DATE=9/2/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA-MISSILE REACT (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266079
BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER
DATELINE=BEIJING
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: China has welcomed U-S President Bill
Clinton's decision not to deploy an anti-missile
defense system, saying that the decision will help
world peace. Beijing Correspondent Leta Hong Fincher
reports.
TEXT: China's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Zhu Bangzao,
says President Clinton's decision on the U-S National
Missile Defense system is what he calls "rational".
In a statement carried by China's state-run Xinhua
News Agency, Mr. Zhu said maintaining global strategic
stability and security will help the cause of world
peace and international disarmament.
Mr. Zhu also said China hopes the U-S government will
consult more with other countries on the matter, in
order to make a decision that will serve the interests
of nations all over the world.
Beijing strongly opposes the proposed missile shield,
fearing that it would set off a global arms race and
undermine China's own limited nuclear deterrent.
Beijing is especially concerned about the related
Theatre Missile Defense system for Asia, or TMD, which
Washington says would protect U-S troops from a
possible North Korean missile threat.
China fears the TMD would be extended to defend
Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.
China reserves the right to use military force to
recover Taiwan if it declares independence or drags
its feet on reunification.(Signed)
NEB/LHF/PFH
02-Sep-2000 08:15 AM EDT (02-Sep-2000 1215 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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