12 November 2015

Editorial: The Xi-Ma Summit - A Lesson For US Diplomacy?

By Dennis V. Hickey

U.S. policy on Taiwan might have applicability to other international disputes.

The United States applauds the meeting between the presidents of Taiwan and mainland China. Commenting on the historic summit, John Kirby, US State Department Spokesman, declared that “The United States welcomes the meeting between leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the historic improvement in cross-strait relations in recent years. The United States has a deep and abiding interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and we encourage further progress by both sides toward building ties, reducing tensions, and promoting stability on the basis of dignity and respect.”

The statement took few observers by surprise. This is because the first-ever meeting between the leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait squares with longstanding and consistent U.S. policy. And the initiative resonates well with the American people who do not want to become entrapped in a war with China over Taiwan. Are there any general lessons that might be learned from this breakthrough?

Read the full story at The Diplomat