With relations between the United States and China already strained, the president should not make statements that could provoke conflict with China.

Chinese leaders said President Bush is leading the country “on a dangerous road” after pledging this week to defend Taiwan. Bush said the country has an obligation to defend Taiwan against Chinese attack. When asked if that meant using the full force of the American military, he replied, “Whatever it took to help Taiwan defend theirself.”

Later, however, Bush seemed less insistent on that policy. He stayed closer to the traditional U.S. policy outlined by the Taiwan Relations Act.

The act states a commitment to provide weapons for Taiwan’s defense, but does not specify if U.S. troops would aid Taiwan against a Chinese attack. It was enacted in 1979.

Relations with China were also strained this week when the United States struck a deal to sell submarines, destroyers and aircraft to Taiwan. China responded with a formal protest to the arms deal.

Now is not the time to provoke China. The recent collision of a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese jet caused already strained relations to become even more bitter. China is also concerned about U.S. planes flying in its airspace. To make such a strong statement backing up what China views as a renegade province only makes the situation more tense.

The Bush administration should keep in mind China is a superpower and should be treated as such. While it is important to keep a strong stance and to stand firm as a country, that should not include angering other countries if the situation can be avoided.

While the possibility of war seems far off, pushing China too far could result in a serious situation. The threat of a long, devastating conflict, not to mention the possibility of nuclear war, should discourage the United States from pushing China’s buttons.

There is no need for the United States to take preventative action against something that may never happen. Saying the country will do “whatever it takes” puts it firmly in Taiwan’s corner before there has been serious threat of Chinese invasion. The country should get involved only if an attack occurs and intervention is necessary.

This situation is made more dangerous by the ambiguity of Bush’s stance. In one interview he firmly backs Taiwan, in another he sticks to the traditional policy. This is not only confusing it can cause more anger. It could infuriate China more to not know what the country would do than to know whose side it is on.

Bush’s words put the country in a dangerous situation. By backing up Taiwan, China perceives a threat and for that backing to be ambiguous only complicates the situation further.

The president should be sure to have a firm, clear stance before making bold statements that could hurt relations with a nuclear superpower.