Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Weekly Report from Taiwan Security Research (Feb. 26, 2012)

For full text, click on the title or visit the TSR web page at taiwansecurity.org

Xi Jinping Visited the United States--Comments

Xi Jinping’s U.S. Trip Plays Well in China By Keith B. Richburg(Washington Post, Feb. 18, 2012) Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping’s trip to the United States last week offered the first extended chance for the Chinese public to size up the man tapped to be their next leader. And judging from the initial reviews, Xi is proving a surprise hit with ordinary people.

China’s Xi Cultivates Relaxed Image on U.S. Trip By Jeremy Page(Wall Street Journal, Feb. 19, 2012) Xi’s appearance at the Lakers game was the last of several attempts during his U.S visit to cultivate a more relaxed, and friendly public image both in the U.S. and in China.

After Wooing U.S., Xi Faces Unfinished Business at Home By Russell Leigh Moses (China Real Time Report, Feb. 21, 2012) Xi’s biggest challenge awaits him on his arrival home: articulating where he expects the Chinese Communist Party and the country to travel.

Xi Visit Underscores Rising Mutual Expectations By Bonnie S. Glaser(PacNet #12, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Feb. 21, 2012) The central theme of the visit was that the US and China have rising expectations of each other. In close-door meetings as well as open statements, Xi raised demands for changes in US policy while fending off US pressure to adjust Chinese policy to satisfy US concerns.

Cross-Strait Issues

China Drafts Guidelines for Cross-Strait Relations
(CNA, Feb. 26, 2012) China has drafted three new policy guidelines for cross-Taiwan Strait engagements in the wake of the Jan. 14 presidential and legislative elections, according to a local media report.

Tsai Admits Mishandling Mainland Issue
(AP, Feb. 24, 2012) “As a party that supports national sovereignty, we must strengthen our capability of handling the China question in order to win social trust,” Tsai said. “Party officials and members can seek a better understanding of China through exchanges.”

DPP Pledges to Improve Ties with China
(China Post, Feb. 25, 2012) The Democratic Progressive Party will seek to improve its ties with China, the DPP's incoming leader said.

Officials Set Target of 10 Million Cross-Strait Tourists by 2014
(China Post, Feb. 22, 2012) Tourism officials and travel agents from Taiwan and mainland China set a target of boosting the total number of people traveling across the Taiwan Strait to more than 10 million in 2014. Major growth momentum is seen to come from a faster rise in mainland tourists coming to Taiwan.

Ma Calls for More Students from China
(Taipei Times, Feb. 23, 2012) President Ma Ying-jeou instructed the Ministry of Education to review its policy and relax regulations to attract more Chinese students to Taiwan.

Sino-U.S. Engagement

China Says Ready to Improve U.S. Military Ties
(Reuters, Feb. 23, 2012) China is ready to work with the United States to advance military ties, a defense spokesman said, following a U.S. trip by China’s vice president that featured a visit with top Pentagon officials.

PLA and Military Balance

China’s Falkland Island Lesson By James R. Holmes
(The Diplomat, Feb. 21, 2012) Here’s the bumper sticker for the guidance China takes from the conflict: a local power can overcome a stronger outside power if it is more willing than its antagonist to bear the costs and hazards of war, makes good use of its “home field advantage,” and acquires certain specialized weaponry in adequate numbers.

Navy to Embark on Submarine Program
(Taipei Times, Feb. 21, 2012) After several years of prevarication, the navy is to develop its own unique prototype, while US companies have been told to stay away from the program.

Subs to Be Equipped with Harpoon Missiles Next Year
(Taipei Times, Feb. 24, 2012) Taiwan’s two combat-capable submarines will be equipped with anti-ship missiles next year, providing the nation’s undersea force with a long-distance strike capability it had previously lacked.

U.S. Beef Row, Taiwan's Domestic Issues and Foreign Relations

KMT Members Oppose Lifting Ractopamine Ban
(China Post, Feb. 20, 2012) Not only have legislators of opposition parties voiced opposition against the government lifting the ban on the import of beef with residue of lean-meat enhancing substances, legislators of the ruling Kuomintang have also raised their voices on the topic.

No Promises to US on Beef: Ma
(Taipei Times, Feb. 26, 2012) President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated the government’s open stance on the US beef imports issue and insisted that his administration had not made any promises to the US.

Top US Commerce Official to Visit Taipei
(Taipei Times, Feb. 23, 2012) US Department of Commerce Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez is scheduled to visit Taipei from March 4 to March 6, the AIT said.

Premier Exhorts Foreign Ministry to Invite US Officials
(CNA, Feb. 24, 2012) Saying that strengthening Taipei-Washington relations is a pivotal task of the foreign ministry, Premier Chen added that the ministry should also seek to bolster military cooperation between the US and Taiwan, lessen bilateral engagement restrictions, and update a privileges and immunities agreement between the two countries.

Singapore Representative Replaced Due to Improper Conduct: Reports (China Post, Feb. 21, 2012) A Chinese-language United Evening News report stated that Vanessa Shih was replaced because the Singaporean government has voiced its dissatisfaction concerning “improper conduct” during her tenure.

Taiwan Pushes for Trade Pact with EU
(CNA, Feb. 23, 2012) Vice Economics Minister Lin Sheng-chung said in Brussels that the economies of Taiwan and the European Union are highly complementary and an economic cooperation agreement would benefit both sides.

Countries Urged Not to Develop Official Ties with Taiwan
(Xinhua, Feb. 23, 2012) A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that countries who had forged diplomatic relations with China should not develop official ties or sign any agreements with its Taiwan region.

Kaohsiung Mayor to Serve As Interim DPP Chair: Tsai
(China Post, Feb. 23, 2012) Outbound DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen announced that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu is set to step up as interim chair. Her term runs from March 1 to the party's formal election on May 27.

China's Domestic Issues

New Push for Reform in China By Bob Davis(Wall Street Journal, Feb. 23, 2012) An exclusive preview of an economic report on China, prepared by the World Bank and government insiders considered to have the ear of the nation's leaders, offers a surprising prescription: China could face an economic crisis unless it implements deep reforms.

Hong Kong Election Stirs Up Democratic Fever By Jeffrey Ng and Chester Yung (Wall Street Journal, Feb. 20, 2012) Elections to pick Hong Kong's next leader are just a month away, and pressure is mounting on Beijing to better account for Hong Kong public opinion as the prospects for its preferred candidate grow increasingly slim.

Regional Issues

Mekong River Patrols in Full Swing but Challenges Remain By Ian Storey (China Brief 12(4), Jamestown Foundation, Feb. 21, 2012) The Mekong initiative is another indication of Beijing’s growing influence in the region and its willingness to utilize its security forces to protect Chinese economic interests and citizens abroad.

India and the US Pivot to Asia By Robert M. Hathaway(YaleGlobal, Feb. 24, 2012) The US strategic plan is to continue providing global security with emphasis on “rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region.” The strategy requires a long-term partnership with India, as an economic and security anchor in the region. Priorities for both countries vary, particularly in regard to China, leading to divisions within each country as well.

Through the Eyes of Asia’s Tiger Cubs By Mark L. Clifford(YaleGlobal, Feb. 20, 2012) Beneficiaries of their parents’ hard work and sacrifices, the so-called Tiger Cubs expect Asia’s prosperity to continue. The group generally has faith in government and technology and keen awareness of the competing priorities of Asia’s diverse ethnic groups. The group also values regional economic integration and mutual support among nations.

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