Taiwan Military Parade Sends Clear Message

Since their split during the Chinese Civil War in 1949, China and Taiwan have had anything but cordial relations. A strange diplomatic murkiness, in which China recognizes Taiwan as a "separate economy," has allowed relations to continue despite both places claiming to be the rightful "Republic of China." This "One China" policy is looking increasingly shaky as a diplomatic prop, however. A recent resolution undertaken by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party seeks to re-craft the Taiwanese constitution and furthermore calls for Taiwan to become a "normal country." Any such move to formalize Taiwan's independence is likely to draw Beijing's ire.

Adding to the heat is the military parade Taiwan held on its national day. Showing off fighter aircraft and other assorted military hardware, the parade, the first in 16 years, dramatically underscored President Chen Shui-bian's rhetoric that decried the mainland's "relentless military build-up" and also called on Taiwan to join the UN. China has consistently refused to allow Taiwan a place in the UN and has, in the past, threatened military action should Taiwan declare a formal independence from the mainland.