Seeking better U.S.-China relations, Beijing also signaled a willingness to discuss Bush’s missile defense plan, which it has opposed. The quid pro quo? It hopes Bush will fend off GOP hard-liners who want to arm Taiwan–particularly with Aegis defense systems–when the issue is reviewed next month. Beijing is nervous about the “renegade province’s” leanings toward independence–especially after Secretary of State Colin Powell inadvertently referred to Taiwan as a “country” during recent hearings. The question is, will the Bushies play ball?
