DATE=3/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA-US-AMBASSADOR (L-ONLY)CQ
NUMBER=2-260271
BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S State Department called in China's
Ambassador Thursday to discuss the tense issue of
Taiwan, two days before the Taiwanese vote in their
second direct presidential election. As VOA's Leta
Hong Fincher reports, Washington is hoping that
Beijing will tone down its militant rhetoric.
TEXT: State Department Spokesman James Rubin said the
meeting took place Thursday morning between Under
Secretary of State Thomas Pickering and Chinese
Ambassador Li Zhao Xing.
/// RUBIN ACT ///
This morning Undersecretary Pickering called in
China's ambassador, Ambassador Li, to discuss the
importance of prudence and patience before and after
the Taiwan election, and our hope to see, following
that election, positive steps to reduce tensions and
foster dialogue.
/// END ACT ///
The discussion was prompted by Chinese Premier Zhu
Rongji's warning to Taiwanese voters on Wednesday, not
to choose a president who was pro-independence. Mr.
Zhu was believed to be referring to one of the three
leading candidates for the Taiwanese presidency, Chen
Shui-bian, of the Democratic Progressive Party. Mr.
Chen's party promotes independence for Taiwan,
although Mr. Chen has recently backed off from his
pro-independent stance.
China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province, and
has long said it would use force if Taiwan declared
independence, or if it were invaded by a foreign
power. But three weeks ago, Beijing issued a policy
paper saying that it might also invade Taiwan if the
island dragged its feet on negotiations for
reunification with the mainland.
The United States does not formally recognize the
government of Taiwan. But under the Taiwan Relations
Act of 1979, it is obliged to help Taiwan defend
itself in the event of an invasion. (Signed)
NEB/LHF/TVM/PT
TEXT:
NEB/WTW/
17-Mar-2000 07:07 AM EDT (17-Mar-2000 1207 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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