Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5/4/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON / CHINA (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-275676

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: There are signs of disarray at the Pentagon over this week's contradictory announcements about future military-to-military contacts with China. V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon.

TEXT: The Pentagon spokesman insists it was all a big misunderstanding.

According to the official explanation, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld wanted to order a case-by-case review of all proposed military contacts with China in the future. But an overzealous aide misinterpreted Mr. Rumsfeld's desires. This aide instead ordered a blanket suspension of all military-to-military contacts between U-S and Chinese armed forces.

When the mistake was ultimately noticed, the Pentagon spokesman says Mr. Rumsfeld was forced to step in and straighten out the record.

But some senior Pentagon sources are privately suggesting that despite official denials, it is all a cover story. They firmly believe Mr. Rumsfeld wanted a full suspension and ordered it, reflecting his tough views on China and the latest tensions in relations between Washington and Beijing.

These sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the suspension move not only caught the White House and State Department by surprise, prompting the subsequent cover-up story, it also caught top military officers unawares.

One senior officer tells V-O-A it is symptomatic of the way military views are being ignored by the Defense Secretary as he considers new policy directions.

This officer and other leading Pentagon officials argue that there is value in military contacts with China - just as there is value in U-S military relations with other countries.

They say these not only allow the United States to gain deeper understanding of a foreign country's forces, tactics, and doctrine, they also allow American uniformed personnel to convey critical lessons of potential import.

These include emphasizing the need for armed forces to remain apolitical and for civilian authority to remain supreme. They also include the opportunity to stress ethical standards and the importance of human rights and to preach against corruption.

Military sources say familiarity with foreign military leaders has often given the United States unique access and insights in crises - especially if a foreign general or admiral has undergone military training in the United States itself.

These officials concede ties with China are complex and often complicated by a variety of factors that do not enter into other military relations.

But they maintain cutting off all military links would be a mistake.

While the Pentagon now says it was a mistake, there still remain some fear the new official position may not be substantially different. Military sources say Mr. Rumsfeld may achieve an effective suspension of contacts with China by simply rejecting all future proposals on the case-by-case study basis the Pentagon now says is in place. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/JWH