There’s been much discussion over the report today that the United States mistakenly shipped classified technology to Taiwan back in 2006:
The U.S. Air Force mistakenly shipped fuses that are used in nuclear weapons to Taiwan in 2006, believing the crates contained helicopter batteries, officials at the Pentagon announced this morning.
The error — undetected by the United States until last week, despite repeated inquiries by Taiwan — raises questions about how carefully the Pentagon safeguards its weapons systems. It also exposes the United States to criticism from China, a staunch opponent of a militarized Taiwan.
Pentagon officials said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has launched a full investigation. The devices — which, when attached to a missile, help launch the detonating process — have been returned to the United States, and President Bush has been briefed.
“There are multiple players; there are multiple parties involved,” said Ryan Henry, principal deputy undersecretary of defense policy. “We’ll do a thorough investigation, and those who are found responsible will be held accountable.”
Stephen Green points out a not-too-unfortunate benefit of the error:
Why the sudden revelation of two-year-old news? To send a message to China: If you ever threaten to crack down on Taiwan like you’ve cracked down on Tibet, we could ship those fuses to Taipei on purpose.
I mean, who confuses helicopter batteries for nuclear triggers?
A valid point even considering the incompetence of government, and as one of Steve’s commenters points out, just what did the Taiwanese do with those nuclear weapon triggers for two years ?
“Principal deputy undersecretary” ?