Playing with fire : the looming war with China over Taiwan / John F. Copper.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [239]-255) and index.

Beijing intimidates Taiwan with missile tests, creates rift in U.S.-China relations -- The Tiananmen Square massacre does irreparable damage to U.S.-China relations -- The United States sells F-16 fighter planes to Taipei; strains relations with China -- President Lee visits his alma mater; Beijing feels betrayed, benefiting hard-liners -- America debates China threat; China talks about America threat -- Taiwan's voters elect their president directly; Beijing says foreign forces are trying to split China -- President Clinton visits China, polarizes Taiwan issue -- The Taiwan Relations Act is refurbished; America will protect Taiwan -- The missile defense issue involves others in "Taiwan issue" -- President Lee comments that Taipei-Beijing talks should be nation-to-nation; Beijing is furious -- Taiwan's 2000 election: Taiwan gets secessionist president -- Taiwan's 2004 election: President Chen wins reelection amid controversy while America is distracted elsewhere -- The Taiwan Strait is a flash point.

One of the most pressing issues for China{u2014}and the world at large{u2014}is the continuing presence of an independence-minded Taiwan off China's southern coast. Recent modernization efforts within the Chinese military and tough remarks by Chinese officials have alarmed many in Washington, and caused others to question America's commitments in the region. Copper details events of recent decades to give the reader a complete picture of potential flash points concerning Taiwan. An expert who has studied the region for more than thirty years, he saw firsthand the turmoil that followed the recent Taiwanese elections. Drawing upon his interdisciplinary research on the political, economic, and military issues surrounding the U.S.-Taiwan-China triangle, he assesses the various aspects of this complex relationship and comments on what may come from playing with fire. Daily headlines and news stories remark upon the growing economic might of China. Analysts note that this increasing economic influence will undoubtedly lead to increasing political engagement on a global level. It is clear that the United States can no longer ignore what Napoleon called the sleeping giant. One of the most pressing issues for China{u2014}and the world at large{u2014}is the continuing presence of an independence-minded Taiwan off China's southern coast. Recent modernization efforts within the Chinese military and tough remarks by Chinese officials have alarmed many in Washington, and caused others to question America's commitments in the region. Copper details events of recent decades to give the reader a complete picture of potential flash points concerning Taiwan. An expert who has studied the region for more than thirty years, he saw firsthand the turmoil that followed the recent Taiwanese elections. Drawing upon his interdisciplinary research on the political, economic, and military issues surrounding the U.S.-Taiwan-China triangle, he assesses the various aspects of this complex relationship and comments on what may come from playing with fire.