DATE=2/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA / MILITARY (L)
NUMBER=2-259391
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=SINGAPORE
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The head of China's air force said Monday that 
while Beijing aims to boost its offensive 
capabilities, it would never invade another sovereign 
state.  Amy Bickers reports from Singapore, where the 
general made his remarks. 

TEXT:  A leading Chinese military official says his 
country would never threaten or invade a sovereign 
state.  General Liu Shunyao, who heads the Chinese air 
force, made the comments at a regional aviation show 
in Singapore. 

He also said that Beijing is aiming to streamline the 
armed forces and to enable the military to compete 
successfully on a high-tech battlefield. 

In his remarks, General Liu did  not  mention Taiwan, 
which China regards as a renegade province, not  a 
sovereign state.  However, he did speak of the need 
for territorial integrity and the unity of the Chinese 
motherland.

After his speech, reporters asked the general if China 
planned to try to intimidate Taiwan during next 
month's presidential elections on the island.  General 
Liu replied that the people of Taiwan should decide 
whom they want to elect.  During Taiwan's 1996 
presidential race, China held war games in the waters 
off Taiwan, sending relations between the two rivals 
to a low point.

General Liu's statement came on the same day as 
Beijing issued a stern warning to Taiwan, saying it 
could resort to drastic measures if Taipei continues 
to refuse to negotiate the island's reunification with 
the mainland.  (Signed)

NEB/AM/KL




21-Feb-2000 10:06 AM EDT (21-Feb-2000 1506 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.