Playing With Fire ─ The Looming War With China And Taiwan

Daily headlines and news stories remark upon the growing might of China. Analysts and journalists talk increasingly about the trade deficit with China and the role that China will undoubtedly play in the 21st century world. None would argue that China is not a formidable economic powerhouse with likely additional success on the horizon. This increasing economic involvement will undoubtedly lead to increasing political engagement on a global level. The United States can no longer ignore what Napoleon called "the sleeping giant." However, the China threat is not merely economic. The continuing presence of an independence-minded Taiwan off her southern coast continues to be a cause for concern. Recent modernization efforts within the Chinese military and strong remarks by Chinese officials have alarmed many in Washington and caused others to question America's commitments in the region.

John F. Copper is Professor of International Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. He is the author of more than twenty books and has testified before the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees.