THE BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS DECISION TO SELL F-16 FIGHTERS TO TAIWAN: A CASE STUDY OF THE DECISIVE FACTORS IN AMERICAN CHINA POLICY Zhang Qingmin (97) The Chinese are very often puzzled by the inconsistent, sometimes contradictory, positions in US China policy. Scholars in the U.S. have different views on ho w U.S. foreign policies are made. Choosing Washingtons decision to sell F-16 f i ghters to Taiwan in 1992 as a case study, this paper traces George Bushs polic y making process, which shows that changes in the international structure gave Bu sh the necessary leeway with China, and that the pressure of the economy and ele ctoral politics were the sufficient and immediate factors in the decision. Congr essional pressure played some role, but not as big as electoral politics and eco nomic considerations.