Washington, Feb. 29 (CNA) The latest Communist Chinese rhetorical assault on Taiwan is the inevitable result of the Clinton administration's policy mistakes, and the United States should help enhance Taiwan's security and stop using Beijing's "one China" slogan, said an American China expert Tuesday.
Steven J. Yates, senior policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, wrote in an analysis that after reading China's white paper on its Taiwan policy, "the Clinton administration should realize the folly of its loose use of Beijing's slogans and its endorsement of Beijing's policy on Chinese soil."
"The belligerence expressed in the white paper is the fruit of Clinton's casual rhetorical concessions. This should be a reminder to Washington that power is the motivation, means and end of Beijing's policies. China's power play must not go unchecked. Washington must resolve to deter Beijing's aggression or be prepared for more of the same," noted Yates.
He then pointed out that Washington should realize that `one China' is "the goal of Beijing, but not of US policy. Since President Nixon, US policy has been to respect China's peaceful pursuit of its goal. The United States did not recognize Taiwan as being a part of the People's Republic of China, did not endorse the use of force to make it so, and did not adopt `one China' as a policy objective."
Because the United States recognized only one legitimate government of China, Yates wrote, "many US officials mistakenly adopt Beijing's jargon and reinforce its view that the United States considers Taiwan to be a part of the People's Republic of China."
He added that "Beijing, in its white paper and elsewhere, uses US adherence to the `one China' policy as justification for coercing Taiwan to the negotiating table, or worse. Before another Clinton administration official again speaks of a `one China' policy or principle, he should consider whether he really wants to be a party to this coercion."
Instead of allowing Beijing to continue putting words in his mouth, Clinton must change the terms of debate on the Taiwan issue. In order to restore the focus on US interests, Yates stressed that Washington should do the following.
First of all, it should publicly reassure Taiwan. The US president must make up for his Shanghai "Three Noes" mistake by reassuring Taiwan publicly that America has not adopted Beijing's position regarding sovereignty over Taiwan, will not withhold needed defensive arms, and will not pressure Taipei to enter into negotiations.
Second of all, the US government should enhance Taiwan's security. The Senate should proceed with consideration of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act to assure Taiwan's people that they can exercise their democratic franchise, confident that China's coercion is not going unnoticed or unchecked by the US.
Yates added that this second point "would also remind Beijing that the United States never agreed to compromise Taiwan's security in the course of developing diplomatic relations with China."
Thirdly, wrote Yates, Washington should stop using Beijing's `one China' slogan. US officials should simply describe US interests and policy, recognize Beijing as China's government, and acknowledge Beijing's goal of peaceful unification. Moreover, the United States should insist on peace. (By Nelson Chung)
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