COMBAT ALERT NOT TO BE RAISED FOR PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
2004-05-04 19:00:25
Taipei, May 4 (CNA) The military will not raise the level of combat alert on May 20 when President Chen Shui-bian will be sworn in for a second four-year term, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday.
Speaking at a regular MND news conference, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Huang Suey-sheng said that according to existing regulations, combat alert will be raised only on Double-Ten National Day, Chinese Lunar New Year's Day and the presidential election day.
As in the past, Huang said, the military will maintain a normal level of combat preparedness on the May 20 presidential inauguration day.
Nevertheless, Huang said the military will continue closely monitoring any mainland Chinese military movements amid concerns that Beijing might flex its muscles during Chen's inauguration.
At the moment, Huang said, there has not been any "abnormal movement" or sign of military exercises among troops positioned in coastal mainland provinces opposite Taiwan.
Huang further said the defense ministry will assist the National Police Administration in ensuring security for the inaugural ceremony as well as help with protecting the safety of the president and vice president in cooperation with the National Security Bureau.
Meanwhile, Huang said a mainland Chinese naval fleet's current port call in Hong Kong is mainly designed to display mainland China's naval muscle.
Eight mainland Chinese warships -- including two guided-missile destroyers, four frigates and two submarines -- and 1,500 officers arrived in Hong Kong last Friday for a six-day stopover. "We will keep an eye on where they are going to sail," said Huang.
Huang said the parade of naval hardware is to mark the 55th founding anniversary of the mainland Chinese navy. Some observers said it is also meant as warning against any moves in Taiwan towards independence.
(By Sofia Wu)
enditem/mw
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
