DATE=3/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA-US-AMBASSADOR (L-ONLY)CQ
NUMBER=2-260271
BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The U-S State Department called in China's 
Ambassador Thursday to discuss the tense issue of 
Taiwan, two days before the Taiwanese vote in their 
second direct presidential election.  As VOA's Leta 
Hong Fincher reports, Washington is hoping that 
Beijing will tone down its militant rhetoric. 


TEXT:  State Department Spokesman James Rubin said the 
meeting took place Thursday morning between Under 
Secretary of State Thomas Pickering and Chinese 
Ambassador Li Zhao Xing.  

            /// RUBIN ACT ///

      This morning Undersecretary Pickering called in 
China's ambassador, Ambassador Li, to discuss the 
importance of prudence and patience before and after 
the Taiwan election, and our hope to see, following 
that election, positive steps to reduce tensions and 
foster dialogue. 

            /// END ACT ///

The discussion was prompted by Chinese Premier Zhu 
Rongji's warning to Taiwanese voters on Wednesday, not 
to choose a president who was pro-independence.  Mr. 
Zhu was believed to be referring to one of the three 
leading candidates for the Taiwanese presidency, Chen 
Shui-bian, of the Democratic Progressive Party.  Mr. 
Chen's party promotes independence for Taiwan, 
although Mr. Chen has recently backed off from his 
pro-independent stance.

China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province, and 
has long said it would use force if Taiwan declared 
independence, or if it were invaded by a foreign 
power.  But three weeks ago, Beijing issued a policy 
paper saying that it might also invade Taiwan if the 
island dragged its feet on negotiations for 
reunification with the mainland.

The United States does not formally recognize the 
government of Taiwan.  But under the Taiwan Relations 
Act of 1979, it is obliged to help Taiwan defend 
itself in the event of an invasion.  (Signed)


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TEXT:


NEB/WTW/ 



17-Mar-2000 07:07 AM EDT (17-Mar-2000 1207 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.