Let US feel heat of public anger on arms sales
- Source: Global Times
- [06:19 January 08 2010]
- Comments
While the conduct of a nation's diplomacy on the world stage is the political elite's prerogative, policy and decision-making should be mindful of civil society's concerns.
The Pentagon's latest announcement of selling Patriot Advanced Capability missile equipment to Taiwan, despite Beijing's strong opposition, has triggered outrage among the Chinese. With the Taiwan-related question being one of the core interests of all Chinese people, any government response should reflect public opinion, including anger.
There is a strong case for a public forum and a more thorough discussion, as there are louder, grass-roots voices calling for retaliation and sanctions against the US.
In an online forum held by sina. com, a post listing possible retaliatory measures that "could bring harm to the US core interests" has been read by nearly 20,000 netizens and hotly debated.
In an online debate held by huanqiu.com, by last night, more than 23,600 netizens favored strong retaliatory measures, with 3,100 plus being opposed to it.
Regardless of whether perceptible public sentiment is nationalistic, irrational, or radical, the plain truth is that when it comes to the cross- Taiwan Straits question, Chinese are most touchy and concerned. Washington overplaying its hand with "seesaw tricks" is foredoomed, as it will meet with strong and hostile reactions in China.
The collective interest represented by public opinion should serve as an asset in the decision-making process.
Any number of examples can be cited to emphasize how acute or constructive online suggestions can be. Going beyond mere verbal protest, many have advocated striking back with sanctions against US defense companies, sale of weapons to potential US rivals, a law prohibiting arms sales to Taiwan, or a downgrade of diplomatic relations.
The success of any decision hinges on how much popular support it can win and how much collective resolve it represents. The US government itself is extremely skilled at playing the card of public opinion in pursuit of a foreign policy for serving its national interests.
For a China in transition, ensuring the public's right to know and to participate in policy-making is crucial in its progress toward a civil society.
Open discussions about sensitive and important issues, such as possible retaliatory measures against the US arms sales to Taiwan, can be not only a valuable learning experience for the public, but also an excellent opportunity for decision-makers to get a sense of the potential of public opinion.
Despite being emotive at times, public interest in and passion for foreign policy issues deserve to be sustained and encouraged.
Should China respond strongly against US arms sales to Taiwan?
Hold an open forum, and let the Chinese people have the last word.
