China summoned U.S. Ambassador Joseph Prueher to the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday to protest the arms sale, but it had no direct comment on Bush's apparent pledge to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

CNN: Bush vows 'whatever it takes' to defend Taiwan

However, on May 20th, Admiral Joseph Prueher, the commander of American forces in the Pacific, said that America was considering once again increasing its use of the naval facilities in Subic Bay not as a base, you understand, just as a frequent port of call.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines