DATE=2/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA - U-S - TAIWAN (L)
NUMBER=2-259509
BYLINE=STEPHANIE HO
DATELINE=BEIJING
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: China is telling the United States to mind its
own business on the issue of Taiwan, an island Beijing
regards as a breakaway part of Chinese territory. As
V-O-A's Stephanie Ho reports from Beijing, Washington
has said it views any threat to Taiwan with grave
concern.
TEXT: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhu Bangzao
expressed what he described as Beijing's strong
dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to any U-S
interference on the issue of Taiwan.
He said the Chinese government sees Taiwan as a
strictly internal matter. Mr. Zhu, speaking through
an interpreter, added a warning that foreign
countries, including the United States, should not get
involved.
// ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //
They might well forget the fact that Taiwan is a part
of China. The question of Taiwan is not an affair of
the United States.
// END ACT //
On Monday, China issued what it dubbed a "White
Paper," repeating Beijing's strident warnings to
Taiwan not to seek independence.
The White House responded, saying it is gravely
concerned about any threats to the island.
On Thursday, the Chinese spokesman accused Washington
of violating the agreements on Taiwan it made with
Beijing. He also lashed out at continued U-S arms
sales to the island and the U-S Congressional effort
to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.
Mr. Zhu said that instead of facilitating Taiwan's
peaceful reunification with mainland China, such U-S
acts actually encourage pro-independence sentiment
from the island's president.
// ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //
All this gives rise to Lee Teng-hui and the splittist
activities on the Taiwan island. And it is the major
root cause of the tension across the Taiwan Strait.
// END ACT //
Analysts say Beijing's perceived threat to Taiwan has
given new ammunition to China critics in the U-S
Congress, who want to boost military ties with Taiwan
and derail a deal to bring China into the World Trade
Organization.
One major W-T-O hurdle still remaining for China is a
U-S Congressional vote on permanent normal trading
relations with the United States.
When asked whether Beijing is concerned that its tough
talk on Taiwan will negatively affect the outcome, Mr.
Zhu said his government opposes any attempt to link
these two separate issues. (signed)
NEB/HO/PLM
24-Feb-2000 05:33 AM EDT (24-Feb-2000 1033 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
