re: So Russia is an evil empire trying to destroy us, yet China we must kneel to?

One owns most of our debt, is an economic powerhouse and a significant trading partner. The other exports oil (not to us), vodka, brides, mafia and porn.

Those significant differences aside, I don't see the big deal in talking to the leader of Taiwan after 40 years of the cold shoulder. But we will see what comes of it.