CHINA: BEIJING SAYS IT OPPOSES MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES.

Record ID: 590746

  • Title: CHINA: BEIJING SAYS IT OPPOSES MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES.
  • Date: 18th June 2004
  • Summary: (W2)BEIJING, CHINA (JUNE 18, 2004) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1. TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL SPOKESMAN LI WEIYI WALKING IN FOR NEWS BRIEFING 2. JOURNALISTS 3. (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) LI, SAYING: "Taiwan separatists are still carrying on military opposition to the mainland. They are trying to oppose reunification by using force, and they have challenged the One China policy. This is the basic reason that cross-Strait peace and stability has been damaged. We oppose the United States having any official exchanges or any military co-operation with Taiwan." 4. JOURNALISTS 5. (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) LI, SAYING: "Taiwan's authorities and Chen Shui-bian still maintain the position of Taiwan independence, and have never returned to the One China policy. This is the basic reason for tension between the two sides, and this threatens the peace and stability across the Strait." 6. JOURNALISTS 7. (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) LI, SAYING: "We will continually encourage Taiwan businessmen to invest in the mainland. We will provide them with help and services, and will protect their interests according to law. But to those who support Taiwan's independence--at the same time making a profit on the mainland--we do not welcome them and won't allow it." 8. JOURNALISTS Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 3rd July 2004 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: BEIJING, CHINA
  • Country: China
  • Reuters ID: LVA8TZACCSB5YXP4SEF29OA1EKWG
  • Story Text: China says it opposes military cooperation between
    Taiwan and the United States, as the nation readies for a
    showdown with the island.



    China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Friday (June
    18) that it opposed all official U.S. exchanges with Taiwan.

    China is convinced that Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian
    will push the envelope on independence during his second
    four-year term and is wary of any encouragement from the
    United States.

    "Taiwan separatists are still carrying on military
    opposition to the mainland. They are trying to oppose
    reunification by using force, and they have challenged the
    One China policy. This is the basic reason that
    cross-Strait peace and stability has been damaged. We
    oppose the United States having any official exchanges or
    any military co-operation with Taiwan," said
    spokesman Li Wei (pron: lee way yee).

    The nation is readying for a showdown with Taiwan,
    which has ruled itself since their split in 1949.

    During this month's military exercises on Dongshan
    island along its southeastern coast, China will practice a
    mock invasion of the island.

    Taiwan is counting on U.S. intervention in the event of
    real conflict.

    Washington has tried to rein in Taipei, which was
    apparently emboldened by President George W. Bush's pledge
    to help the island defend itself and offer to sell weapons.

    Beijing is convinced Chen will adopt a new constitution
    in 2008, a move it sees as yet another move towards
    independence.

    "Taiwan's authorities and Chen Shui-bian still maintain
    the position of Taiwan independence, and have never returned to the
    One China policy. This is the basic reason for tension
    between the two sides, and this threatens the peace and
    stability across the Strait," said Li.

    A military assault on Taiwan would underscore the
    theory that China is a global military power.

    Regional instability would scare away foreign
    investors, including Taiwanese who have poured up to $100
    billion into China since the late 1980s.

    In the meantime, China says it is encouraging
    investment from Taiwanese as long as they steer clear of
    promoting independence.

    "We will continually encourage Taiwan businessmen to
    invest in the mainland. We will provide them with help and
    services, and will protect their interests according to
    law. But to those who support Taiwan's independence--at the
    same time making a profit on the mainland--we do not
    welcome them and won't allow it," said Li.

    China has painted itself into a corner by beating
    the drums of war and no Chinese leader can afford to be
    seen as weak by giving in on the goal of reunification.


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