US Paper Warns Against Arms Sales to Taiwan

If the new US administration sells advanced weapons to Taiwan, it could severely hurt US- China relations, The New York Times newspaper warned on Wednesday.

In an editorial, it urged the administration of President George W. Bush to stand firm against Republican conservatives in their demand for sales to Taiwan of four Aegis-equipped destroyers.

"If he yields to conservative pressure and authorizes the sale of four destroyers equipped with America's most advanced naval radar system to Taiwan, Mr. Bush is likely to condemn his China policy to a sustained period of discord with Beijing," the paper warned.

The editorial came out on the same day when Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen arrived in Washington for a three-day visit.

"The sale of the Aegis radar system is not justified at this point and would be needlessly provocative," the newspaper stressed. "Selling the Aegis would diminish, not increase security across the Taiwan Straits," it added.

The paper described arms sales to Taiwan as "the most volatile issue in America's relationship with China" and "the first subject that Mr. Bush faces."

China is vehemently opposed to America's continued arms sales, especially advanced weaponry like the Aegis systems to the island. Under three joint communiques between Washington and Beijing that led to the establishment of diplomatic ties, the United States promised to phase out arms sales to Taiwan.

The New York Times said Washington must understand that China's determination not to let Taiwan become an independent nation is " deeply rooted." It also lashed out at some conservatives for " overlooking significant changes in Beijing's diplomatic approach to the Taiwan issue."

On Monday, President Bush reaffirmed that his administration will continue to adhere to the "one China" policy and set up "constructive and open" ties with China.

"The best course for the United States, China (Chinese mainland) and Taiwan is to maintain Taiwan's current status as an autonomous, but not independent, entity until such time as Beijing and Taipei peacefully agree on a mutually acceptable formula for their relations," the paper suggested.

A meeting between Qian and Bush at the White House would offer Bush an opportunity to set "a constructive course" with China, said the paper.

"Few international relationships are as important, and as complex, as that between the United States and China" which has involved such vital issues as economy, trade, security and human rights, it said.

"As the 21st century unfolds, Beijing's advance to the front ranks of global power assures that all of these issues will take on ever greater significance," it said.

During his stay here, Qian is expected to meet Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and several Congressmen for talks on a wide range of issues of common concern.

(Xinhua 03/22/2001)