China's shameful offenses

April 18, 2008

Washington Times


John J. Tkacik Jr. is correct in urging President Bush to not turn a blind eye to China's abuses in Tibet in the lead-up to the Olympic Games ("Leadership event," Commentary, Tuesday).

In fact, China has committed many more shameful offenses justifying the shunning of the games by the heads of states that cherish liberty, democracy and human rights.

To wit, more than 1,000 Chinese missiles, according to a recent Department of Defense report, are targeted at the free and democratic nation of Taiwan. Their numbers are increasing at more than 100 per year. As the world vents its anger over China's brutality in Tibet, it should also condemn China's grave threat against Taiwan. Chinese President Hu Jintao certainly linked Taiwan to Tibet when he sinisterly demanded that the Dalai Lama accept "that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China."

Mr. Tkacik sees no reason why the leaders of the world's democracies should unconditionally grace with their presence the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. Indeed, Mr. Bush should refrain from attending this Chinese propaganda hoopla.


BOB I. YANG

President, Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Washington