Wed, Dec 11, 2002 - Page 1 News List

US at odds with China over Taiwan

SECURITY In high-level military talks, the US said China's missiles were a destabilizing force in the Taiwan Strait, while China blamed US weapons sales

By Charles Snyder  /  STAFF REPORTER IN WASHINGTON WITH AP

The report, titled "China's National Defense in 2002," stridently condemned Taiwan independence forces and said China "will not forswear the use of force."

"China's armed forces will unswervingly defend the country's sovereignty and unity, and have the resolve as well as the capability to check any separatist act," the report said.

Feith declined to respond to that statement. Holding up a copy of the report, he said that he had been handed the document only a few hours earlier by the Chinese delegation, and had not had a chance to read it.

The talks covered a range of issues including North Korea's nuclear buildup, Iraq, weapons proliferation, China's military modernization and regional stability.

Chinese officials also presented a detailed proposal for military-to-military contacts with the US, Feith said. He said it was too soon to offer a US reaction to the Chinese proposals.

The Pentagon wants the exchanges to be more than just port calls and photo opportunities, Feith said. "If the exchanges are structured properly, they will serve our interests, our common interests, providing insights, to reduce the possibility of mistakes, of misunderstanding."

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