China protests U.S. House vote on Taiwan

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China protests U.S. House vote on Taiwan

By Paul Eckert
BEIJING, Feb 2 (Reuters) - China's Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador Joseph Prueher on Wednesday to protest the House of Representatives' passage of legislation boosting military ties with Taiwan, the ministry said in a statement.

Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi conveyed to Prueher China's "utmost indignation at and firm opposition to" the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act passed by the House on Tuesday despite opposition from the Clinton Administration, the ministry said.

Yang blasted the measure as "a serious encroachment on China's sovereignty (and) a gross interference in China's internal affairs", said the statement.

China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has threatened to attack the Nationalist-ruled island if it ever declares a formal break from the mainland.

Yang demanded that the Clinton administration "keep its promise to block the legislation" and promptly curtail sales of advanced weapons to Taiwan.

The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act would establish direct military communications between Washington and Taipei and expand U.S. training of Taiwan's military officers.

It also requires the president to report to Congress annually on Taiwan's defence requests, making it more difficult for the administration to limit arms sales to the island.

The Republican-led House, which includes many staunch Taiwan supporters, approved the bill in a bipartisan vote of 341-70. Before it becomes law, it will have to be reconciled with a similar measure in the Senate, and could then face a presidential veto.

TAIWAN GIVES WARY WELCOME

Tensions between China and Taiwan have increased ahead of March presidential elections in Taipei, which has pressed Washington to provide it with long-range radar equipment and more U.S.-made Patriot missiles.

Taiwan welcomed the U.S. House vote, but analysts were divided on whether the move would chill Taipei's already frosty relations with arch-rival China.

"The passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act reflects the U.S. House of Representatives' concern and support for our security," foreign ministry spokesman Henry Chen told Reuters by telephone. "We appreciate this."

Taiwan's defence ministry said it welcomed any move that would help boost the island's security, but declined further comment.

Some analysts said the bill was sufficient to increase tensions, but not enough to guarantee security.

"The bill will do Taiwan more harm than good," said professor Tim Ting at Taiwan University. "It will only increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait and we can't be sure if Washington will defend Taiwan if China attacks."

Military analyst Lee Chun-yi disagreed, saying the bill would counterbalance China's aggressive military build-up and deter adventurism.

"Some people will argue the bill may provoke China, (but) I would say the bill will increase the defence ability of Taiwan and reduce the possibility of China using military force," said Lee of Tamkang University.

NEW CLOUD OVER TIES

China-U.S. ties have improved in recent months after a period of tension following NATO's bombing of Beijing's embassy in Belgrade last May.

But tensions with Washington have also flared up since the United States said it would sponsor a resolution critical of China at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights.

) copyright 2000 Reuters, Ltd.



-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), February 02, 2000

Answers

An earlier article with related information.

Taiwan: Democracy before Reunification

-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), February 02, 2000.

A friend of mine, with a BIG tiger tattoo on his shoulder, and a commendation signed, in his presence by Sun Yat Sen MIGHT disagree that this is interference with an INTERNAL Chinese matter.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), February 02, 2000.


China sure acts like Clinton is their "boy", don't they?

-- Okie Dan (brendan@theshop.net), February 02, 2000.

Okie - Yes, and so does Clinton.

-- Markus Archus (markus@archus.com), February 02, 2000.

Seems that the Commie Chinese protests over US Congress vote constitutes interference with OUR INTERNAL AFFAIRS!!!!!

-- FedUp (ThrowTheCommieLovers@Out.com), February 02, 2000.


Been to a Wal Mart lately? Have you taken note of how many goods are "Made in China"?

Since most congresscritters refuse to listen to people like you and me, maybe an effective way to address the China problem is simply a grassroots economic boycott. Just refuse to purchase any goods produced in China, and tell the store manager why you're taking your fednotes elsewhere. Given time, this approach may pay handsome dividends. As for me, I will not knowingly support a communist regime in any fashion.

-- Craig (sofpj@netscape.net), February 02, 2000.


After Tiannemen Square, and especially after the spying at Los Alamos, and the alledged inroads toward grabbing the Panama Canal, Walmart and the Red Chinese can kiss our red, white and blue butts. If we want slave-made, cheap goods that bad, we aren't MUCH, are we? Besides, there's always the rest of the world to export our inflation to.

-- Ben Corson (bcorson@dmi.net), February 02, 2000.

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