March 13, 2000
CHINA-TAIWAN: WORRIES MOUNT AS 'UNCERTAINTIES' CONTINUE
The PRC's perceived "threats" against Taiwan, coupled with the announcement last week of a 12.7 percent increase in China's defense budget and statements by Chinese officials charging that the U.S. was "responsible" for rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, led most writers outside China--including some in Hong Kong--to worry about the "uncertainties" governing the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Most opinionmakers judged that Beijing had significantly "raised the ante" against Taiwan in the run-up to presidential elections there March 18. As one Hungarian daily put it: "The question cannot be avoided.... What happens if the people of Taiwan...elevate to the throne a candidate who pledges to proclaim formal separation from China?" Commentators also spoke of the "tangled web" of U.S.-China relations, and judged that China had "seriously miscalculated" the effect on the U.S. Congress of Beijing's "bullying" of Taiwan. Many found China's issuing of the white paper--warning Taiwan that Beijing would "adopt all drastic measures," including the "use of force," should Taipei indefinitely delay talks on reunification--"bizarre" at this juncture, given the "problems it is fast creating in Washington." Expressing a commonly held view, Sydney's national, conservative Australian stressed: "Beijing may be seriously miscalculating.... U.S. congressional opinion against ratifying China's entry into the WTO is hardening...[and] support for increased weapons sales to Taiwan is also hardening." On the question of the "incomprehensibly high" increase in China's defense budget, Tokyo dailies fretted that Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to China might be being misused, thereby "contributing to China's arms buildup." Others worried about a regional arms race fueled by China and by U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. London's independent Financial Times urged the U.S., as an "arms supplier" to East Asia, to "exercise restraint," particularly "with regard to the destroyers Taiwan is seeking." Following are additional views:
VIEWS FROM BEIJING, HONG KONG: Official Beijing media outlets, pro-PRC dailies and one centrist paper in Hong Kong gave prominent play and credence to statements made by Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan last week charging that the U.S. was "responsible" for the "present situation" in the Taiwan Strait and was "fomenting 'separatist forces' in Taiwan." Official Chinese dailies also prominently featured statements that the People's Liberation Army "has vowed to...carry out the sacred mission of safeguarding the motherland's reunification" and admonished the U.S. to "take action to fulfill [the] pledges of the three joint communiques and the 'three no's' policy."
TAIWAN'S CONCERNS: A group of pro-Democratic Progressive Party writers argued that "legitimizing the status quo should be the priority" for now. Referring to President Clinton's China policy speech last week, the liberal, pro-independence Taipei Times complained that his remarks fell short of allowing the Taiwanese "to simply reject reunification."
EDITOR: Kathleen J. Brahney
EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 43 reports from 17 countries, March 1 - 12. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
CHINA: "PLA Representatives: Taiwan Independence Means War"
Li Xuehong noted in the official Chinese Youth Party China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnianbao, 3/12): "The representatives of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the National People's Congress expressed that they are determined, confident, and able to safeguard the reunification of the motherland. They said that they will never sit idle watching the Taiwan independence factions conduct separatist activities."
"U.S. Foments 'Separatism'"
Hua Qihua said in the official English-language China Daily (3/11): "The United States is fomenting 'separatist forces' in Taiwan and is responsible for the rising tensions in the Taiwan Straits, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said yesterday. 'Both Sino-American relations and cross-Straits ties are at an important and critical juncture, Tang said. He urged the United States to immediately stop all arms sales to Taiwan. Tang said continued U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and proposals to include the island in a TMD system constitute serious violations of the three Sino-American joint communiques and of the commitments the United States made to the Chinese government."
"Missile Sale Draws Fire"
Shao Zongwei noted in the official, English-language China Daily (3/10): "'The U.S. Defense Department's announcement that it had approved the sale of 162 sophisticated Hawk anti-aircraft missiles and equipment to Taiwan seriously infringes on China's sovereignty, interferes in China's internal affairs, and will stir elements favoring independence for Taiwan,' said Foreign Ministry [spokesman] Zhu Bangzao. As for the issue of U.S. permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China, Zhu said: 'China insists that the offer of PNTR must be 'neat, clear-cut and without conditional measures. If the issue cannot be resolved U.S. businesses in China will be seriously hurt.'"
"Defense Budget Slightly Higher"
Under the above headline, Hu Qihua pointed out in the official, English-language China Daily (3/8): "Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao expressed deep concern over the reported U.S. selling of destroyers with the 'Aegis' system and the 'Patriot III' anti-missile system to Taiwan. Zhu said: 'We urge the United States to refrain from doing anything that may cause tension in cross-Strait relations, anything that may obstruct China's peaceful reunification or anything that would not be conducive to the steady development of China-U.S. relations."
"Taiwan Independence Means War"
A commentator of the official Liberation Army Daily is quoted by the official, English-language China Daily (3/7) as saying: "We must point out that 'Taiwan independence' means war and separation will not lead to peace.... The PLA's millions of troops stand in combat readiness and are on high alert and will never sit by idly while an attempt is being made to split China."
"Best Friends Next Door"
Yan Xuetong noted in the official, English-language China Daily (3/7): "China should apply diplomacy to foster good neighbor relations.... Tighter regional relations can help defuse international hegemonism by the United States because regional alliances can rival U.S. power and cut into its influence."
"Taiwan Independence Means War"
A commentator for official Liberation Army Daily is quoted by the People's Daily (3/6) as saying: "The People's Liberation Army has vowed to better carry out the sacred mission of safeguarding the motherland's reunification. We oppose any foreign interference in the Taiwan issue and the United States' Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, as well as its scheme to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan under various excuses. Taiwan independence means war. The complete reunification of China is an unshakable will of all Chinese people. On this point, there is no room for compromise. China is determined to smash at any cost any evil attempts to split China."
"Specter Obsessing China-U.S. relations"
Ding Xiaowen stressed in the official Chinese Youth Party China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnianbao, 3/6): "Even if the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act fails to become U.S. law, it will probably be picked up again in the next session of the Congress. Therefore, it will remain a threat to the Sino-U.S. relationship in the long run. No wonder some describe the act as a specter obsessing the China-U.S. relations. China warns anti-China U.S. congressmen not to underestimate the Chinese people's determination and ability to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"Permanent Normal Trade Relations Not A Favor"
Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) pointed out (3/3): "Sun Zhenyong, Vice Minister of of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that the Permanent Normal Trade Relationship is not a U.S. favor to China, but a commitment the United States should honor according to the agreement on China's WTO accession."
HONG KONG: "U.S. Responsible For Tension In Taiwan Strait"
An editorial in pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao insisted (3/11): "Sino-U.S. relations play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The words and deeds of the United States regarding the Taiwan issue at the moment will directly affect the Sino-U.S. relationship as well as the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region. In order to prevent damage to Sino-U.S. relations, the United States should take actions to fulfill its pledges of the three joint communiques and the 'three nos' policy. It should promise not to include Taiwan in the Theater Missile Defense system and not to provide the necessary technology. Also, the United States should stop the 'Taiwan Security Enhancement Act' from being passed and cease all the activities that interfere in China's internal affairs. The direction of Sino-U.S. relations rests entirely on the United States."
"U.S. Is Backstage Manipulator Who Splits China"
Under the above headline, the centrist Hong Kong Daily News maintained (3/11): "Tang Jiaxuan has made some points. The United States has to be considered responsible for the present situation in the Taiwan Strait.
"There is a wide gap between China and Taiwan in their military power. If Taiwan was not backed by the world's number-one military power, the United States, Taiwan would have surrendered to China long ago, in Chiang Kai-shek's time, without the need for Beijing to threaten to use force. As we have said before, one China and one Taiwan is in the best interest of the United States--better than having a unified and strong China.... On the surface, the United States supports 'one China'. However, it is actually the greatest supporter of 'two Chinas'."
"Helpful Ambiguity"
According to an editorial in the independent South China Morning Post (3/11): "The latest salvo will do no good to anyone, least of all Beijing. It is a big setback for President Bill Clinton in his attempt to push Congress into granting China permanent Normal Trade Relations status. It could impede the progress of resumed WTO talks with the European Union, and strengthen the hands of critics in Congress already hostile to China's membership.... For different political reasons, the United States has also sent mixed signals over Taiwan. Repeated assurances of support for the one-China policy by the Clinton administration are at odds with Republican distrust of Beijing. The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which the House passed by a veto-proof margin earlier this year, has complicated Sino-U.S. relations to an extraordinary degree. Requiring a much closer working partnership between the Taiwanese and American military, it has--as House critics feared--played directly into China's hands. What is needed now is delicate behind-the-scenes diplomacy to calm matters. That can best be done by restoring the ambiguity that existed previously in cross-Strait relations."
"Hard Facts Show Through 'Partnership' Smokescreen"
The independent Hong Kong Standard noted in its editorial (3/11): "A darker cloud is shadowing the Taiwan Strait.... The mainland will have to match its words with deeds if Washington and Taiwan's new president do not heed its warning. The so-called Sino-U.S. 'strategic partnership' may serve as a smokescreen to hide the widening differences between the two powers. Spelling out each side's bottom line may help to focus on areas of potential serious conflicts and find feasible solutions. The two countries still have many fields in which to cooperate and maintaining good relations will be conducive to stability in the region and the world."
"Increased Military Spending Must Not Lead To Arms Race"
The independent Hong Kong Standard's editorial emphasized (3/7): "The 12.7 percent increase in China's military spending this year will raise a few eyebrows in the region and the world.... China, the earth's most populated nation whose economic power has grown rapidly in recent years, wants to have a modern military force commensurate with its role. Most analysts will agree that it does not mean China has ambitions to invade or conquer other countries.... The need for an arms build-up is also a reflection of China's growing unease about the United States' domination of the world scene, from economic to military affairs.... Nevertheless, Beijing should increase transparency in its military affairs, including spending and strategic goals, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding."
"Taiwan Tiptoes Close To The Fire"
Greg Torode told readers of the independent South China Morning Post (3/5): "Beijing's publication of its white paper two weeks ago...sparked a new intensity of political debate--and sympathy--across Washington, with Taiwan's presidential elections a fortnight away....
"It also comes in a tumultuous period in Sino-U.S. relations. A law seeking to intensify Taiwan military relations--including arms sales--is now before Senator Helms' committee after being passed by the House International Relations Committee."
"China Very Concerned About U.S.' Words And Deeds"
Pro-PRC Wen Wei Po's editorial intoned (3/3): "The most sensitive and most critical issue in Sino-U.S. relations is the Taiwan issue. The recent comments made by some U.S. officials are unfavorable to the development of Sino-U.S. relations and have abetted the turbulent situation in the Taiwan Strait. U.S. officials should be very careful with their words and deeds, and they should take Sino-U.S. relations into account. It is not easy to build Sino-U.S. relations. It has taken the continuous efforts of the U.S. government and the two parties in the past 20 years.... The United States should not seek temporary political expedience in the presidential election at the expense of Sino-U.S. relations. In fact, if China and the United States have more contacts, they will have a better understanding. Then the United States will know that China's Taiwan policy is consistent. 'Peaceful reunification,' and 'one country two systems' are China's Taiwan policies. However, China also has its bottom line. If a foreign country invades Taiwan or if Taiwan announces its independence, China is determined to exercise its rights, which conform to international law, to use force to protect Taiwan."
"Far-Off Voices On Chinese issues"
Greg Torode pointed out in the independent South China Morning Post (3/2): "One of the mysteries surrounding the white paper threat is why the mainland acted now, given the problems it is fast creating in Washington.... Now the pressure is really on, with the white paper providing a fresh excuse for those questioning the reality of a vote this year.... The mainland's motives on the Taiwan threat last week may remain unclear, but its likely heated reaction to either a delayed vote or any tinkering with the legislation is not."
"White Paper Stance Consistent"
The pro-PRC Hong Kong Commercial Daily averred in its editorial (3/2): "Some foreign media think that China's policy in settling the Taiwan issue has undergone a great change. Such a view is not correct.... President Clinton's reaction to the white paper...has not deviated from the U.S. government's 'three-nos' policy regarding the Taiwan issues.... Reiterating China's policy stance in the white paper will be conducive to the healthy and steady development of cross-Strait relations. It is also beneficial to safeguard the common strategic interests of Sino-U.S. relations. Thus, it is hoped that the U.S. government and public will adopt a wise and rational attitude toward the Taiwan issue."
TAIWAN: "Peaceful Cross-Strait Relations: An Appeal To U.S., China"
In an open letter published in the liberal, pro-independence Taipei Times (3/12), a group of pro-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) scholars and politicians held that there is no one-shot solution to the China-Taiwan issue and that preservation of the status quo is in the best interests of China, Taiwan and the free world: "The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan, the Israel-Arab conflict, and the issue of the Taiwan Strait are the most intractable international issues of our time. For conflicts like these there is no single, quick, one-shot solution, but only an open-ended, evolutionary outcome. Only mutual self-restraint, patience, wisdom and time will lead to a resolution acceptable to all parties concerned. With this in mind, we appeal to the international community to help Taiwan preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.... Pending a final solution, legitimizing the status quo should be the priority."
"U.S. Policy Gets 'Real' Again"
The liberal, pro-independence, English-language Taipei Times maintained (3/10): "That Clinton should suddenly develop a respect for the wishes of the people of Taiwan seems to signal something new. Previous U.S. policy seems to have limited itself to saying that a solution to problems across the Taiwan Strait must be peaceful and it is up to Taiwan and China to work this out themselves. Respect for the aspiration of the people of Taiwan has been consistently absent, most notoriously in Clinton's 'three no's' statement in Shanghai in 1998, where he abrogated any moral responsibility he had by denying the Taiwanese the right of self-determination in his expressed opposition to Taiwan independence. Almost certainly, the White House has no intention of changing its 'three no's' policy, so how are we to read its new-found interest in solutions that have the consent/assent of the Taiwanese?... This message seems benign enough, even coming from Clinton. But we have reservations; namely that, given the limits put on Taiwan's negotiating position by Clinton's 'three no's,' any attempt to speed up the resumption of talks would be tantamount to bringing forward a conclusion that has already been decided. Clinton's message is that Taiwan must not be coerced into talks on reunification but must be courted. There is, alas, no room for the Taiwanese to have the freedom to simply reject unification. Clinton's concern for the consent of the Taiwanese will never go that far."
"Both Sides Entering Dead-End Arms Race"
Lin Chien-hua stressed in the liberal, pro-independence Taiwan Daily (3/3): "The air forces of both sides of the Taiwan Strait are entering an endless arms race. In addition to racing for the latest developed fighter planes, the two sides are seeking to build relevant air defensive systems to prevent themselves from being attacked by missiles from the other side. If the air forces of both sides continue to race with each other, it will have a serious impact on the economic development of both countries. To effectively improve this situation, both sides had better sit down and begin political talks."
JAPAN: "Why Does China Continue Defense Buildup?"
Business-oriented Nihon Keizai observed (3/8): "China's year 2000 defense budget is expected to rise to about $14.5 billion. An unusually radical rise in China defense spending, which in fact has marked a double-digit increase during the past 12 years, will not only pose a serious threat to Asian nations, but it will also prompt them to engage in a fierce arms race as well. Details of actual Chinese defense spending figures have never been fully disclosed, however. For example, it is believed that considerable amounts of money have actually been set aside from announced defense budgets to modernize weapons and missiles, including 'East Wind-31' ICBMs. Experts even speculate actual defense-related spending has been at least triple the announced defense spending figures. China needs to clarify why it has been accelerating arms buildups for more than a decade. Japan continues to give large official development assistance (ODA) to China on condition that it not be used for military purposes, including the development of weapons of mass destruction. China must take appropriate measures not to invite 'unnecessary doubts' in Japan over how China uses Japan's ODA."
"An Incomprehensibly High Jump In China's Defense Budget"
Conservative Sankei's editorial stressed (3/7): "China will increase its year 2000 defense spending to about $14.5 billion, a [nearly] 13-percent rise over the 1999 defense outlay. China's defense spending, which has marked a double-digit increase during the past 12 years, shows China's eagerness for reinforcing its military strength....
"China's announced defense spending does not...include the cost for developing nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, as well as the 'licensed production' of Russian SUKHOI-27 jet fighters.... It is clear, however, that China has been building up its arms steadily....possibly for the use of force against Taiwan. But it is not clear why China continues to strengthen its military at a time when there are fewer [external] military threats toward China than in the past. The 'security impact' of these Chinese military moves on Japan is significant in view of a continuing dispute over the possession of the Senkaku Islands in the China Sea, or from the standpoint of securing sea lanes But some Japanese government and political leaders do not bother to regard the Chinese military buildup as a threat. Japan must realize that its ODA, which totals about 400 billion yen annually, actually contributes toward China's spending more on its arms buildup."
AUSTRALIA: "What If Bluff And Bluster Turn To Biff?"
An op-ed in Sydney's national conservative Australian featured this (3/8) by foreign editor Greg Sheridan: "Beijing may be seriously miscalculating...the effect its bullying [of Taiwan] may have in the U.S. congressional opinion against ratifying China's entry into the WTO is hardening; congressional support for increased weapons sales to Taiwan is also hardening; European opinion against China is also growing. And each U.S. presidential candidate has felt obliged to make significant comments critical of China."
"China's Taiwan Threats Rebound"
An editorial in Sydney's national, conservative Australian held (3/8): "By threatening to invade Taiwan if it does not begin negotiations on unification with the mainland, the Chinese have jeopardized their standing with other powers--notably the United States, where leading presidential candidates are already hardening their stance. This has implications for China's other foreign policy goals. The most immediate of these is entry to the WTO.... Attempts by China to quarantine the issue...are futile. With a U.S. aircraft carrier cruising in the area it should be clear to the Chinese that peaceful reunification is the only realistic option and that it is hindered by Beijing's aggressive posturing."
INDONESIA: "U.S. Preoccupied By Relations With China And Taiwan"
Leading, independent Kompas told its readers (3/3): "Obviously, the United States is now in a very difficult situation. Taiwan's request for arms sales came just when China was launching a threat against Taiwan. This underscores the contradiction in the United States: While diplomatically it recognizes Beijing as one China, the United States also intends to protect Taiwan from Beijing's attack. However, this is ostensibly the consequence of exercising a double standard that eventually brings itself problems. Thus far, the United States and all parties concerned, are still able to accommodate these unpleasantries. But, when push comes to shove, this emerging crisis could become more serious."
PHILIPPINES: "China's Two-Fisted Attack On Corruption"
The second, leading Philippine Daily Inquirer's editorial stressed (3/10): "China's leaders delivered on Sunday a two-fisted attack on corruption within the Communist Party and bureaucracy at the National People's Congress.... (Prime Minister) Zhu's speech is significant in that the leaders of the second biggest economy in East Asia have come to terms with the notion that corruption exacts heavy social and economic costs in developing societies like China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.... Zhu's attack on corruption coincides with the emphasis being made by international financing institutions, such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
"These institutions have...made transparency and good governance important conditions for...economic assistance.... In their echoing of the call for transparency of international financial institutions...the Chinese leaders have demonstrated that transparency and governance are not values imposed by Western governments or institutions."
SINGAPORE: "Go For The Minimum"
The pro-government Straits Times urged (3/9): "[The United States and China] must try hard to avoid a showdown just now while emotions across the Taiwan Strait are raw. U.S. President Bill Clinton must resist Taiwan's latest request for advanced weapons.... The United States has never sold a fully equipped Aegis destroyer overseas, and Taiwan is not the place where it should start making an exception. If it did, it would most certainly encourage China to buy and build more advanced military equipment, thus causing a cross-Strait arms race.... Unless the United States proposes to give Taiwan assurances that it will do whatever it takes to redress the balance in the island's favor, it should use the intervening period to encourage both sides towards a long-term political solution. The prospect of achieving that is no doubt dim just now, but the first step would be to reduce existing tensions. What is the minimum that both sides require now in order to draw back from the brink? For China, it would be Taiwanese leaders' ceasing to make provocative pro-independence statements; and for Taiwan, it would be Chinese leaders' cooling their threatening rhetoric. Quiet U.S. diplomacy can ensure the first, and encourage the second."
"Shadow Of The Mainland"
The pro-government Business Times emphasized (3/1): "The United Nations, every important global forum and most countries of any significance accept that there is only one China. Taipei's attempts to gain international recognition have failed totally.... Clearly then, China has won the political and diplomatic test of wills.... China's latest stance has given its detractors in Washington enough ammunition to try to scuttle a deal to bring Beijing into the World Trade Organization (WTO). The U.S. Congress is to vote to grant Beijing favorable access to U.S. markets--the so-called permanent normal trade relations status. All this is now in jeopardy. And, as if that were not enough, the U.S. Senate is now considering taking up the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.... The Chinese say that their position on reunification does not take U.S. reaction into consideration. Unfortunately, Beijing must face the fact that this is exactly the sort of thing that plays into the hands of those who wish to see China isolated."
SOUTH KOREA: "Arms Race Picks Up New Speed"
Moderate Joong-Ang Ilbo judged (3/8): "The world appears to be back in an arms race, showing a big contrast to last year when the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty dominated the scene.... While the United States has increased its defense budgets, China has just announced plans to do the same, and this announcement is sending jitters throughout the world.... Washington continues to draw criticism for pursuing the national missile defense system.... The biggest problem is that international arms reduction organizations are ineffective because they are caught up in the conflicting interests of powerful nations.... It is no surprise, but nevertheless disappointing, that even in this new millennium, the world still finds itself stuck with the same arms race issue. On this issue, Asia gets particularly nervous, and Washington's plans for theatre missile defense could hit a nerve. When that system is installed, an escalated arms race will be firmly in place."
THAILAND: "China Must Drop Threats Of War"
The top-circulation, moderately conservative Bangkok Post featured this lead editorial (3/12): "Everyone can understand that disputes among large countries are inevitable. But...China's [white] paper seemed to plan such a stand against Washington and Tokyo. Worse, it plans to try to enlist Asia, ASEAN and Thailand for support. At [the very] least, China wants Thailand to remain silent in any such confrontation. We can only hope that the Chinese abandon this plan. A new type of cold war between China and other great powers is unthinkable. Beijing should also halt its threats against Taiwan. The Taiwanese will elect whomever they favor in next week's presidential election. Beijing should simply deal with this democratic choice in a realistic manner. It is time for the Chinese to participate in an effort to make our region more stable. Threats of invasion and nuclear confrontation with America are not acceptable in that effort."
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "From Containment To Cooperation With India?"
Senior editor M.D. Nalapat penned this analysis in the centrist Times of India (3/7): "Today, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is superior to the combined forces of the other Asian military giants, India and Japan, neither of whom possesses nuclear-capable tactical attack capability. This growing military might may explain the tightening of the noose around Taiwan, with the benchmark for invasion moved inwards from a declaration of independence to tardiness in unification talks with China. Significantly, unlike in the former case, in the latter it is not Taiwan's objective action but Beijing's determination of 'tardiness' that can justify a military response."
"China, Taiwan And The U.S.--A Tangled Web"
F. J. Khergamvala and Siddharth Krishnaswami offered these perspectives in the centrist Hindu (3/5): "Either China is blissfully ignorant of the implications of its actions on Taiwan in the United States; or Beijing simply could not care less.... On the face of it, it [seems] quite bizzare that Beijing is trying to mess things up just when the administration is already up to its neck in trouble over the deal on China's entry into the WTO.... In spite of all the distance that has been travelled between China and the United States in the last 30 years, there is nothing that irks American lawmakers more than a 'communist' nation trying to 'bully' a 'democracy' and hoping to get away with it.... It would now appear that China's anger has a far more serious short-term purpose than [influencing] the Taiwan elections."
EUROPE
BRITAIN: "Asian Arms"
An editorial in the independent Financial Times held (3/7): "China has become the latest country in Asia to announce a big increase (12.7 percent) in military spending for this year, although this was less than the really hefty hike of 28 percent announced by India last month. In the shadow of these giants, smaller countries in South Asia are, not surprisingly, increasing their defense budgets, showing that their 1997 economic crisis has, unfortunately, put only a temporary dent in their military expenditures. The reasons for Asian insecurity are as diverse as the region itself.... What security framework Asia has was provided by the United States through individual alliances, chiefly with Japan and South Korea. But, unlike other arms suppliers to this volatile region, the United States must show care, particularly with regard to the destroyers Taiwan is seeking. Equally, Moscow should exercise restraint in selling arms to China.
"Russia needs to remember it, too, as an Asian power with a stake in the region's stability. This year's G-8 summit [in July] is aptly in the Japanese city of Okinawa. Asian security should figure on its agenda."
GERMANY: "Corruption Instead Of Communism"
Harald Maass declared in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (3/10): "Never before has a Chinese leader been so outspoken about the shortcomings in his country. Zhu Rongji did not leave aside any subject. He had hardly a friendly word on the establishment of socialism, on China's rise to a superpower. Zhu has not achieved his goal to set up a market economy in China and to change it into a modern state. The majority of state companies continues to drift along in their old socialist jog trot. Privatization is out of the question because of the serious losses. And the fight against corruption is mainly taking place in the media. We cannot accuse Zhu of not fighting for his reforms. But he had to realize that in China, it is the bureaucrats and the party leaders who have the power. Again and again, he was confronted with the resistance of the party establishment in his efforts to implement reforms.... Not too much is left of the high-flying previous plans. While Zhu calls for independent actions, nepotism and submissiveness to authorities continue to prevail. In this system, there is no room for change."
"China Always Has Money For The Military"
Nico Fried opined in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (3/7): "The Chinese government increased its defense budget by 12.7 percent.... There are two reasons for this move. The first has, in Beijing's opinion, to do with changed strategic requirements...and the current spheres of interest are located in the Pacific--Taiwan and the Spratly Islands. This is why China is supplementing its army by a naval force.... The second is based on domestic policy and is, on a short-term basis, of greater significance: The economic reforms go along with serious burdens for large parts of the population. And mainly on the countryside, unrest is growing. In this situation, the government is dependent on the military and forced to prevent any dissatisfaction among the soldiers. It is no coincidence that the increase in the budget is used to improve the payment of soldiers. They are still needed not against an external enemy, but to preserve power."
"First Victim Of China's Defense Budget Could Be Taiwan"
Right-of-center Nordsee-Zeitung of Bremerhaven declared (3/7): "China is pinning its hopes on aggression in order to demonstrate itself [as] a major power. An expression of this is the new budget with a defense component that has been increased by 12.7 percent. Beijing's first victim could be Taiwan. The secessionist island is stubbornly resisting massive demands of the communists that the Taiwanese end their striving for independence. The People's Republic seems to be determined to let the political pressure that has failed so far, be followed by a military conquest. With its saber rattling, Beijing made itself clearly heard."
ITALY: "Beijing Raises Ante Against U.S."
Mario Platero filed from New York in leading, business Il Sole-24 Ore (3/1): "The escalation between China and the United States continues, up to the point that in the U.S. capital observers wonder whether, behind Beijing's rhetoric, some internal destabilizing elements are hiding, which are even more dangerous than the ongoing dispute over missiles and Taiwan. Addressing U.S. Admiral Dennis Blair, during his mission in Beijing aimed at easing tensions...Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian stated 'Notwithstanding it wants a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, China will never commit itself not to use force.'...
"The United States gave the green light to allow China's entry into the WTO, and its administration is working to accelerate the process of the accord. Furthermore, President Clinton is exerting pressure on Congress to avoid...the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.... (However) such a tough position [on the part of Baijing] against Washington weakens Clinton's target...and even Beijing knows that the relationship between Congress and the White House is far from being coordinated about that issue."
HUNGARY: "Taiwan, Hard Nut"
Conservative Napi Magyarorszag's foreign affairs writer Istvan Pataky observed (3/8): "Although the expression 'war' has been permanently present in the rhetoric of communist China, it is clear who has the military lead when it comes to [strength.] Taiwan is still a hard nut for Beijing because of the special relationship that has built up between Taipei and Washington. And the Chinese administration, so sensitive otherwise to its own ties with Washington, is assumed to remain only threatening in words against Taiwan."
"What If Taiwan Doesn't Listen To The Warnings?"
Beijing correspondent Gyula Ortutay emphasized in leading Nepszabadsag (3/8): "The question cannot be avoided: What happens if the people of Taiwan...elevate to the throne a candidate who pledges to proclaim formal separation from China?"
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
CANADA: "Chinese Roulette"
The conservative National Post remarked (3/4): "Say what you like about mainland China's economic modernization, it is clear Beijing does not understand how to influence people living in a democracy.... Mainland China's behavior continues to be at odds with what would be expected of a country seeking international legitimacy and peaceful relations. But even if Beijing gets the Taiwan president it wants--or stops the candidate it does not--its ultimatums may harden the Taiwanese against moving the seat of their government. Taiwan may live under the mainland's shadow, but the people remain free from Beijing's grasp and able therefore to defy its wishes. So both sides would do well not to disturb a status quo that reconciles the de facto freedom of Taiwan with the territorial claims of Beijing--which means that Taipei should refrain from declarations of independence and Beijing should eschew talk of using force. Raising the stakes won't always win you the prize."
BRAZIL: "Uncertainties"
Center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo featured this view on its op-ed page (3/3): "Taiwan's territory is of little value to China.... Actually, what most attracts China in Taiwan is the island's $260-billion gross national product. With it, China would occupy the sixth or even the fifth position among the great powers, ahead of Italy or Britain's GNP. China has a powerful nuclear arsenal and has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not want to wait for the annexation.... How will the United States react? President Jiang Zemin is sure that there will be no reaction in addition to the customary diplomatic notes of protest. In case he is wrong, the first nuclear war will be on its way."
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For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Research
Telephone: (202) 619-6511
10/29/99
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