Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/1/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA/TAIWAN (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-273162

BYLINE=JIM RANDLE

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: China's government is cautioning the United States that proposed arms sales to Taiwan could undermine relations between Beijing and Washington - endangering the entire Asia Pacific region and putting billions of dollars of U-S investment at risk. V-O-A's Jim Randle reports the message comes as top U-S officials are considering Taiwan's annual request to buy sophisticated U-S weapons.

TEXT: China's blunt message was delivered in public forums in Beijing and Washington, where one of Beijing's top experts on relations with Taiwan - Zhou Mingwei - said Wednesday the proposed weapons sales would have a "destructive" and "explosive' effect on relations between China and the new Bush administration.

Mr. Zhou says strained relations with Beijing are an obvious danger to peace and a growing threat to the thousands of U-S companies that have started or expanded operations in China in recent years.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue urged Washington to stick by promises not to sell more or better weapons to Taiwan. She spoke through a translator.

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In China / U-S relations, it is our view, the question of Taiwan has all along been the most important and sensitive question at the core of bilateral relations.

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Those bilateral relations are the subject of more messengers from China later this month as Vice Premier and former Foreign Minister Qian Qichen heads for Washington - certain to raise Beijing's concerns on the Taiwan issue.

The apparent campaign to influence the new Bush Administration's new China policy comes as officials at the White House, State Department, Pentagon and Congress are considering Taiwan's annual request to buy more weapons to defend the island. Reports say the shopping list may include some major U-S / built warships. A decision on the number and sophistication of weapons Washington will

sell is expected in a matter of weeks.

China's concerns on the Taiwan issue were almost certainly heightened by President Bush's campaign criticism that the Clinton administration's China policy was doing too little to help friends like Taiwan, and was "too soft" toward Beijing.

Beijing considers Taiwan a rebellious province that should be returned to central government rule - by force, if necessary. But Washington says Beijing and Taiwan must solve their differences peacefully and has pledged to help Taiwan if China attacks. (signed).

NEB/HK/JR/HB/WD