U.S. policy toward China underwent a major change in 2001. The new president, George W. Bush, viewed China as a rising power, intent on changing the Asian balance of power in its favor, and a threat to U.S. interests. In marked contrast to former President Bill Clinton, who called China "a strategic partner," Bush considered China "a strategic competitor." He embarked on a policy of containment and engagement by strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea and Australia, and by improving relations with India and Russia.
U.S. policy toward Taiwan also changed. Abandoning Clinton's "Three-Nos policy" (no U.S. support for Taiwanese independence, two Chinas or Taiwan's entry into international organizations of sovereign states), Bush made his support for Taiwan clear, publicly stating that "the U.S. would assist Taiwan's self-defense whatever it takes" if it was attacked by China.
Bush backed his word with action, approving the sale to Taiwan of advanced weapons, including eight diesel submarines and four missile-guided destroyers.