Source: News reports
On Wednesday, Zhu told Taiwanese voters not to make the mistake of choosing a pro-independence candidate, because they may not get a second chance to regret it. His harsh words are universally regarded as an attempt to undermine the chances of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Chen Shui-bian.
While acknowledging the view of some observers -- that Zhu probably did not mean what he said and was "only seeking to burnish his nationalist credentials" -- the piece states it would be prudent, nonetheless, to prepare for the possibility that the PRC premier does in fact support the use of force against the ROC.
The Washington Post goes on to say that the U.S. stance of "strategic ambiguity" -- neither promising to defend Taiwan nor categorically ruling out military intervention -- should be replaced by a more determined posture.
"It's right for Mr. Clinton nonetheless to continue urging peaceful dialogue, " the article states. "It's right to keep warning Taiwan that the United States will not support provocative gestures. But Mr. Clinton also should make clear that the United States will help defend Taiwan if it is attacked simply for being a democracy -- for, say, electing a president displeasing to Don Zhu. Ambiguity does not offer the best deterrence against bullies or Mafia dons."
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