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DATE=9/29/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=TAIWAN / US ARMS (L-ONLY) CQ

NUMBER=2-267244

BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER

DATELINE=HONG KONG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Chairman of Taiwan's Foreign Relations Committee, Paris Chang, is welcoming Thursday's move by the U-S Defense Department to approve the sale of medium range air-to-air missiles and other defensive weapons. The U-S Congress must now agree to the sale. Grace Cutler reports that Taiwanese officials are concerned the deal may not get congressional approval.

TEXT: Taiwan legislator Paris Chang says Taiwan needs the advanced US weapons to fend off potential missile attacks from China.

/// CHANG ACT ONE ///

We see this as a very important measure for Taiwan to be equipped. We see the missiles as necessary to cope with the growing Chinese military capability.

/// END ACT ///

Beijing, which considers Taiwan a part of China, strongly opposes the sale of arms to the island. It wants the island reunited with the mainland and has repeatedly threatened to take it by force if necessary.

The United States, under the Taiwan Relations Act which obligates it to sell Taiwan military hardware for defense purposes, has continued selling weapons to the island.

Now the Pentagon plans to sell Taipei 200 Advanced-Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles or AMRAAM. The missiles would be used on Taiwanese F-16 fighters, built in the United States.

The military sales package, which also includes high-tech military communications systems, anti-ship missiles and other artillery, is worth more than one billion dollars.

The Pentagon approved the weapons sale but it still must be passed by Congress.

Taiwan legislative foreign policy chairman says he has concerns about the completion of the transfer, especially the AMRAAM missiles. Mr. Chang says US law specifies that Taiwan may only be sold defensive weapons and lawmakers may feel that the missiles are not needed because China's military capability is not that sophisticated.

/// CHANG ACT ///

When the United States is quite sure that China finally is equipped with more advanced air-to-air missiles, then Taiwan will actually be given this missile. Taiwan paid the money. Taiwan would not physically have control of this missile here in Taiwan.

/// END ACT ///

/// OPT /// Mr. Chang says some U-S officials are waiting for confirmation China's aircraft are equipped with advanced Russian-made A-10 missiles. He says this hardware is considered to pose a serious threat to the island, therefore enabling Taiwan to take delivery of defensive weapons. /// END OPT ///

If Congress approves the sale, the transfer is likely to be completed by the end of the year. (signed)

NEB/HK/GC/JO/PFH