At TDS we are in general slightly amused by the fact that China is dictating world affairs nowadays. Whether it’s regarding business, climate or politics, the world has generally bent over to the Middle Kingdom, which is of course especially painful to the arrogant previous rulers of the world, the United States. After the fuss about Google and cyber-warfare, we now have a military dispute between these two superpowers about the recently announced arms sale by the U.S. to Taiwan worth US$ 6.4 billion. The package includes 114 Patriot missiles, 60 Black Hawk choppers and communications equipment for Taiwan’s F-16 jets.

As expected, Beijing is bitching about the deal, saying it will suspend military exchanges with the U.S., review co-operation on major issues and impose sanctions on companies selling arms. Especially the latter point is interesting, as both the EU and U.S. have banned firms from selling arms to China since the Tiananmen “brawls.” The fact that these threats are coming from a country that has a missile aimed at every soul in Taiwan and is notorious for its arms dealings with the *cough* peaceful regimes of Zimbabwe, Myanmar and Sudan, as well as supplying cheap guns to Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa, is rather ironic to say the least.

Noting that it could have been a lot worse -Taiwan really wants new fighter jets and submarines instead of a few choppers- we hope Beijing calms down a bit and allows the U.S. to get some money in without borrowing for a change. Either that or show us that pink hotness in action!