There is little doubt that Americans, and all other major powers, have supplied arms in alliances that would eventually turn against them. The reverse happens too: West Germany right after said state was militarized.
I believe that the Americans still can easily defend Taiwan. In a land-based war, American forces, though of course some of the best in the world, would be in trouble because of the sheer number of adversaries (a Chinese army of over 1 million). However, since it's on sea, two battle groups, IMHO, could control the Taiwan strait, and stop the Chinese from going anywhere.
Whether it
should be defended is another member. America has never
formally acknowledged the existance of another state...they've bought the products, and have set up relations, but have
never acknowledged the independance of Taiwan. On the other hand, incursions into democratic countries in the Orient would set a very bad precedent, especially when we consider China's neighbour, North Korea. It is a very sticky situation, one that is not easily solved. My personal vote would be to defend Taiwan. The consequences in North Korea, IMHO, are just too great. [img]smile.gif[/img]