From Reuters:
Republican presidential candidate John McCain would seek to defend Taiwan and play hard ball with China if he comes to office, but Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama would further sideline Taipei as he courts Beijing.
Analysts say neither candidate would radically change today’s status quo, but the former World War Two commander McCain is seen favoring Taiwan, which Americans of his generation called “Free China” but which now struggles for an international voice.
China has claimed sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Beijing has vowed to bring the island back under mainland rule, by force if necessary, but relations have improved since the inauguration of Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in May.
