Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "U.S. Moves Global Strategic Focus Toward Asia"

In an interview with Wang Baoqing, a researcher with the Strategic Research Department of the Academy of Military Science, Cai Dongchen wrote in official, intellectually-oriented Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao, 8/10): "No matter whether it is containment or engagement, the U.S. aim is to westernize and split China.... By westernizing China, the United States is seeking to make China enter the U.S.-led global capitalist economic system and the get on the track of democratic politics which it has been long pursuing. By splitting China, the United States is trying to prevent China from growing into a strong country which is powerful enough to become a real threat to it."

"International Anti-China Forces"

Anhua maintained in the official English-language China Daily (8/9): "Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, international anti-China forces have never stopped trying to split the country. They openly or secretly support 'splittist' activities in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities and in Taiwan. Recently, they fabricated the 'China threat' theory, trying to sow discord between China and its neighbors. The United States bombed the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia, openly infringing upon China's sovereignty; the Cox Report tried to vilify China by alleging that China stole U.S. nuclear technology. Lee's theory sides with the international anti-China forces. Lee hopes to count on international forces to help split the motherland."

"China Firm In Guarding Integrity"

Xu Yang said in the official, English-language China Daily (8/9): "China's Defense Minister Chi Hiaotian said last Saturday that the PLA 'stands ready to use force to smash any attempt to split the motherland.' The minister warned Lee and the Taiwan authorities 'not to underestimate our firm resolution to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not to underestimate our courage and strength against separation and Taiwan's independence.'"

"Lee Sticks To His Separatism"

Readers of the official, English-language China Daily saw this Xinhua News Agency commentary (8/7): "Lee has taken different ways to interpret his mainland policy and destroy cross-Strait relations, but his separatist nature can not be covered up."

"Lee Teng-hui's 'Change' And 'Non-Change'"

A Xinhua commentator argued in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 8/6): "Lee Teng-hui is going further and further on the track of opposing the one-China policy. He has never changed his scheme to achieve a separate rule over Taiwan and create 'two Chinas' by disturbing, obstructing and sabotaging cross-Strait relations. He has been consistently pressing ahead with divisive activities and taking risks. He has finally removed his fig leaf."

"China Firm In Guarding Integrity"

Xu Yang commented in the official, English-language China Daily (8/6): "The mainland will not hesitate to use force against Taiwan at any price if the island declares independence from China, military experts warned.

"Defense Minister Chi Haotian said last Saturday that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) 'stands ready to use force to smash any attempt to split the motherland.'"

"Spokesman Blasts U.S. Bill"

According to a Xinhua item in the official, English-language China Daily (8/6): "China strongly resents and firmly opposes a recent bill submitted by a few U.S. Congress representatives in support of 'one China, one Taiwan' and 'the independence of Taiwan,' said Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao. "Zhu described the bill as 'a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a gross interference in China's internal affairs, and an open provocation against all the Chinese people."

"Trouble-Making Senator"

Jin Zeqing insisted in the official, English-language China Daily (8/5): "Some U.S. China-haters are adding fuel to the flames of the tension across the Taiwan Strait. Soon after trotting out the so-called 'China threat' theory in a Wall Street Journal article several weeks ago, Senator Jesse Helms set a hearing on his Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which would require greater U.S. support for Taiwan's defense. Such an initiative is enough to drive the separatists in Taiwan to fancy that the island can depend on the United States when it declares independence. State Department spokesman James Rubin said on Tuesday: 'We do not think the bill is helpful, especially given the sensitivity of Taiwan.' Helms, and those U.S. politicians who think they can play with fire over the Taiwan issue, should not underestimate the Chinese government's resolution to stop the splittism. China is neither Iraq nor Yugoslavia." [NOTE: With reference to a bill in the U.S. Congress which purportedly advocates a "one-China, one Taiwan" policy, almost all Chinese newspapers (8/5) carried an article headlined "A leading official of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress strongly condemns a few U.S. congressmen for sponsoring a bill to split China."]

"How Can Word 'Special' Hide Divisive Reality Of 'Two-States' Concept?"

Li Yihu said this in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 8/5): "It is clear that Lee Teng-hui is the ringleader in creating obstacles in the way of cross-Strait relations and sabotaging the reunification of China."

"Arms Deal Unacceptable"

Jin Zeqing observed in the official English-language China Daily (8/4): "Ignoring the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 communique, the United States has driven a wedge into the already strained Sino-U.S. relations and further whipped up the cross-Strait tension caused by Taiwanese 'president' Lee Teng-hui's open claim of 'state-to-state relations' with the Chinese mainland. The United States' decision to sell arms to Taiwan once again puts the Clinton administration's sincerity and commitment to the 'one China' policy in doubt. Despite the pretexts which Pentagon officials gave for their arms sales to Taiwan, the United States is actually endeavoring to drag the island, a part of Chinese territory, into its sphere of influence and thus seize control of the area."

"'Two-Nations' Concept Will Bring Disaster To Taiwan"

Hong Jiashu maintained in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmim Ribao, 8/4): "Lee Teng-hui's 'two-nations' concept will only arouse even stronger vigilance among the international community.... President Clinton's reiteration of his firm commitment to the one-China policy and many other countries' similar statements fully reflect the position of the international community." [Note: All Chinese newspapers (8/4) continued their campaign of criticizing Li Hongzhi and 'Falun Gong.']

"Working Class Should Be At Forefront In Repudiating 'Falun Gong'"

A Xinhua commentator held in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 8/3): "By spreading fallacies, Li Hongzhi and his 'Falun' group are trying to confuse people and turn the group into a political force that opposes the Communist Party and the government in order to realize Li Hongzhi's sinister political objectives at last. As China's reforms enter a crucial stage, social stability and a steadily growing working class are the basis for economic development. In the serious ideological and political struggle to expose and repudiate Li Hongzhi and his 'Falun Dafa,' the working class should stand at the forefront."

HONG KONG: "Beijing Sends U.S. A Wake-Up Call On Its Status"

Cary Huang commented in the independent Hong Kong Standard (8/10): "Last week, Beijing flexed its military muscle with the test launch of a newly-developed missile.... The warning was thought to be necessary in the light of Washington's intervention in Iraq and Yugoslavia.... The developments are obviously Beijing's response to the increasing American role in policing the world. It is also a wake-up call to the United States to pay more attention to Beijing's stature in world affairs. China is displaying a level of impatience about the slow progress being made to acknowledge its international status. But it does not mean Beijing is preparing for an all-out confrontation with United States because a war would be too costly for the developing giant to sustain."

"Power-Hungry Senators Main Obstacle To Sino-U.S. Ties"

Alan Castro commented in the independent Hong Kong Standard (8/8): "The U.S. system is supposed to be executive-led; and Congress is there to check the executive's temptation to abuse his power. As seen from China however, it appears very much the reverse, and one-sided; with Congress abusing its power to check and becoming the power in itself, whereas the White House executive is heard to whimper and warn with little effect.... While there is little doubt of Mr. Clinton's sincerity in his frequent articulation of building ever closer ties with China for this or that reason, Congress has been pulling the other way just as hard, and perhaps harder still. Let alone the number of meaningless anti-China bills. These are meant to raise Chinese ire, to ridicule China, and to manifest the depth of racial contempt some of these senators feel for the country.... So, just as Israel serves as America's cat among the pigeons in the Middle East, Taiwan has for decades been developed and groomed to be the citadel from which the United States shall dictate and control the pace and dimension of China's power growth. Therein contains both the question and answer to whether or not there is to be a Sino-U.S. relations of mutual accommodation."

"Taiwan Tension"

The independent South China Morning Post noted in its editorial (8/6): "The Clinton administration has barely concealed its anger with Mr. Lee for precipitating what is seen as an unnecessary crisis. But nothing is more likely to fuel such misconceptions than the bill introduced by Senator Jesse Helms.... The bill may stand little chance of becoming law. But that is not the point. Already it has provoked a furious response from Beijing, where understanding of the U.S. legislative process is often in short supply. If it progresses further, there may be a risk that such denunciations would be followed by rash actions. By far the best course of action for anyone who cares about stability in Asia would be to see this bill die a quick death in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee."

"Stop-And-Go Signals"

According to an editorial in the independent South China Morning Post (8/5): "The mainland's renewed refusal to allow a U.S. military aircraft to make a routine stop here yesterday came as something of a surprise, since it was assumed that allowing a similar landing last Wednesday was a move towards normal relations. Since then a rash of mixed signals have passed between Washington and Beijing. The ban was in sharp contrast to the mood on Monday, when the China Daily carried a front-page picture showing the Defense Minister Chi Haotian and a U.S. military attache jovially toasting each other at the PLA anniversary banquet.... This sour note came after Beijing's acceptance of a compensation package for bombing victims and friendlier trade talks had suggested the worst was over."

"U.S. Should Not Sell Advanced Weapons To Taiwan"

Pro-PRC Wen Wei Po intoned (8/5): "The United States is the key to solving the Taiwan problem.... However, it continues to sell military weapons to Taiwan, with an increase in both quality and quantity.... By doing so, United States has actually broken its own promise, which will definitely bring tension and negative factors to Sino-U.S. relations."

"China's Anger"

Independent Sing Tao Daily News stressed (8/5): "Beijing obviously thinks that Lee Teng-hui is backed by the United States, otherwise, he would not be so fearless. Hence, Beijing is angry with the United States. The reason China tested the Dong Feng-31 long-range missile was to tell the United States that China's advanced strategic power is improving, and it which has the ability to reach U.S. territory. In addition, China banned a U.S. aircraft from going to Hong Kong after the United States announced that it would sell weapons to Taiwan, showing that China is not happy with the United States. It is anticipated that if the situation in the Taiwan Strait does not improve, it will be difficult for China and the United States to restore cordial relations."

"A Little Twist Will Not Affect Overall Sino-U.S. Ties"

Independent Apple Daily News judged (8/5): "The Beijing government's denial of permission again for a U.S. military aircraft to come to Hong Kong may be revenge against the United States for selling weapons to Taiwan recently. The hard-liners and moderates inside the Beijing government are still wrestling. The U.S. sale of weapons to Taiwan at this particular tense moment is equal to giving Beijing a slap on the face. Beijing had to have some reaction."

"Strengthen National Defense Power; Safeguard World Peace"

Pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao theorized (8/5): "In order to maintain its overlord status, the United States is implementing its 'two oceans strategy'. This means that through the eastward expansion of NATO and enhancing military cooperation in Asia, the strategy in the East and the West will echo each other. While getting into Europe and Asia, the United States has tried to stop those countries or country groups that challenge U.S. 'leadership.' The United States, Europe and Japan, owing to their common interests, have heightened their alliance, which is led by the United States. They use the military alliance as the tie and multi-lateral dialogue as the international security system. They attempt to use their strong military power to threaten those not in the alliance. In Asia, the United States makes use of the U.S.-Japan Security Pact alliance to assess the 'Theater Missile Defense system' so as to strengthen its hegemony in the Pacific Region. This has seriously threatened the national security of China. Hence, China should be vigilant in peace time and strengthen its national defense facilities."

"China, U.S. Launch Missile Tests"

In the editorial view of the centrist Hong Kong Daily News (8/4): "China launched a test of the Dong Feng-31 missile, demonstrating strong deterrent force. This is equal to making a strong protest against independence for Taiwan and containment by the United States. For a similar reason, the United States tested its anti-missile missile. The political meaning of this is more than its military meaning.... If China shot eight to ten Dong Feng-31 missiles, and one of them hit one of the cities in the United States, the United States would not be able to bear the loss.... [The United States] wants to launch a 'counter-protest' against China politically and to placate the Americans who fear death."

"Missile Diplomacy"

The independent South China Morning Post noted in its editorial (8/3): "The missile test is a wake-up call; China's military capabilities are growing, while its intentions remain murky. But the call remains much less than an urgent alarm."

"Missile Test; Many Birds Killed By One Stone"

The independent Sing Pao Daily News' editorial stressed (8/3): "The United States bombed our Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia, and Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui put forward the 'two states theory' to spilt the nation. All this gives substantial meaning to the missile test launched by China. It tells the United States that China should not be bullied because Chinese strategic missiles can reach U.S. territory, and their precision is always improving. In addition, Chinese missiles can frighten the forces of Taiwan's independence."

JAPAN: "China's Missile: Military Tensions Hamper Dialogue"

Liberal Tokyo Shimbun's editorial maintained (8/5), "The history of China-Taiwan relations is a complicated one. An expansion of military tension will not solve the issues between the two but will hamper their dialogue. Beijing also should consider the growing [regional] discussion on the threat of China.... The [Japanese] Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its concern on the missile test to the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. The Japanese government should...consider making a protest against China."

"China's Missile: China's 'Self-Righteousness' Regrettable"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai stressed (8/5): "China has lost more than it has gained by the missile test. China is the country that bears the larger responsibility for the stability of East Asia. Self-righteous action based on the short-term national interest would degrade its international credibility and lessen the national interest in the long-term. China should quietly meditate on this point."

"China's Missile Launch Increases Tensions In Asia"

Liberal Mainichi's editorial held (8/4): "Missile development inevitably leads to nuclear warhead development. The Japanese government should not only oppose North Korea's missile launches but criticize China's missile development because it may increase tensions in Asia."

"China's Missile Launch Must Not Expand Arms Race"

An editorial in liberal Asahi stressed (8/4): "On the day of its missile test, China protested against the United States' decision to sell military aircraft to Taiwan. The U.S.-China confrontation over Taiwan must have been a factor behind China's test-launch. It is up to China to decide whether it will engage in an arms race.

"A Chinese military build-up would increase tension in the region and affect international stability. The United States and China should avoid the vicious circle of an arms race."

"We Should Watch China's Intention Behind Missile Test"

Conservative Sankei argued (8/4): "First, we should not misread China's real intention behind the missile test, but we must continue to be vigilant. Secondly, Japan should make further efforts to develop a Theater Missile Defense system with the United States in order to prepare for an imminent threat of nuclear missiles. A threat would not be a threat if we have the means to defend ourselves."

INDONESIA: "Falun Gong Raid Shocks Followers"

The leading, independent Jakarta Post carried this op-ed piece by I. Wibowo, who asserted (7/31): "By taking such [harsh] action against Falun Gong, the Chinese Communist Party has retrieved its old arsenal, namely victimization.... This certainly has shocked the younger generation which has never experienced such a systematic and fierce offensive. But, this should not surprise anybody who knows about the character of a Leninist state like China. Any action or movement, even without weapons, is invariably considered a threat to its power. As power is monopolized by one group, other groups have to be crippled. Next October, China will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the republic. People are only reminded that, politically, nothing has changed since then."

MACAU: "U.S. Should Not Wade In Troubled Waters"

The pro-PRC Macau Daily News had this editorial view (8/8): "As everyone knows, the United States and Japan are the places of origin and the breeding grounds for 'Taiwan independence' overseas. The power behind 'Taiwan independence' has always looked to the United States and Japan for support.... Lee Teng-hui and his like adopt the line of 'Taiwan independence' because they consider the United States and Japan as backers of splittist activities. The United States is now the only superpower. It, of course, would not like to see the reunification of China, which would be strong and wealthy. As for Japan, its spirit of militarism refuses to go away. It always wants to take more and more. However, because of fears regarding the present situation, the United States and Japan have to retain cordial relations with China.... When Sino-U.S. relations are not smooth, we hope that the U.S. government will not wade through the troubled waters of the Taiwan issue. The cross-Strait issue should be solved by the Chinese people. If the United States wants to help, it should be cautious."

PHILIPPINES: "China's Leaders Have Many Problems"

Julius Fortuna wrote in his column in the government-controlled People's Journal (8/10): "China cannot afford at the moment to host Falun Gong, even if this movement does not bear arms. This movement's philosophy contradicts the official line, and Chinese leaders fear that if the movement spreads, instability will come to China.... Recent reports say Falun Gong has been checked. The people's daily says 98.9 percent of the Communist Party members who joined the movement have left.... China's leaders have many problems. Tibet is one, human rights is second, and the growing westernization of the Chinese youth brought about the new open door policy. But it knows one thing: to defend the nation state, it has to crack the whip when necessary. The Falun Gong reprisal is just one of them."

SINGAPORE: "Less Said, The Better"

The pro-government Straits Times held (8/5): "It is living dangerously for (Taiwan's President) Lee to push so doggedly his idea of elevating Taiwan to a sovereign status that is on par with China, even if his supporters argue that the Taiwanese already enjoy de facto statehood.

"He cannot dismiss Beijing's threats to use force to prevent this from happening. All that he has achieved with his pronouncement is to escalate cross-Strait tension in the run-up to Taiwan's presidential election next year.... This is a risky game. An accident could happen and spark an armed conflict.... Until Mr. Lee's pronouncement, there was every indication that the Chinese were serious about building up mutual confidence. Now they have no doubts about his intentions."

SOUTH KOREA: "Arms Race By Japan, China Harms Peace"

An editorial in independent Dong-A Ilbo held (8/6): "China tested a long-range missile, and Japan is now said to have plans to manufacture two aircraft carriers. As if these are an indication of the beginning of an arms race by these two potentially global military powers, neighboring nations already find themselves in jitters. Korea, for one, would certainly be [a victim,] being caught in a tug-of-war between these two powers.... Clearly, Japan is under the impression that it is gradually taking required steps to become a military power.... As if to prove this, it recently obtained a whole new military status under the Defense Guidelines with the United States, through which Japan is now invited to join military operations in the waters of Korea and Taiwan when need requires. In addition, Japan says it wants to possess aircraft carriers soon. When it has them, it would mean an unlimited military activity by Japan in the region.... All this risks provoking other nations, particularly China and Russia, into an arms race."

"A Missile Typhoon In Northeast Asia"

Kim Byung-chan noted in moderate Hankook Ilbo (8/4): "China's latest missile test was more of a show of force toward the United States than anything else. More specifically, its message was that China won't be sitting idly by when the United States, Taiwan and Japan are materializing the plans for the TMD. It also carried a message of protest against the recent announcement by the United States that it will soon be selling additional military equipment to Taiwan."

THAILAND: "When The Dragon Roars"

Charoon Seree argued in top-circulation Thai Rath (8/7): "The likelihood of China's launching attacks against Taiwan is less than one percent, for the simple reason that neither side is prepared nor desires to begin a blood feud.... Believe it or not, while both sides are busily engaged in a heated war of words, they concurrently are just as busily engaged in trade.... What is important is that Taiwan is one of China's major trading partners and its biggest foreign investor.... Imagine what would happen if a war erupted. Thousands of billions [sic] of dollars would instantly evaporate in addition to untold losses of lives and properties. Such would be the last scenario the Chinese and Taiwanese leaderships should wish to see."

"Taiwan's Necessity"

Charnnarish Boonpharod commented in elite Naew Na (8/6): "Massive though the Chinese army is, its advanced technology and equipment are far behind those of Taiwan,...and China lacks the equipment to decisively seize Taiwan. The Taiwanese army, on the other hand, is equipped with a highly advanced weapon system, procured mostly from the West, particularly the United States.... But mass psychology is a matter of import. Despite being aware of the superiority of their modern army, the Taiwanese could not help being nervous about it."

"U.S. Congress And Taiwan"

Charnnarish Boonpharod judged in elite Naew Na (8/5): "President Clinton's major battle now is not with the Chinese or Taiwanese governments, but the U.S. Congress....

"The Helms-Torricelli-proposed Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, if passed into law, would lift limitation on arms sales to Taiwan and pave the way for a direct contact between the U.S and Taiwanese armies. The passage of such a law would inevitably unleash China's fury.... It is true Taiwan is important to the United States as a major trading partner, but so is China. If U.S. senators do not wish to see massive U.S. business interests in China affected in a major way, they ought to shelve this bill for the time being. Because changes in its Taiwan or the 'one China' policies are not likely to benefit the United States in any way."

"Falun Gong Alert Has Backfired"

The lead editorial in the top-circulation, moderately conservative, English-language Bangkok Post commented (8/5): "If anything, Beijing's decision to act on its presumption that other sovereign states should dislike what it dislikes has backfired. According to leaders of the sect in Thailand, the publicity generated by the rather clumsy approach has had the effect of attracting an increasing number of adherents. The approach itself, and Beijing's request that Thailand extradite to China Li Hongzhi, the Falun Gong leader who lives in the United States, should he set foot here, has clearly produced a response from people who dislike repression."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Worried In Beijing"

The independent weekly Economist observed (8/6): "As sects go, Falun Gong is pretty benign.... It is neither subversive nor sinister in the way that some sects unquestionably are. To China's leaders, though, it is both potent and dangerous. It fills the gap that communism was meant to fill, sand that capitalism, by showing the bankruptcy of the official religion, has helped to create.... Even if these are not regime-shaking difficulties, they are plainly worrying to President Jiang Zemin and his colleagues.... China's leaders have a keen sense of history. They may try to divert attention with bellicose warnings against Taiwan and tests of long-range missiles. But they know that sects and other religious groups often played a part in the upheavals that wracked imperial China. No doubt the authorities fear a repetition. Yet if anything is likely to bring that about, it is their own reaction. It may yet turn out that the seeds of Chinese communism's eventual collapse will have been sown, not by market economists or human rights activists in the West, but by weird millennarians, inspired by Chinese traditions, in China itself."

"Negotiation Between Equals?"

The independent Jane's Defence Weekly had this commentary (8/4) by Asia-Pacific editor Bob Karniol: "Two main factors appear to have spurred Taiwan towards the renunciation of its long-standing 'one-China' policy: an eroding political position and a window of military strength.... Most Taiwanese have traditionally conceded that Taiwan remains a Chinese province...but they generally reject the corollary, promulgated by Beijing, that any reunification formula requires Taiwan to accept the authority of mainland China's leadership. Lee Teng-hui's evocation of 'state-to-state' relations between Taiwan and China seems aimed at dislodging acceptance of Beijing's corollary. Most worrying to Taipei is the Clinton administration's apparent adoption of Beijing's posture.... In [any] case, the turn of the millennium finds Taiwan with a military advantage that should become increasingly difficult to maintain. Lee Teng-hui has recognized this window of opportunity to seek for Taiwan a stronger political future."

"China's Chilly Seaside"

The independent Financial Times ran this lead editorial (8/3): "The worst fear [of Chinese leaders] must be that social disorder will increase as the economy continues to drift and unemployment increases.

"The conservative inclination then would be to suppress dissent, to slam the brakes on economic reform and to try to hold the country together by whipping up nationalist fervor over Taiwan. The pressure for military intervention could then become intense.... The weak economy, the Belgrade embassy bombing and Washington's shortsighted rejection of China's WTO offer have strengthened the hands of the conservatives and put reforming Prime Minister Zhu Rongji on the defensive. President Jiang Zemin tends to reflect consensus rather than lead opinion, and his position is complicated by his own particular sense of mission on Taiwan. Now, however, is the time for decisive leadership. China has much to lose if he allows his colleagues to get it wrong."

FRANCE: "China, A Diplomatic Missile"

In right-of-center Le Point, Pierre Beylau observed (8/6): "The Chinese want to prove that American protection has its limits, that it is not an absolute guarantee, that it is not forever, and that granting too much credit to Washington is dangerous for their neighbors.... China also wants to find its place on the international scene vis-a-vis the Americans.... China's overweening arrogance permits Beijing to have only one position: that of a dominating power, in order to talk to the United States and Europe as its equal.... These threats are essentially a diplomatic tool. But uncontrolled reactions should be taken into consideration."

"China's Missile Test"

Frederic Bobin concluded in left-of-center Le Monde (8/4): "China seems to be back to the position it held a year ago, when Bill Clinton was visiting Beijing, which was to spoil the strategic relationship between Washington and Taipei, the strengthening of which is worrisome to China. This is an ideal moment, as the Americans are trying to restart with Beijing a dialogue interrupted by the Kosovo war. The Taiwanese president's thundering statement paradoxically warms up their relationship by reinstalling the United States in its position of referee."

GERMANY: "Beijing's Missile Test"

Kai Strittmatter penned this editorial in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (8/4): "China by no means has the military power to defy the United States. It could not even seriously threaten Washington. Of course, Beijing also likes symbolism and likes to praise itself. And of course, the statements of the (Chinese) lieutenant-general are well placed in China's state-run radio that the new missile can reach Seattle from the Chinese province of Heilongjiang.... Nevertheless, the Chinese missiles are simply part of the long march of the People's Liberation Army from a miserably equipped, poorly trained, and badly paid army of farmers' sons to a modern power that must be taken seriously. China still has decades to go along this path.... In comparison to the United States, China is still underdeveloped as far as the military is concerned. This is why State Department spokesman James Rubin did not want to consider the DF-31 missile an 'extraordinary' development. This is no wonder: At the moment, China may have 20 intercontinental missiles, and with the DF-31, it will have ten to twenty more. The United States in turn has approximately 10,000 warheads in its arsenals and more than half of them could be targeted at China any time."

"The Great Bluff"

Harald Maass contended in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (8/4): "The alleged military exercises which Beijing is now orchestrating off the Taiwanese coast to intimidate Taipei are smaller than Beijing wants to make us believe.... Beijing is bluffing. Despite all the uproar, the comrades in Beijing know that they could win an aggressive war against highly-armed Taiwan only by accepting heavy losses.... But Beijing does by no means plan to yield. In contrast to the crisis in 1996, when Beijing fired missiles in the direction of Taiwan, it is confining its activities this time to threatening gestures and to sitting out the crisis.

"This tactic seems to be successful: The United States, Taiwan's most important ally, has clearly warned Taipei against further provocations."

"China's East Wind"

Jacques Schuster wrote in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (8/3): "Yesterday, China tested...a missile which is able to carry nuclear warheads more than 8,000 km.... In other arms sectors, Beijing has also caught up (with other countries).... Nevertheless, China continues to remain a regional power which lacks high technology. Even in 30 years, Beijing will not be competitive in all areas that make up a global power. The leadership in Beijing is aware of this fact. This is why it is its goal to reduce Washington's influence in the region to such a degree that a weakened America needs a regionally dominating China, and finally needs a Chinese global power as a partner."

ITALY: "If Chill Returns To U.S.-China Relations"

Former high-ranking UN official Giandomenico Picco analyzes the prospects of U.S.-China relations on the front page of pro-DS (leading government party) L'Unita (8/6): "The China-Taiwan crisis affects bilateral relations, but also U.S.-China relations and underlines the fragility of the latter. Both countries have decided to look ahead, and a series of visits and direct contacts among respective government officials is already on the agenda for the next few weeks. Much more important is the meeting between Clinton and Jiang Zemin scheduled to take place in New Zealand in September.... It is inconceivable that Beijing may seek a real confrontation with the United States or vice versa: The interest of both is to establish good economic relations and mutual political respect. But neither country has full control of the factors that may affect their relations, and Taiwan remains an element that can cause further deterioration.... In the short term, the evolution of U.S.-China relations will be decided, once again, by China's inclusion or exclusion from the WTO."

"Why China Fears An Apolitical Sect"

Sandro Viola penned this analysis in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (8/6): "The fiftieth anniversary of Communist China is coming up on a very cloudy scenario. Notwithstanding the efforts made over the last few years by Beijing government leaders to integrate China into the spirit and the rules of the international community, China remains 'different,' an 'alien' that is constantly clashing with one aspect or another of the normal relations among states. The latest example is the heat provoked by the reactions of a mystic, very large sect that, notwithstanding the heavy police measures adopted against it, does not seem to have any intentions of dismantling."

"China And Its Weapons"

Centrist, influential La Stampa front-paged this commentary (8/5) by former Italian ambassador to Washington, Boris Biancheri, who opined: "We should not assume that the Chinese are good and that they will never resort to their missiles.... No one devotes time and money to developing a weapon if he does not foresee using it eventually. Some will say that all of this is not new and that the USSR and the United States have threatened each other with nuclear destruction for 40 years and nothing has happened. But they had also gradually built a cage of disarmament agreements to serve as self-limitation.... Nothing of the sort exists today between the United States and China."

"China Defies U.S., Clash Over Nuclear Weapons"

Washington correspondent Massimo Cavallini noted in pro-DS (leading government party) L'Unita (8/5): "Clinton obviously aims to preserve the substance of his 'engagement' policy toward China and plans to go to the meeting with Jiang Zemin--during the APEC Conference in New Zealand next month--in an atmosphere of better detente. Before then, however, the frail equilibrium of his policy will again have to face very troubled waters in Congress."

HUNGARY: "China-Taiwan-U.S."

Asia expert Csilla Medgyesi aired these views in views on the China-Taiwan conflict in influential, liberal Magyar Hirlap (8/6): "The United States' situation is not that rosy either. The Clinton administration is holding on to its 'one China' policy and firmly believes that best tools for slowing down Beijing are a 'constructive approach and strategic partnership' instead of threats.... But, as usual, the Republicans...want to defend Taiwan, [even] at a time, when it shouldn't be defended."

"China's Missile A Warning To Taiwan"

Leading Nepszabadsag judged (8/4): "Observers view that the main reason for the Chinese missile test early this week is the developing Beijing-Taipei tension and that the Chinese military's test of the nuclear warhead is to give an extra warning to Taiwan. Experts say that the other recent missile test carried out by the United States in New Mexico has also proven very promising. But Washington gave a quite a low-key comment to the Chinese test."

NORWAY: "Norway Welcomes Taiwanese Guest"

Conservative Aftenposten commented (8/4): "Norway has in recent days had an 'unofficial' visit from Taiwan's Economic Minister, Chih-Kang Wang, who is the highest representative of the Chinese island state ever to be received in this country.... The United States has, ever since the Communists took power in mainland China in 1949, held its hand over Taiwan, where the Chinese nationalist leaders established their own rule. It is also right today to oppose a state's use of military power to conquer a country in order to secure economic and political advantages.... With the possibilities for cooperation and trade, investment and research, that Taiwan represents, it is correct for Norwegian institutions to make contact with authorities there. And China should know that the country cannot become a partner in the international economy and politics if it chooses to use military might in order to advance its interests. Only pragmatic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait points to a better future."

THE NETHERLANDS: "Tensions In The East"

Influential, independent NRC Handelsblad's editorial declared (8/3): "The number-one thing on China's wish list is reintegration with Taiwan. Leaders on both sides are becoming impatient.... China has further increased recent tensions by [testing] long-range missiles.... Experts do not think that China's military potential would be sufficient for a military takeover of Taiwan. But a series of events--the failed trade talks with Beijing, the Cox report about the Chinese nuclear espionage in the United States, the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, unfortunate remarks made by Taiwan's president, and Beijing's reaction to that--have disturbed the peace in the region. Prevention is a key aspect in the theory of crisis control. Yet it seems as if the world leaders are once again being taken by surprise."

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Information Agency

Office of Public Liaison

Telephone: (202) 619-4355

8/10/99

# # #