The American Spectator

Not that Beijing was satisfied. The PRC warned that the Chen visit might “severely” damage Sino-American relations. China has similarly pressured other nations. Beijing sought to convince Great Britain to prevent President Lee from visiting and Japan to bar former President Lee from receiving medical treatment.

GRANTED, RELATIONS WITH the PRC are important. There is no one best strategy to diffuse a potential confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, and selling weapons to Taiwan, as well as offering vague promises of defense, are actions that warrant serious debate. But there should be no compromise over America extending its hospitality to those who share its ideals around the globe. They should be encouraged, not just allowed, to come for alumni visits, trip layovers, and political discussions. This is an internal affair for the U.S. in which China has no right to interfere.

It’s obvious that Beijing has yet to get the message that it cannot dictate American policy towards visitors. The Bush administration should call in China’s ambassador to settle the matter once and for all. Like Beijing, he should be told, America does not appreciate outside interference in its internal affairs. Washington will allow whomever to visit whenever it desires.