Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/15/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/CHINA (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-273768

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S Defense Department says it is carefully monitoring the build-up of China's missile forces. V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon the comment comes as a published report says China has placed new short-range missiles opposite Taiwan.

TEXT: Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral Craig Quigley will not comment directly on the report published by The Washington Times newspaper.

But Admiral Quigley says it is no secret China is increasing the size of its missile force. He says the United States is monitoring the build-up carefully.

/// QUIGLEY ACTUALITY ///

We would hope that the modernization efforts they have underway are not destabilizing to the region.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

The Washington Times, citing spy satellite photographs and a senior Bush administration official, reports the new Chinese missile base was completed in the past two weeks. The report says it contains nearly 100 short-range missiles which target Taiwan.

The commander of U-S military forces in the Pacific says an increase in the number of missiles pointed at Taiwan could force Washington to upgrade the types of weapons it sells the island. Admiral Dennis Blair, visiting China, says China now has about 300 missiles that could hit Taiwan.

The United States, under the Taiwan Relations Act, is obliged to sell the island weapons for its defense needs.

At the Pentagon, spokesman Quigley makes clear China's missile modernization program will be a consideration in evaluating future U-S arms sales to Taiwan.

/// QUIGLEY ACTUALITY ///

Their modernization is an element of our thinking. It's part of the overall Taiwan Relations Act, and, as you know, we are committed to the legitimate defense needs of Taiwan.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

U-S officials are currently evaluating Taiwan's latest defense requests. Taiwan is understood to be interested in acquiring missile defense equipment from the United States. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/TDW