China's push to Vatican

As everyone knows China has started their worldly quest to take over Taiwan. It seams that every two to three days there is some new news. I'm not here to talk about all those events at this time.

I just find the timing in very poor taste for China to ping the Vatican with its "list of pre-conditions to establish ties." I know why they did it now rather then later. They are in shock and angry that Taiwan's president is attending the late Pope John Paul II's funeral. I am sure they gave a call to Italy as soon as they heard the news that visas were approved.

A Pope's death should be no reason to make demands and toss out pre-conditions for the Vatican to accept China. Heck, why should the Vatican (except for the money), when China still wants to call all the shots over who the Church can appoint Chinese Catholic Bishops. I assume China knows which Bishops can serve the Church best.

Is it that China may drop this demand? Maybe it is really about the Vatican denouncing its ties with Taiwan. If the Vatican does that I think China got what they wanted. Appointing Bishops is crazy by The Communist Party. At this time they do not even allow Catholics to recognize the Pope's authority. So why in heaven would they be so excited to appoint Bishops.

I'm sure other people can say what I did more eloquently, but you get the point. President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) have a good trip, go rub shoulders with other dignitaries, take in the beauty of Vatican City, and spend time in reflective prayer for Pope John Paul II, the country you lead and its people. Peace