DATE=3/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / CHINA / S & L (UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-260238
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen calls 
China's latest threat to use force against Taiwan 
"counter-productive."  In remarks during a visit to 
Japan, he urged both China and Taiwan to seek a 
diplomatic, rather than a military solution to their 
problems.  V-O-A's Jim Randle reports.

Text:  Mr. Cohen says Taiwan should not seek 
independence and Beijing should stop trying to 
frighten Taiwanese voters.  His comments follow 
Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji's threat that the 
Chinese people would use "all of their blood" to keep 
Taiwan from becoming independent of China.

Mr. Cohen made it clear Washington recognizes China's 
claim to Taiwan, but will also work to protect the 
rights of the people on the island. 

            ///  COHEN ACTUALITY /// 

We expect these differences to be resolved peacefully.  
The threat of the use of force is counter productive.  
We recognize a one-China policy and we also recognize 
that we have an obligation under the Taiwan Relations 
Act to provide defensive equipment to protect the 
Taiwanese people. 

            ///  END ACTUALITY  //

U-S officials say they are considering Taiwan's 
request to buy some of America's best weapons, but Mr. 
Cohen says no decision will be made before Taiwan's 
Saturday election.

            ///  REST OPTIONAL FOR LONG   ///  

Mr. Cohen's restatement of long-standing U-S policy 
comes at a time of growing tensions between Taiwan and 
China over that election.  Beijing has been waging a 
month-long campaign to intimidate voters on Taiwan who 
might support independence-minded candidates.  China 
and Taiwan have been at odds since 1949 when Communist 
forces won the Chinese civil war and the defeated 
Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.

China's government considers the island to be a 
rebellious province that should be brought back under 
Beijing's control.  China has threatened to attack if 
the island formally declares independence.  Lately, it 
appeared to turn up the pressure by saying China might 
also turn to the military if Taiwan appears to be 
putting off reunification with China forever.  

Mr. Cohen spoke in Japan where he is holding talks 
with top officials. According to U-S officials, Tokyo 
is urging both sides in the Taiwan issue to avoid 
provocative political or military action.  

Mr. Cohen announced new agreements with the Japanese 
Government to clean up a privately-owned incinerator 
that is billowing clouds of cancer-causing dioxin over 
a U-S air base that is home to thousands of American 
military personnel and their families. (Signed).  

NEB / JR / WD
   



16-Mar-2000 03:50 AM EDT (16-Mar-2000 0850 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.