ABSTRACT
The missile crisis in the Taiwan Strait during the Taiwan Presidential election in 1996 indicates that it is one of the more dangerous areas in the world where a military conflict could occur. To avoid such a possible conflict and even to build up stable, peaceful and positive relations between the PRC and Taiwan, all the politicians involved should exercise utmost wisdom and patience. They should be aware, on the one hand, that brute force cannot totally solve the complicated cross-Strait problems and may result in hatred and bloody conflict instead. On the other hand, since it takes time to deal with the cross-Strait problems, the military power equilibrium between Taiwan and China may prevent rashness or miscalculation by either side. Moreover, it may encourage more opportunities for solving their problems peacefully. However, these opportunities and expectations for peace cannot be achieved merely by increasing their respective military capabilities. Military equilibrium and avoidance of a spiralling arms race need determined efforts in strategic management.
