Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=08/01/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA/TAIWAN P-L-A (S)

NUMBER=2-292655

BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: China says it wants to peacefully reunite with Taiwan, but does not reject using force to retake the island. V-O-A Correspondent Leta Hong Fincher has more from Beijing.

TEXT: In Beijing, the state-run China Daily newspaper quotes Defense Minister Chi Haotian as saying that China does not renounce the use of force against Taiwan. Mr. Chi made his remarks at a celebration Wednesday marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army.

But Robert Karniol, Asia editor for Jane's Defense Weekly in Bangkok, says the remarks are not surprising.

/// KARNIOL ACT ///

That's a reiteration of a long-standing policy rather than an expression of any new ideas or new initiatives.

/// END ACT ///

China considers Taiwan its territory, and threatens to attack the island if it declares independence or drags its feet on unification with the mainland.

Also, China's Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan called on the United States to stop selling arms to Taiwan and to end all military contacts with the island. Mr. Tang reportedly made the comment Wednesday at a meeting with U-S Secretary of

State Colin Powell at a regional conference in Brunei. (signed)

NEB/HK/LHF/KPD