4 ms·
Sure, but that to me sounds like a technical argument, not a political one (that is, it is neither Republican or Democratic, for example). It is not really a mo
by facepalm 10y ago
Sure, but that to me sounds like a technical argument, not a political one (that is, it is neither Republican or Democratic, for example). It is not really a moral argument.
And it might not be the only possible scenario - in fact, with all the Hitler comparisons floating around, this stance towards China reminds me a lot of the appeasement politics towards Hitler.
Ultimately, saving face with regard to Taiwan is probably just one part of the general trade deal with China? So as the other parts, it should probably be up for negotiation? Or even be a factor ("we pretend Taiwan belong to you, and you give us moar iPhones").
Not saying that protectionism is a good idea, but also not saying that all trade deals are always optimal for both parties.
I think Ukraine was about more than saving face for Russia, too - Russia has always wanted the Krim for strategical reasons?
- jacquesm 10y ago> ("we pretend Taiwan belong to you, and you give us moar iPhones") That's pretty much the way it was. Except for it being a lot more than just iPhones. > I think Ukraine was about more than saving face for Russia, too - Russia has always wanted the Krim for strategical reasons? The Krim is extremely important from a military perspective to Russia, their response was - again - extremely predictable (in fact, I'm surprised they didn't simply call the EU's bluff and invaded outright but then again, appearances matter even to the Kremlin). See also: Kaliningrad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad