Our good secretary of state has managed to piss off both Taiwan and China by what was probably just a slip. Visiting China, he had this to say about the so-called rogue island.

Taiwan is not independent. It does not enjoy sovereignty as a nation, and that remains [“¦] our firm policy.”Â?

Let sleeping dogs lie! Powell just opened up a real can of worms that no one knows how to read. The comments instantly angered Taiwan and prompted rampant speculation that the US was “punishing” President Chen Shui-bian for his proposed plans to hold a national referendum on declare formal independence. Some even suggested that the US was even rewarding China for its help in negotiating with North Korea. But at the same time, others have seen it as a rebuke to China: Powell also said he think the parties should return to the negotiating table, which have been suspended since 1999, and China has frankly said “keep dreaming.”

My take? I think Powell—a professional soldier, not a career diplomat—simply muddled up the delicate diplomo-speak, and to quote the not-so-nice comments of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan is effectively sovereign the the secretary of state was displaying his “ignorance of the facts.” Our policy hasn’t changed, so everyone should just chill out!

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