The dour view of the Communist Party leadership was recently revealed when it made the threat that Taiwan could face military assault if the Island's leaders continued to delay talks on negotiating a return to the Mainland. Beijing has ratched up the ante. Previously, the Chinese reserved the right to invade if Taiwan declared independence. Now, invasion is possible just because the Taiwanese will not talk about a future together.

The August military document made clear that "it is better to fight now than future (sic)-the earlier, the better. The reason being that, if worst comes to worst, we will gain control of Taiwan before the deployment of the US troops." It brags that China is "willing to sustain major losses of our armed forces to defend just one square inch of land."

The Chinese make reference to America's war in Iraq and Kosovo where invasion was impossible. The Americans were confined to an air war. But, it is argued, China can prevail against any American aerial assault.

The Central Military Commission reveals many aspects of its strategy and assumptions. It belittles American intelligence reports that China's military is not ready for a war. It boasts that the Chinese already have successful experience in fighting American armed forces. It lays out a plan of rapid naval assault and occupation and it minimizes the possibility of nuclear war.

Perhaps the most astounding revelation is that the Party's Central Committee has decided to share their military goals with President Clinton and other American leaders in order to prevent the U.S. from escalating the war and acting in an irresponsible way by defending Taiwan.

Drawing upon its experiences in the Vietnam War, Chinese military strategists contend that "(p)rolonged warfare will work to our advantage and enable us to defeat the enemy, which will be one of our strategic options to win the war under extreme circumstances."

The Chinese government admits that the campaign for reunification with Taiwan enhances "the morale of the Party, the armed forces, and the people." Planning for war with Taiwan provides an opportunity to cover-up the domestic problems of corruption, environmental destruction, and authoritarian rule.

The U.S. has been aware of this growing bellicosity. Several years ago, U.S. spy satellites took pictures of an explosion of a kiloton neutron bomb in China's nuclear testing area. The U.S. has monitored China's recent importation of millions of barrels of oil which is designed for military usage.

What is amazing is America's response to these threats, revelations, and tests.

First of all, the White House seems to have conceded to China's military claims. Official policy is not to support new arms shipments to Taiwan, nor closer U.S.-Taiwan military ties. Even more incredible, pro-administration consultants like Professor David Shambaugh conclude that "China's military threat is nothing to worry about in the short term." What if he is wrong?

We have not learned anything from the Chinese invasion of Korea, the Indonesian invasion of East Timor, or the Chinese repression of Tibet.

What should we do?

First of all, in the tradition of Woodrow Wilson, publicize all of our military knowledge about China. No secrets. The Cambodians knew about the "secret" invasion of Cambodia, and the Taiwanese know about China's confidential plans.

Second, begin a counter-defense in the Pacific Rim which will hobble if not cripple China's nationalistic program. This would include finding safe harbors for the Seventh Fleet in Pusan, Camranh Bay, and eventually Taiwan. Co-ordinate a campaign in the UN to give Japan a permanent seat on the Security Council so it could promote countervailing policies to neutralize China. Actively include Taiwan's participation in a large number of non-governmental organizations, and in agencies of international bodies.

Third, use the World Trade Organization as a wedge to blunt China's aggressive attitude toward Taiwan. For instance, insist that China's membership be predicated on supporting Taiwan's full membership, even to the extent that Taiwan has the right to trade directly with China, and to have political and economic representation in China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Currently Taiwan has to ship its goods to China through a third country or on a non-Taiwanese carrier. These economic restrictions should be abrogated immediately. Furthermore, a Taiwanese or international agency should be established in China to settle diplomatic, security, trade, and financial problems dealing with relations between China and Taiwan. Today Taiwanese have no "rights" in China. If the two do go to war, who will handle the affairs of captured Taiwanese and their confiscated property? The establishment of WTO membership must ensure that Taiwan and its citizens will not become hostages to China's nationalistic policies. If we don't, then China will use the WTO as just another "Great Wall of Iron and Steel" to isolate and weaken a strong ally and democratic nation in East Asia.