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US commander pledges his aid

The US armed forces in the Pacific have the responsibility to take "appropriate action" to defend Taiwan against a threat from China as dictated by the Taiwan Relations Act, the incoming commander of America's Asia-Pacific forces said Friday.

Admiral Thomas Fargo made the comment in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in a confirmation hearing on his appointment as the commander in chief of the US Pacific Command in Hawaii to replace the retiring Admiral Dennis Blair. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced the appointment on March 21.

"My actions are, and my responsibilities really are, governed by the Taiwan Relations Act," Fargo said in response to a question by the committee's chairman, Sander Levin.

Fundamentals

"There are two fundamental pieces to that," he said.

"One is, if confirmed, making appropriate recommendations to the secretary of defense on the required capability of the Tai-wanese to defend themselves.

"And second, if ordered by the president and Congress, to take appropriate action in response to such dangers. So, that governs my actions."

Fargo, the former commander of the US Pacific Fleet, expressed concern over the continued buildup of China's military capabilities across the Strait from Taiwan.

He cited China's purchase of Kilo submarines from Russia and the increase in the number of short-range ballistic missiles China is deploying in coastal areas within range of Taiwan.

US intelligence agencies estimate that China has deployed between 350 and 400 such missiles targeting Taiwan, a total that is expected to rise by about 50 a year.

Fargo said that the four Kidd-class destroyers the US has agreed to sell to Taiwan would provide a deterrent to China's navy and a "very significant surface-to-air" defense capability.

Delivery date

Washington reportedly is expected to wrap up the multibillion-dollar sale of the Kidds early next year with delivery possible as early as 2004.

The vessels, which are currently mothballed in US shipyards, were originally built for the Shah of Iran but were not delivered since he was ousted in 1979 by extremist religious forces. The four ships are expected to cost about US$2 billion.

The George W. Bush administration agreed a year ago to sell Taiwan the Kidds rather than the advanced Arleigh Burke class destroyers equipped with AEGIS radar and anti-missile warfare management capabilities. China had strongly protested the potential AEGIS sale.

During the congressional hearing, Virginia Senator John Warner, the ranking Republican on the committee, described Taiwan as "a very valued nation in that part of the world" and noted that US-Taiwan ties are "most unusual" in view of the Taiwan Relations Act, which is unique among US foreign policy legislation.

Throughout his career, Warner has been a staunch supporter of Taiwan.
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