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Taiwan not to engage in arms race with China: president

ROC Central News Agency

2008-05-21 12:11:45

    Taipei, May 21 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that Taiwan will not engage in an arms race with China and will never purchase or develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

    Ma made the remarks in an international news conference a day after he was inaugurated as Taiwan's third directly elected president.

    While his administration will continue to beef up Taiwan's defense capability, Ma said Taiwan will not conduct an arms race with China nor will it seek to acquire WMD.

    Asked whether Taiwan will continue its quest of representation in the United Nations, Ma said as two U.N. bid referendums held alongside the March 22 presidential poll failed, his administration will first review the reasons behind the failure before charting a new plan for the U.N. bid.

    Ma was referring to referendums initiated by Taiwan's two major political parties -- the Kuomintang and the the Democratic Progressive Party -- on rejoining or joining the U.N. under the country's formal title -- the Republic of China -- or Taiwan.

    Neither referendum was approved because they did not get the participation of at least 50 percent of eligible voters, as required by Taiwan's Referendum Act.

(By Sofia Wu)

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