Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Crisis Gives U.S. Companies Chance To Expand In Asia"

The official, English-language China Daily maintained (2/25): "While the Asian financial crisis has been blamed for falling profits in the United States, it has also opened the way for U.S. companies to sell sedans in Indonesia and open more Eddie Bauer stores in Japan. A number of U.S. businesses have seen the crisis as a chance to take advantage of low-cost investing in Asia and a greater openness among some

companies toward foreign ownership."

"U.S. Continues To Back China's WTO Entry"

Zou Chunyi held in the official Communist Party People's Daily Overseas Edition (Renmin Ribao Haiwaiban, 2/24): "At a press conference, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Summers, currently visiting China, said that the United States will continue to support China's effort to enter the WTO. He stressed that the United States is very interested in China's entry into the WTO and is prepared to work with China to achieve this objective." Note: This article also appeared in the official, English-language China Daily under the headline, "U.S. Still Backing Nation's WTO Entry."

"Two Reverse Trends"

Gu Ping commented in the official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 2/13): "The launch of the United States' 'Theatre Missile Defense Plan' is a setback that will not only endanger the stability of Asia, but will trigger a new round in the arms race. On top of that, the U.S. Congress passed a bill to include Taiwan in this plan. Despite the claimed 'defensive nature,' it is not difficult to see the real motive: to encourage Taiwan's independence and hamper China's reunification. If implemented, this plan will threaten Asian stability and security."

"Sino-U.S. Diplomatic Ties Anniversary Marked"

Ma Shikun observed in the official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 1/14): "Chinese Ambassador to the United States Li Zhaoxing hosted a grand reception marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and China. Li noted that the principles provided by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués have demonstrated strong vitality and will continue to be a guarantee for stable and healthy growth of China-U.S. relations in the future. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright pointed out the strategic dialogue between the two countries...was designed to 'help us cooperate where our interests coincide and to narrow our differences where they exist.'"

"20th Anniversary Of Establishment Of Sino-U.S. Ties"

Li Hong noted in the Beijing Morning Post (1/1): "Twenty years of history prove that only through mutual respect and equality can Sino-U.S. relations move forward.... The Chinese and American people should both cherish the fruits of the development of relations between their two countries, and should take steps to work hard together to help bring a prosperous, peaceful, and stable world into the 21st century."

"Punishing Criminals And Assuring Human Rights"

Ren Yanshi commented in the official Communist Party People's Daily Overseas Edition (Renmin Ribao Haiwaiban, 12/23): "Recently, the media and other Western nationalities, including some Americans, have been stirring up public opinion against China's trial of Xu Wenli and those convicted of subverting the government. The attackers accused China of 'cracking down on dissidents' and sensationally said that human rights status in China is retrogressing. These accusations obviously distort the real human rights situation in China and are actually based on ignorance of China's human rights policies. It is unreasonable...to characterize China's lawful punishment of criminals as an infringement of human rights. These accusations have deliberately confused the boundary between normal judicial action and human rights. It is irresponsible and a pity that some are keen on collecting 'individual cases'--especially criminal cases involving the subversion of state power--as 'evidence proving that China infringes upon human rights,' and to describe China's human rights conditions as hopeless, disregarding China's overall human rights realities."

HONG KONG: "Hope Springs Eternal On WTO Entry"

Charles Snyder pointed out in the independent Hong Kong Standard (2/26): "A delegation of senior U.S. National Security Council and Treasury Department officials was in Beijing this week sounding out Chinese leaders on WTO, and came out with glowingly optimistic statements about the possibility of an agreement during Mr. Zhu's U.S. visit. At almost the same time, USTR Charlene Barshefsky, perhaps the staunchest warrior against concessions to China, was saying that Washington would not yield to anything short of full compliance with WTO rules by the Chinese. Clearly, there is a split in the U.S. government between Ms. Barshefsky and the State Department and White House crowd. Congress has repeatedly shown it supports Ms. Barshefsky's stance. And a little-noticed hearing by the U.S. international trade commission this week showed why Ms. Barshefsky is likely to prevail.... With U.S.-China relations sliding badly in recent months, a WTO agreement is the only shining hope. Maybe it will happen. The odds, though, far from favor it."

"Satellite Sale Blocked; Relations Turn Worse"

According to an editorial in the independent Hong Kong Economic Journal (2/24): "Blocking the sale of a satellite is not a big deal. However, it reflects a worsening of Sino-U.S. relations after President Clinton visited China last year. Some may even say that Sino-U.S. relations have returned to the cool and distant stage of the early '90s. The reasons for the coolness in bilateral relations are the issues of human rights, the trade imbalance, Tibet, WTO accession and Chinese weapons sales. Apart from the above, the latest reason is the expansion of China's armaments, which has caused a tense situation and aroused international concern. China's massing of military forces against Taiwan has put special pressure on Taiwan."

"Nervousness Over Missile Build-Up"

The independent Hong Kong Standard judged (2/12): "The flexing of missiles across the Taiwan Straits is an old pastime. Every now and then it is revived, depending on how bilateral relations between mainland China and Taiwan prosper or falter, and how Washington fits into the equation.... These missiles not only target Taiwan but can reach American bases in Japan, which gives a new complexion to the deployment. They can then provide a dual threat and that was probably what the mainland military intended.... It is quite evident that the issue is not merely one between Beijing and Taipei, but brings in the United States and its own military commitments in the region, thus adding another dimension that could very well make other regional states nervous."

"Wrong Direction"

The independent South China Morning Post had this editorial (12/23): "The prosecutions and the length of the sentences [for Chinese dissidents] raise, once again, the question of why the central [Chinese] government is so worried about a tiny group of people who represent no threat to its power. The emergence of real political dialogue would be in the broader national interest, and could act as a safety valve at a time of momentous change. Internally, China's enormous economic development will inevitably bring the questioning of old political norms and controls. It would be much healthier for this to be done in the open rather than being forced underground.... Internationally, the sentences have embarrassed those Western leaders who have been keenest on expanding and deepening relations with China. The extremely narrow view of national security reflected in these sentences will not serve anybody's interests, including those of the central government."

JAPAN: "Is U.S.-Japan Security Treaty Effective As Deterrent?"

Liberal Asahi's senior writer, Yoichi Funabashi, remarked (2/11): "Japanese support for the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty has widened since the North's Taepodong launch last August.... Japan will have to obtain a U.S. guarantee that it will provide Tokyo with concrete measures for deterring the North from posing a missile threat. The leaders of the United States and Japan have to strengthen a new deterrent, based on the security treaty, and demonstrate it to North Korea."

"Measures Must Be Taken To Contain North Korean Threat"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri argued (2/5): "The United States, Japan and South Korea must jointly urge North Korea to abandon its missile development program. Suspicions about its underground (nuclear) facilities must be cleared. Japan must expedite the study and development of a Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system with the United States. It is also necessary for Japan to enact bills related to the new U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation Guidelines in this current Diet session to show the North the firmness of the security alliance. It will also enhance deterrence."

"Arms Control And Disarmament In Asia Called For"

Under the above headline, liberal Mainichi opined (2/4): "The [U.S.] Department of Defense has already announced in its fiscal 2000 budget that it will spend more on the development of a National Missile Defense (NMD), as well as a Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system, jointly with Japan and other countries. North Korea must reflect fully on the huge impact of its recent Taepodong missile launch on the military situation in Asia. Washington's feelings toward the North are by no means good. However, the development of NMD and TMD systems must not touch off a new arms race in Asia. To prevent this, dialogue and negotiations on arms control and disarmament is indispensable. Further diplomatic efforts are also necessary to bring lasting peace to the region."

NORTH KOREA: "Far-Fetched Argument Of Fools"

Under the above headline, official KCNA news service remarked (2/4): "Five months have passed since the DPRK fired an artificial satellite, Kwangmyongsong 1. However, only Japan is maliciously slandering it as a 'missile launch.' Lurking behind this is an ulterior intention of the Japanese reactionaries. Urged by an ill intentioned design to revenge its past defeat and realize its old dream of a 'Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,' Japan is getting more undisguised in its moves to become a military giant and launch into overseas invasion, inviting strong criticism from all parts of the world. So, Japan had to cudgel its brain to ward off this criticism.

"At this very juncture, an artificial satellite was launched in the DPRK. Taking this as a golden opportunity, the Japanese reactionaries began to vociferate about 'missile threats' from the DPRK."

"Japan's Ulterior Motives"

Official KCNA news service stressed (1/31): "Japan...has worked hard to enact laws on 'emergencies in areas surrounding Japan' and cried for 'a springboard toward the world.'... The [U.S.-Japan Defense' Guidelines] are a war scenario of aggression from A to Z. As Ozawa remarked, the Korean peninsula, Russia, China, and Taiwan are obviously part of 'areas surrounding Japan' referred to in the 'guidelines.' The Japanese reactionaries have long made full preparations for overseas aggression by stepping up militarization of Japan. What should be done in future is 'aid' to the U.S. troops under the 'guidelines.' The Japanese reactionaries must stop resorting to a trick to cover up the aggressive nature of the 'guidelines' and renounce the wild design for overseas expansion."

SOUTH KOREA: "China And Russia In Unison"

Conservative Segye Ilbo's editorial emphasized (1/29): "The Russian ambassador to Korea stressed the other day that the United States should not try to intimidate North Korea on the Kumchangri issue. The same day, a high-ranking Chinese official was reported to have made a similar remark. Both nations, in other words, are putting forward a unified position, and this is something we cannot afford to ignore. The danger is that should these nations return to the kind of close relations they had in the past, it would pose a serious obstacle to all the efforts being made to resolve North Korean issues. The challenge for Korea is how to maintain stability in its relationships with its neighbors. While Korea's security cooperation with the United States and Japan is of primary importance, strengthening relations with China and Russia is just as critical."

PHILIPPINES: "China's Militarization Continues Unabated In Spratlys"

Former Ambassador Oscar Villadolid opined in the independent Manila Standard (2/22): "China pursues unabated its militarization of the disputed Spratly group.... Even America's projection of global power in Asia and the Pacific can be seriously threatened by China's illegal acquisition of forward military bases in Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross and other islands, shoals and coral reefs in the South China Sea. And this situation also places China, with its huge army, in a position to exploit and control unfairly the rich, untapped fisheries, mineral, gas and oil resources at the expense of small nations who, like the Philippines, were mandated by UNCLOS to protect exclusive economic zones.... What is dangerous here is that if China fires on any Philippine naval or aerial patrols around Mischief Reef, such an act of war could trigger U.S. action under its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.... What option is available, aside from continuous monitoring of China's unabated action in occupying and militarizing reefs?... [We need] to keep on denouncing China's bullying action before international fora and in the UN. Indeed a major effort must be undertaken soonest."

"China As The Next Domino"

Business columnist Calixto Chikiamco observed in the independent Manila Standard (2/18): "We have to worry about China because it is considered the next domino. In financial markets, perception is important. Whether or not China is indeed a vulnerable domino isn't important. What is important is that it's so considered. In financial markets, that's enough to ignite self-fulfilling prophesies.... We have to worry about China because if China falls, Hong Kong will be next. The only remaining asset that crisis-wracked Hong Kong has is foreign confidence in its currency peg. But if China devalues, the peg may not hold.

"We have to worry about China because like Indonesia, it does not have escape valves in the form of a free press and democratic elections for the public to let off steam. Because of the slowing economy, public frustration over unemployment, graft and corruption, and rising crime are building up.... In Russia, at least the opposition can try to impeach Boris Yeltsin. In China, the opposition can only resort to ineffective demonstrations or to terrorist bombings. In any case, if Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji cannot engineer a soft landing for the economy, peace and stability in China will suffer."

"How Can We Bully China?"

Former presidential press secretary Jesus Sison pointed out in independent Malaya (1/27): "The Philippines is thinking of isolating China, if bilateral talks cannot settle the Spratlys dispute. The Philippines plans to get international support through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the UN to isolate China. This will not work out. China has become a major power, thanks to its economic and political success. China can bully small nations like the Philippines. But, how can we bully China?"

THAILAND: "China-U.S. To Renew Confrontation"

Trairat Soontornprapat commented in mass-circulation, Thai-language Daily News (2/18): "Annoyed by China's renewed brinkmanship in training its missiles on Taiwan, President Bill Clinton is expected to play the China card more enthusiastically from now on. The U.S. reaction may include strengthening Japan and South Korea's missile systems to maintain the equilibrium.... What further added to the United States' frustration was China's seeming indifference to help urge North Korea to abandon its missile test program.... This might prompt the United States to either give Pyongyang an ultimatum or launch pre-emptive strikes against the regime...an especially troublesome scenario."

"China And Globalization"

Chatcharin Chaiwat had this to say in sensationalistic Thai Post (2/17): "The United States cannot afford to allow China to remain a rebel against the free market system and live a life of a recluse apart from world capitalism.... Pressure against China will intensify.... Globalism has become very much part and parcel of the U.S. global strategy that it can no longer allow any one country, be it dictatorial or democratic, to go astray."

"Jiang Reveals True Face As Dissidents Jailed"

An editorial in the independent, English-language Nation stated (12/31): "The recent arrests of the political dissidents is clearly a pre-emptive action to snuff out any sign of a dissident movement, however small and insiginificant, as China faces its looming problems. No doubt, Beijing is well aware it will get away with this latest crackdown, as it did before. It should expect a cursory rebuke from Western governments, but this will fall short of punitive actions. After all, China offers them the world's largest markets. And despite the continual repression, foreign investments will continue to flow. While investors lecture other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, for its lack of transparency, they are throwing caution to the wind in their dealings with China. Then again, the lack of democracy did not bother them when Soeharto was in power, either. Thus, Xu's fate, and that of other political dissidents, will be left to the few human rights groups which have consistently prodded governments and businesses to put people before profits."

"The Way Ahead For Deng's Successors"

The lead editorial in the independent, English language Nation stressed (12/23): "Jiang was adamant in saying Western modes of democracy would not be copied and, amid the circus that has taken over Capitol Hill in recent months, one could almost agree. But...China's problems...run much deeper than childish politicians and petty sex scandals. The Communist Party my soon have several hundred million hungry young men to deal with. Giving them more say in how the country is run is surely the only way ahead for China."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Big Powers Flex Muscles Over Taiwan"

The independent Financial Times had this analysis (2/10): "The build-up of China's ballistic missile arsenal facing Taiwan, disclosed by a Pentagon report expected to go to Congress soon, is likely to contribute to a growing suspicion in the U.S. Congress of China's military ambitions. This and other developments will make it more difficult for the Clinton administration to conduct the strategic dialogue with Beijing, and are likely to complicate the planned visit of Zhu Rongji, the Chinese premier, to Washington in the spring. Clinton administration officials acknowledge that the development will feed into a growing debate in Washington about the need for missile defense systems--both for U.S. territory and for theater missile defense systems (TMD) for U.S. troops and friendly countries in Asia.... China, according to one senior U.S. administration official, has already 'made a huge issue of U.S.-Japanese TMD cooperation,' though in his view such cooperation would have 'no significant impact on China.'"

GERMANY: "Explosions In China"

Left-of-center weekly Die Zeit of Hamburg made these arguments (2/4): "It is part of the repertoire of every Chinese diplomat to stress the high crime rate in U.S. cities but in the same breath to praise the safety of Chinese metropolises. But this is a thing of the past: In January, 29 people died in Chinese cities as a result of bomb attacks.... The reasons for the bomb terror are obvious. Growing social and economic liberties in an impoverished China have resulted in crimes and unemployment. But law and order will return only when the People's Republic reaches the per-capita income of Singapore. But the government in Beijing cannot find the right words for this transitional chaos.... It calls capitalism 'a socialist market economy;' the new unemployed 'redundant workers;' and crimes and social protests 'marginal events.' Thus Beijing is deceiving the people about the greatest successes and the greatest problems of China's reform policy. Those in power are still too frightened of the freedoms that they themselves created."

"Political Talk From Beijing"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich had this to say (12/23): "Western governments should be careful with praise when Beijing is praising the 'rule of law,' promising the 'observance of human rights' and talking about 'democracy.' These men are still living on another planet. Their political talk does not serve communication as much as manipulation--of their own citizens and even more of the West."

RUSSIA: "Common Destiny"

With the Chinese premier visiting in Moscow, reformist Izvestiya (2/26) featured this piece by Yuri Savenkov: "[Russia and China] share one destiny in this intense world and are objectively attracted to each other. Moscow and Beijing, opposed to one-power hegemony, have developed a formula for their bilateral relations, wishing them to be free of confrontation, an alliance or threat to third countries.

"This is how the two partners see a multipolar world.... The chairman of the Duma's defense committee, Roman Popkovich, however, believes that a military alliance between Russia and China would augment their strategic partnership. Why? We were allies once. That did not work. We don't need a common enemy to keep us together."

BELGIUM: "No Pleasure Trip To China For Albright"

Asian affairs writer Freddy De Pauw opined in independent Catholic De Standaard (2/12): "Several sources say that China has deployed 100 to 200 missiles on its southern coast with which it can hit Taiwan.... The Pentagon believes that this is only the beginning of a Chinese plan to install 650 missiles in that area.... American strategists view those missiles as the Chinese reaction to talks between the United States and several of its Asian allies regarding the creation of a 'Theater Missile Defense' (TMD).... To date, Washington has claimed that a TMD would be ready eight years from now at the earliest and that it would be aimed at protecting its allies in South Korea and Japan.... Beijing views the TMD plan as a long-term threat to its own ambitions in East Asia. In China's view, those plans are remnants of the Cold War. It also thinks that the United States wants to keep open the possibility of providing Taiwan with a TMD shield--which Beijing views as a direct infraction of its sovereignty. With the additional Chinese missiles, pressure on the United States to expand the TMD to Taiwan will increase. In that manner, an arms race may be in the offing in that sensitive area in which a few nuclear powers are involved. Missiles and the TMD are exerting strong pressure on the Chinese-American relationship. While those relations are cooling down, Beijing is getting along better with Moscow. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to China early next month will certainly not be a pleasure trip."

SOUTH ASIA

NEPAL: "Security Concerns"

Government-owned Gorkhapatra told its readers (1/30): "Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are eager to find ways for collective security.... Japan began to speak about force only after North Korea challenged the United States and other countries in the region by blasting a three-stage ballistic missile last August.... The United States has recognized the Japanese missile defense idea and agreed to work jointly in this field.... The defense system is considered necessary in light of North Korea's increasing nuclear program and its arrogant resolve to become a nuclear state.... Since the new security plan is aimed at weakening the influence of China in neighboring countries, it is natural for China to be concerned about the Japanese plan....

"[Japan's] fear of China is greater than its fear of North Korea.... China has alleged that Japan and the United States made a mountain out of a molehill about the ordinary North Korean missile test.... China can devise a new plan to counter the U.S.-Japan-Taiwan security arrangement.... It can increase its military strength and continue to increase its technical and military aid to Pakistan.... The tripartite defense system can, as China has already said, spark a missile race in the region and encourage Japanese militarization as well.... Anyway, China should not decide anything about Taiwan and [should not] interfere in Taiwan's internal affairs."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "China Imprisons More Dissidents"

Alvaro Sierra, Beijing-based correspondent for daily-of-record La Nacion, opined (12/23): "With another imprisonment verdict imposed on a third political dissenter, the Chinese Communist government ends the year with enough evidence that it may have embraced economic liberalization, but cannot endure political liberalization....

"The Chinese government's official language is reminiscent of the language of [Latin American] dictatorships of past decades. Less than three months ago, the Chinese government signed the UN Charter on Civil and Political Rights, which includes, among others, the respect for freedom [of expression and assembly.]... This inquisitorial year-end dissolves any doubts...about the intolerance set off in Beijing...by any attempt to create political organizations different from the monopolist Chinese Communist Party."

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2/26/99

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