OFFENSE/DEFENSE: Washington sources said Beijing’s argument that Taiwan didn’t need to arm itself was met with skepticism because of the missiles aimed at Taiwan
By William Lowther
Washington sources told the Taipei Times that Wang Yi (王毅), director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, left Washington “disappointed” following a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg this week, during which he tried to persuade the US to end arms sales to Taiwan.

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By Flora Wang
A group of academics launched a signature campaign yesterday urging the Legislative Yuan to amend new legislation that they say infringes on their right to participate in political activities.

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EXECUTING POLICY: A Supreme People’s Court official said an increasing amount of drugs were being made in China, rather than smuggled in
At least 20 people were executed, an equal number condemned and hundreds put on trial as China marked a global anti-drug day with stark warnings on illicit drug use, state press said yesterday.

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One day after Michael Jackson’s sudden death, speculation was already turning yesterday to what killed the 50-year-old “King of Pop” just weeks before his long-awaited series of comeback concerts.

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A hardline Iranian cleric yesterday called for the execution of “rioters” in a sign of the authorities’ determination to stamp out opposition to the June 12 presidential election result.

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