DATE=3/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - TAIWAN (L)
NUMBER=2-260325
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  President Clinton is congratulating the winner 
of Taiwan's presidential election, Chen Shui-bian, who 
has in the past called for the island's independence 
from China.  Mr. Clinton's comments came just hours 
after the people of Taiwan ended more than a half-
century of rule by the Nationalist Party, which once 
governed all of China.   Correspondent Deborah Tate 
reports from the White House.

Text:  President Clinton says the election -- in his 
words -- clearly demonstrates the strength and 
vitality of Taiwan's democracy.

Mr. Chen's appeal shortly after his election victory 
for a constructive dialogue with the mainland was 
immediately welcomed by the U-S administration.

In a written statement, Mr. Clinton said he believes 
the election provides a fresh opportunity for both 
sides to reach out and resolve their differences 
peacefully through dialogue.

White House Chief of Staff John Podesta echoed the 
president's comments during an appearance before 
reporters:

            /// Podesta Act ///

      The United States strongly supports a peaceful 
      dialogue and is committed to providing peace and 
      stability there.

            /// End Act ///

In his statement, Mr. Clinton sought to reassure 
Beijing -- which had warned the island not to elect 
Mr. Chen -- that there would be no change in U-S 
policy toward China or Taiwan.  He said the United 
States would continue unofficial ties with the people 
of Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan and 
Washington's one-China policy.

The United States had tried to ease tensions between 
China and Taiwan during the campaign.

In the run-up to the election, Beijing had threatened 
the use of force if necessary to achieve reunification 
with Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province.

U-S officials played down the threats, which they 
described as political posturing ahead of the Taiwan 
vote.

The election took place as Mr. Clinton is trying to 
persuade the U-S Congress to grant China permanent 
normal trade relations, an important step before 
Beijing is admitted to the World Trade Organization.

But the president faces an uphill battle amid 
lawmakers' concerns about China's threats against 
Taiwan, its human rights record and other issues. 
(signed)

Neb/dat/JP




18-Mar-2000 13:13 PM EDT (18-Mar-2000 1813 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.