DATE=2/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-CHINA-TAIWAN(L)
NUMBER=2-258704
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S House of Representatives has come out
strongly in favor of closer ties between the American
armed forces and their counterparts on Taiwan. V-O-A's
David Swan reports the proposal has drawn criticism
from China and a veto threat from the White House.
TEXT: In a solid bipartisan vote (341 to 70), House
members passed a bill to strengthen contacts, training
and communication with the Taiwanese military. Its
backers say the measure will help counter what they
call the growing danger of armed aggression from
China. Assistant Republican Leader Tom DeLay says the
island desperately needs U-S support.
/// DELAY ACT ///
Make no mistake about it -- this is a gravely
serious situation. Considering what's at stake,
the cost of American assistance is very minimal.
The Taiwanese are not asking us to send troops;
they're not asking us to bomb anybody.
/// END ACT ///
The bill is much weaker than an earlier version, which
would have allowed Taiwan to buy American missile
defenses and other advanced weapons. But even the
watered-down measure is cause for anger in Beijing.
The Chinese government has warned (Monday) the plan
could seriously damage relations with Washington.
Democratic Congressman Tom Lantos says it will only
make a tense situation worse.
/// LANTOS ACT ///
This piece of legislation, well-intentioned but
totally counterproductive, will add nothing to
the security of Taiwan. What it will do, it
will stir up a hornet's nest in the region.
/// END ACT ///
The Senate has yet to act on the bill. Should it
eventually clear both houses of Congress, it goes to
the president, whose administration has already warned
it faces a veto.
But lawmakers say any threat against Taiwan could hurt
Beijing's chances of winning permanent normal trade
relations. That proposal is a crucial part of the
deal for China to join the World Trade Organization.
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott predicts Congress
will approve the trade benefits, provided the Chinese
government and the White House do their part.
/// LOTT ACT ///
It can be done. China's going to have to watch
its conduct. The president is going to have to
weigh in aggressively with the Democratic
(congressional) leadership, who will be pushed
very strongly by labor (unions) not to do this.
/// END ACT ///
The vote on China's trade relations is expected
sometime in the next several months. (Signed)
Neb/ds/gm
01-Feb-2000 15:47 PM EDT (01-Feb-2000 2047 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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