The U.S. sends another strong message to China

It was interesting visiting the Republic of China, (Taiwan) on an exchange program with the Chinese Air Force back in 1972. of course mainland China was close enough to be seen across the Formosa strait in many places. The uneasy relationship between the Nationalist in Taiwan vs. the Communist mainland and its threats was pretty clear. At that point though the US still had a Military presence in Taiwan which in order to appease mainland China the US ended. In addition the US closed our Embassy there and reduced it to a trade mission. One USAF Colonel (of Chinese birth) that I had met there and was attached to the US Embassy was so upset about that He took His own life. The picture here is of Me on the left with General Chen I Fan, Commander in Chief of the Chinese Air Force. ( same level to our USAF Chief of Staff) I had spent almost two hours along with two US Cadets in private with Him a Headquarters, Chinese Air Force. Our meeting of course wasn't political in nature but did give some positive insight into a Democratic Government within the reach of Mainland China. The sign greeting Us at Taipai airport read "Welcome to the Republic of China where Freedom reigns for all Chinese"