Asia could be as big an issue as the Middle East
China Tells U.S. Not to Sell Arms to Taiwan
Fri Jul 23, 2004 12:42 AM ET
BEIJING (Reuters) - China told the top U.S. military officer in Asia Friday that it resolutely opposed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and that it would not allow the island to become independent under any circumstances.
After meeting visiting Pacific Commander Admiral Thomas Fargo, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told state television that China was willing to advance Sino-U.S. relations but its "biggest concern" was Taiwan.
"We resolutely oppose the United States violating the Three Joint Communiques and violating the 'one China' principle to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan because this does not benefit our efforts to peacefully resolve the Taiwan issue," Li said.
The communiques date back to 1979, when Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taipei. One of the communiques pledged to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan in qualitative and quantitative terms.
But Washington is also obliged to defend Taiwan from attack and has close unofficial relations with the island. Taiwan is considering weapons purchases of $18 billion from the United States, including Patriot anti-missile systems, submarines and anti-submarine aircraft.
Li told Fargo the United States should "clearly understand the seriousness and sensitiveness of the Taiwan situation, halt its arms sales to Taiwan and stop its relevant military exchanges aiming to upgrade substantial relationship with Taiwan," Xinhua news agency reported.
"We are prepared with the greatest sincerity to make the greatest efforts to realize the peaceful reunification of the motherland. But we certainly will not allow Taiwan to become independent," Li said.
"We certainly will not allow anyone, using any excuse, to cut Taiwan from our great motherland, to split it from the great motherland. Everyone should be clear on this piece of information."
