DATE=3/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / CHINA / S & L (UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-260238
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen calls
China's latest threat to use force against Taiwan
"counter-productive." In remarks during a visit to
Japan, he urged both China and Taiwan to seek a
diplomatic, rather than a military solution to their
problems. V-O-A's Jim Randle reports.
Text: Mr. Cohen says Taiwan should not seek
independence and Beijing should stop trying to
frighten Taiwanese voters. His comments follow
Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji's threat that the
Chinese people would use "all of their blood" to keep
Taiwan from becoming independent of China.
Mr. Cohen made it clear Washington recognizes China's
claim to Taiwan, but will also work to protect the
rights of the people on the island.
/// COHEN ACTUALITY ///
We expect these differences to be resolved peacefully.
The threat of the use of force is counter productive.
We recognize a one-China policy and we also recognize
that we have an obligation under the Taiwan Relations
Act to provide defensive equipment to protect the
Taiwanese people.
/// END ACTUALITY //
U-S officials say they are considering Taiwan's
request to buy some of America's best weapons, but Mr.
Cohen says no decision will be made before Taiwan's
Saturday election.
/// REST OPTIONAL FOR LONG ///
Mr. Cohen's restatement of long-standing U-S policy
comes at a time of growing tensions between Taiwan and
China over that election. Beijing has been waging a
month-long campaign to intimidate voters on Taiwan who
might support independence-minded candidates. China
and Taiwan have been at odds since 1949 when Communist
forces won the Chinese civil war and the defeated
Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.
China's government considers the island to be a
rebellious province that should be brought back under
Beijing's control. China has threatened to attack if
the island formally declares independence. Lately, it
appeared to turn up the pressure by saying China might
also turn to the military if Taiwan appears to be
putting off reunification with China forever.
Mr. Cohen spoke in Japan where he is holding talks
with top officials. According to U-S officials, Tokyo
is urging both sides in the Taiwan issue to avoid
provocative political or military action.
Mr. Cohen announced new agreements with the Japanese
Government to clean up a privately-owned incinerator
that is billowing clouds of cancer-causing dioxin over
a U-S air base that is home to thousands of American
military personnel and their families. (Signed).
NEB / JR / WD
16-Mar-2000 03:50 AM EDT (16-Mar-2000 0850 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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