Weapons needed to counter China's carrot-and-stick tactic: official
ROC Central News Agency
2011/08/19 13:16:46
Taipei, Aug. 19 (CNA) China is adopting a "carrot-and-stick" strategy toward Taiwan and the island needs to gain the ability to defend itself in times of danger, Deputy Defense Minister Andrew Yang said in an article published Friday on the Brookings Institute website.
Despite the easing of cross-strait tensions, the resumption of talks, the signing of bilateral agreements, China has continued to build up a regional military strength that far exceeds its need for self-defense, Yang said.
Some of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) military actions are "aimed exclusively" at Taiwan, therefore, Taiwan needs to be able defend itself and counterattack if it suffers a first strike.
"It is expected that United States will sell advanced defensive weapons to the ROC (Republic of China, Taiwan) for self-defense and contribution to the safety and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," Yang said.
The article called for the international media to better understand Taiwan's position in seeking to buy arms from the U.S. before time runs out, said Wang Kao-cheng, professor at Tamkang University's International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
The media reported that the U.S. will make a final decision on the sale of 66 new F-16 C/D fighter jets to Taiwan before Oct. 1, in less than two months' time.
With China portrayed as a threat not only to Taiwan but also to other neighboring countries, the U.S. has been pulled into a role in the Taiwan-China military balance, said Tung Chen-yuan, a professor at the Graduate Institute of Development Studies at National Chengchi University.
The U.S. has been hesitant to sell advanced fighter jets and weapons to Taiwan, under strong protest from China in the past. (By Nancy Liu) ENDITEM /pc
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