Outcome of US race won't affect Taiwan arms sales

The result of the US presidential election is not expected to affect planned arms sales to Taiwan, Minister of National Defense Wu Shih-wen (伍世文) said yesterday.

No matter who wins, Wu said, the US government's policy on arms sales to Taiwan will not see any significant changes.

"Both candidates hold the same position on the China issue and weapons sales to Taiwan," Wu said.

But if Republican George W. Bush becomes the next US president, that could mean a change in US policy toward China, Wu said.

"Bush views China as a strategic competitor, rather than as a strategic partner," he said.

"As for the cross-strait issue, the primary concern of the US is its own interests in the region. The future of relations between Taiwan and the US will depend on whether the US thinks Taiwan helps its own interests."

Whatever the outcome of the election, Wu said, "the situation in the Taiwan Strait will remain as it is now -- in a state of relative balance of power."

Wu made the remarks yesterday at a meeting of the legislature's Defense Committee. He was responding to concerns from lawmakers that the result of the US presidential election could mean a change in US policy on arms sales to Taiwan and cross-strait relations.

Meanwhile, a military leader in charge of arms purchases from the US told lawmakers the acquisition of four new types of weapons and equipment would be completed before US President Bill Clinton leaves office.

The new weapons and equipment include the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, which is also known as AIM-120, the RGM-84L Harpoon anti-ship missile, the M109-A6 self-propelled howitzer and a tactical communication system.

"The approval of these sales will be given prior to the transfer of power from the Democrats to the Republicans. It will not be deferred because of the change in government," said Vice Admiral Hung Cheng-lo (洪振洛), deputy chief of the general staff for planning.

At the time of this report, it was still not clear if Bush had won the White House or whether the job will go to Democrat Al Gore.

"The procedure is that the Clinton administration has to first notify the Congress of arms sales and that if the Congress does not object to the sales, the next step is for both the US and Taiwan to start negotiating on terms for the deal," Hung said.

Hung denied media reports that Taiwan has agreed to store the purchased AIM-120s on US territory and will not take delivery of the missile unless there is a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

"We will not accept this condition if the US really has made such a demand," Hung said.