponsible Chinese action. President Bush made a potentially dangerous gaffe in an interview where he seemed to reverse precipitously a two decade old policy that has resulted in relative stability across the Taiwan Strait. I believe that the trilateral relationship among the PRC, Taiwan, and the United States, and the "One China" policy must adapt and evolve. But change must be made with extreme care. The United States approved a visa for former Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui to visit for a month, and we have agreed to issue a transit visa for current Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, although the conditions set on President Chen's visit are still under negotiations.”