The China-Taiwan Conundrum

United States relations with the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC) have been tainted by the long-standing dispute between the PRC and Taiwan. US involvement began with support of Taiwan after World War II as an effort to stop the spread of Communism in Asia. In the ensuing 50-plus years, US ties to both the PRC and Taiwan have grown into a tremendously different, extremely complex state. The world threat of Communism does not exist now-eliminating the main reason we supported Taiwan in 1950. Conversely, the PRC is a growing influence in both the Asia-Pacific Region and the world-especially with its expanding economic strength. The more the PRC grows in international prowess, the more motivation the United States has to improve bi-lateral relations with the PRC, but it does not seem the United States is taking advantage of the opportunity.