Washington, Feb. 22 (CNA) The United States government stressed Tuesday that it rejects any use of force or any threat of force in resolving the Taiwan issue, saying Communist China's latest threat is "counterproductive and unhelpful," but added that there is no consideration being given to a change in the US policy on Taiwan.
"We believe that peaceful dialogue and bilateral engagement between the two sides is the best way to move forward. Any suggestion that this situation can be resolved through the use of force...is something that our policy opposes," said White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart during a press briefing.
Meanwhile, State Department spokesman James Rubin said that "we do note with concern China's statement in this document that an indefinite delay in cross-strait negotiations would be a reason to use force. The threat is contrary to the commitments contained in the (three) communiques that form the bedrock of our policy."
He added that "in our very clear view, issues between the two sides should be resolved peacefully. So we reject the use of force or the threat of the use of force as a way of resolving the Taiwan question."
As a result of the Beijing white paper, Rubin pointed out, the Clinton administration has communicated to China its view and the importance it attaches to urging both Beijing and Taipei to refrain from actions or statements that increase tensions, and instead take steps to foster dialogue, reduce tensions and promote mutual understanding.
He pointed out that "it is up to China and Taiwan to determine what the basis for dialogue is, but we certainly have an abiding interest in a peaceful resolution."
Rubin refused to speculate on whether Beijing's white paper is a reaction to President Lee Teng-hui's "special state-to-state relations" comments last fall or a warning to Taiwan voters ahead of next month's presidential elections, saying "that is obviously something that only the Chinese themselves can know."
Asked what would happen as a result of any military movements or actions by China, Rubin replied that "we have a long-standing policy in this regard and that is, based on the Taiwan Relations Act. We would consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and stability of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States."
Under the Taiwan Relations Act, he explained, "the president and Congress will determine any appropriate action by the United States under the circumstances."
On the question of whether the US government is prepared to review its policy toward China and Taiwan, especially with regard to arms sales to Taiwan, in light of the latest Chinese threats, Rubin said "we have been second to none in our support for Taiwan and the Taiwan Relations Act codifies a level of support unique in the world. We believe this has made a difference, as recently as 1996, and so nobody should doubt our willingness to act in our own national interest."
Rubin stressed, however, that US decisions on arms sales to Taiwan are "a complex calculus," that they are made based on a strategic judgments about what is appropriate for the defense of Taiwan, and that "isn't necessarily affected by any one statement in a white paper."
He added that "I am sure there are some in this government and in Congress and in other governments who may have opinions that differ on particular points, but there is no consideration given to a change in our Taiwan policy. We remain fervently against and in opposition to the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which we believe will harm our national interests by jeopardizing an arrangement that has served us extremely well." (By Nelson Chung)
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