Why the heck is France conducting joint naval exercises with China, particularly right before a Taiwanese presidential election?
French President Jacques Chirac, keen to strengthen ties with China and win French business a firm footing in the rapidly growing market, sided with China in January in opposing Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian’s plan to hold a referendum on missile defense alongside presidential elections on March 20.
Ah. Okay, as long as there’s a principled, multi-lateral reason for it, I guess it’s okay.
(via InstaPundit)
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“Through this joint exercise, we hope to learn the French navy’s combat training experience and combat thought,” Ju was quoted as saying.
Heh. For the sake of the Taiwanese, I hope they do learn the French way of war.
“They” being the Chinese.