DATE=2/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TAIWAN ARMS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258658
BYLINE=DERRICK MCEHLERON
DATELINE=TAIPEI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Taiwan media are quoting military sources
as saying the island wants to purchase a long
range radar system from the United States, in a
move to counter potential missile threats from
China. As we hear from Derrick McElheron in
Taipei, the reports come as the U-S House of
Representatives prepares to vote on legislation
enhancing U-S/Taiwanese military ties.
TEXT: Taiwan's media quotes military officials as
saying they need the radar system to give the
island advance warning of any missile attack by
China. They say the system would be able to
detect threats as far as 3000 kilometers,
covering all of China. Taiwan has already asked
Washington for more Patriot missiles, to counter
missile threats from Beijing. It has also asked
to be included in the proposed Theater Missile
Defense System planned by the United States and
Japan.
Military officials in Taipei are said to be
confident the radar sale will go through, despite
certain outrage from China. Beijing is already
strongly protesting a proposed strengthening of
military relations between the Taipei and
Washington.
Republican leaders in the U-S House of
Representatives are preparing for a vote this
week on legislation to boost U-S military ties
with Taiwan. China warned Monday that approval
of the bill - which must also be considered by
the Senate and signed by the president before it
becomes law - would seriously damage U-S/China
relations.
The legislation, already approved in Committee,
is set for a vote in the full House as early as
Tuesday. In its original form, the bill would
have authorized the sale of specific weapons to
Taiwan, including missile defense systems. But
some of the most controversial provisions were
dropped in the final measure.
Under the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which
is opposed by the Clinton administration, the
United States and Taiwan would establish direct
military communications and expand U-S training
of Taiwanese military officers.
Some analysts see the discussion of new radar as
part of the verbal exchanges between Beijing and
Taipei that have become sharper as Taiwan
prepares for a presidential election scheduled
for March 18th. The latest back-and-forth
occurred over the weekend, as Beijing reiterated
its threat to wage war against the island, if the
winner of the election declares independence.
Taiwan and China split after a civil war in 1949
and Beijing considers the island to be a
breakaway province.
NEB/DM/FC
01-Feb-2000 01:40 AM EDT (01-Feb-2000 0640 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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