U.S. READY TO OFFER TAIWAN SUBMARINES: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Washington, Nov. 20 (CNA) The United States thinks Taiwan needs
submarines and is ready to make them available, but it is up to
Taiwan to decide whether to pursue them or not, Randall G. Schriver,
deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific
Affairs, said Thursday.
In a news conference organized for journalists posted here by
Taiwan media, Schriver said Washington believes the anti-submarine
capability is most-needed by Taiwan at present and is willing to sell
the vessels.
However, Schriver went on, it is up to Taiwan to decide which
arms it needs most and whether submarines will fit into its defense
programs.
He categorically denied that any official from Bush
administration has ever called Republic of China President Chen
Shui-bian a troublemaker, adding it is inappropriate to brand Chen as
a troublemaker when his administration supports the United States in
many ways.
Of course there are times when Washington and Taipei do not see
eye to eye on some issues, in which case, Schriver said, Washington
makes its views known to Taipei in private.
(By Lin Wen-chi & Maubo Chang)
ENDITEM/J
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
