DATE=2/2/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=TAIWAN SECURITY / U-S
NUMBER=5-45555
BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER
DATELINE=HONG KONG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Already tense relations between Taiwan and
China could be strained further as a result of a
decision expected soon on United States weapons sales
to the island. As Grace Cutler reports from Hong
Kong, a top U-S official says despite the potential
sale of sophisticated arms, Washington supports
diplomatic dialogue to resolve the cross strait
conflict.
TEXT: Taiwan wants to buy some highly advanced
weapons from the United States. The island is, for
example, seeking as part of its annual request, guided
missile destroyers armed with a sophisticated target
tracking system. Security analysts say if acquired,
these weapons will significantly upgrade the island's
arsenal.
Also on the list are submarines and supersonic AIM 120
air-to-air missiles.
Stanley Roth, U-S Assistant Secretary of State for
East Asian and Pacific Affairs says no decision has
been made on what will be sold this year. Mr. Roth was
speaking Thursday during a visit to Hong Kong.
//ROTH ACT//
There are numerous items of the list, which has become
referred to as a wish list. Some of those items are
realistic. Some are not. And some are debatable and
we are in the process of considering this year's list
and request.
//END ACT//
Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be a wayward
province, has denounced United States weapons sales to
Taiwan, declaring them an interference in China's
internal affairs.
In the past, Washington has refused to sell Taiwan
items such as air-to-air missiles and submarines. U-S
officials say the weapons could be used for offensive
purposes. But analysts say Taiwan could be more
successful this year because of increased tensions
across the Taiwan Strait.
China recently issued a policy paper threatening to
use force if Taipei drags its feet on the start of
reunification negotiations with Beijing. The
mainland's renewed pressure comes as the island
prepares for it second-ever presidential elections.
Although some -- including C-I-A director George Tenet
- say that China's military would not be able stand up
to Taiwan's current military might, Beijing still
posses a serious threat.
Political scientist Andrew Yang of Taiwan's Chinese
Council of Advanced Policy Studies says Taiwan needs
more weapons to defend itself against China, which is
building up its own arsenal.
//YANG ACT//
There is a tip of the military balance in the Taiwan
strait because of the increasing deployment of short
range ballistic missiles in the coastal region, aiming
for Taiwan. Taiwan is urgently in need of more anti-
missile capability.
//END ACT//
But Mr. Roth, the State Department's top official on
Asian affairs, says ultimately, the key to resolving
the conflict is not weaponry.
//ROTH ACT//
I think the real issue for Taiwan security is not
hardware. I think the real issue for Taiwan security
is the nature of cross strait relations. I think that
is the only long term, tenable, viable path to
security for Taiwan. And so to me, the highest
priority for Taiwan, the highest priority for U-S
policy towards the straits is really to see
facilitating the resumption of meaningful cross-
straits dialogue.
//END ACT//
Political analyst Mr. Yang says to preserve Sino-U-S
relations, Taiwan will be under increasing pressure
from both Washington and Beijing to take part in
unification talks. (signed)
NEB/GC/FC
02-Mar-2000 06:32 AM EDT (02-Mar-2000 1132 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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