China Warns Taiwan That Attack May Be 'Unavoidable'
General Condemns President's Moves Toward Independence

By John Pomfret
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, November 20, 2003; Page A28

BEIJING, Nov. 19 -- For the first time in more than three years, China has openly threatened to attack Taiwan, warning President Chen Shui-bian to curb recent moves it said were intended to bring Taiwan closer to formal independence.

Chinese Premier Presses U.S. on Taiwan, Trade
Wen Addresses Wide Range of Issues

By John Pomfret and Philip P. Pan
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, November 23, 2003; Page A01

BEIJING, Nov. 22 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the United States to deter Taiwan from adopting laws that could pave the way for a referendum on the island's independence, warning that China would "pay any price to safeguard the unity of the motherland."

…He pledged to "develop democracy," protect human rights and improve China's legal system. But he all but ruled out talks with Tibet's Dalai Lama, and he rejected bold reform of China's one-party political system.

"Conditions are not ripe for direct elections at the higher levels," he said. "The first hindrance in my view is the inadequate education level of the population."