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While Beijing has been willing to accommodate Taiwan in such areas as economic cooperation, slightly more international space and a diplomatic truce, it has not done much in terms of reducing military pressure. And while it continues to increase its military capabilities, it is also putting pressure on the United States to halt or at least reduce arms sales to Taiwan.

This is not in Taiwan's interests and, ultimately, it is not in China's interests as well. Beijing's top priority right now should be to enhance Ma's standing among the voters so as to ensure his re-election in 2012. If Ma is defeated in the next presidential election, the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party will return to power and cross-straits tensions will inevitably heighten...