DATE=8/18/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TAIWAN-T-M-D (L-O)
NUMBER=2-252891
BYLINE=WILLIAM IDE
DATELINE=TAIPEI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Taiwan's President is backing the island's
participation in a missile defense umbrella system.
William Ide reports from Taipei about a proposed
regional anti-missile system.
Text: Taiwan's government-run Central News Agency
says President Lee Teng-hui, is calling for his
cabinet to support a missile defense system for the
island. President Lee spoke (Wednesday) at a closed-
door meeting of the ruling Kuomintang Party's Central
Committee.
The news agency says President Lee's comments were
prompted by a report from Defense Minister Tang Fei,
who said participation in a theatre missile defense
system, called the T-M-D, is a necessity.
The Central News Agency quotes General Tang as saying
the T-M-D could give Taiwan what it needs, from the
perspective of economics, politics, military defense,
and public confidence.
Monday, the United States and Japan signed an
agreement for joint research on missile defense.
Japan plans to invest up to 525-million-dollars in the
project. Taiwan has been careful in its comments on
participation in the system because China, which views
the island as part of its sovereign territory, is
strongly opposed to T-M-D.
Military analysts say General Tang's comments are a
clear sign Taiwan is interested in continuing its
efforts to join the defense umbrella system.
The remarks from President Lee and his top general
come as China and Taiwan are engaging in a propaganda
battle. The war of words follows President Lee's
declaration that relations between the two should be
carried out on a -- state-to-state basis.
The tensions have resulted in military threats from
China, which has long said it would use force if
Taiwan declares its independence from the Mainland.
(SIGNED)
NEB/WI/FC/RAE
18-Aug-1999 07:23 AM LOC (18-Aug-1999 1123 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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