Despite plans for massive trade liberalization with mainland China, Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou said Thursday that the island won't allow its world-leading computer-chip makers and flat-panel-screen producers to invest there.

 

Taken alone, President Ma’s play is a straight-laced Fiat. He’s conveying information without fanfare. But as is so often the case, the Fiat is almost always accompanied by another play for a more nuanced and powerful effect.

 

True enough, Mr. Ma ran a Screen to support his Fiat. He referenced other nations' refusal to allow similar items to be manufactured in China. The Screen makes Mr. Ma’s decision less vulnerable to attack—a savvy political play on a sensitive topic.

 

Posted by: John Koval

 

Photo Credit: China Post