China / Taiwan, Voice of America, 28 December 2000 -- Beijing and Taiwan are taking small steps toward historic
direct contacts, under a new plan to allow small numbers of people
to travel back and forth to the mainland.
Commentary: Review of Cross-Strait Relations in 2000, People's Daily, 28 December 2000 -- Following is the commentary, entitled "Opposing 'Taiwan Independence' and Promoting Reunification", written by Xinhua Correspondents Fan Liqing and Chen Binhua
Reunification Is What All Chinese People Want, People's Daily, 27 December 2000 -- Reunification, instead of "Taiwan independence," is what all Chinese people want, according to a signed article released Tuesday, December 26.
Air Force To Consolidate New Warplane Combat Capability, CNA, 26 December 2000 -- The Republic of China Air Force will step up consolidation of beyond-the-vision combat capabilities of its second-generation warplanes starting next year, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Huang Suey-sheng said Tuesday.
Report says arms sales to Taiwan serve U.S. interests, By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes, 21 December 2000 -- For the first time, White House and Pentagon policymakers have stated that arms sales to Taiwan serve U.S. national interests, a stance that might make an already thorny relationship with mainland China even more contentious.
Yearender-China-Taiwan, Voice of America, 20 December 2000 -- In January, Taiwan plans to open its first direct links to mainland China as part of a test to see if even more direct contact is feasible.
Pentagon Report on Implementation of Taiwan Relations Act, U.S. Department of Defense, 19 December 2000 -- Although the People's Republic of China (PRC) "claims that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and has reserved the right to use force to unify Taiwan with the mainland," the U.S. position is that "any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including boycotts or embargoes, [is] a threat to peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the U.S.," according to a report summary released by the Department of Defense.
ROC, U.S. To Enter 'Strategic Cooperation', CNA, 16 December 2000 -- The Republic of China will formally enter "strategic cooperation" with the United States when its military builds up the "net assessment" capability next year, Ministry of National Defense (MND) sources said Monday.
MND Denies Developing Biological Weapons, CNA, 18 December 2000 -- The Ministry of National Defense on Saturday denied reports that Taiwan may be developing nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons of mass destruction.
Cross-Straits Stalemate Dangerous: Article, People's Daily, 12 December 2000 -- Taiwan has been plagued by one chaos after another since the leader of the Taiwan authorities came to power half a year ago, and the people have been worried about cross-Straits relations in the fear of the pro-independence motives of the leadership, said a signed article released by Xinhua on Monday, December 11.
NAVY: U.S. Missiles Best Match For Perry-Class Frigates, CNA, 08 December 2000 -- The Navy's fleet of Chengkung-class frigates will be one of the service's key weapons if they are armed with U.S.-made Harpoon missiles, the Navy said Friday.
Macedonia's 'Taiwan Experiment' About To End?, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 235, Part II, 6 December 2000 -- The government of Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski may reconsider its diplomatic ties with Taiwan following the recent departure of the Democratic Alternative and its leader, Vasil Tupurkovski, from the governing coalition
ROC Navy To Build 8th Perry-Class Frigate, CNA, 04 December 2000 -- The Republic of China Navy recently decided to build the eighth locally constructed Chengkung-class missile frigate to beef up its naval defense capability.
Pentagon Spokesman's Regular Briefing - Taiwanese Destroyer Purchase, U.S. Department of Defense, 05 December 2000 -- Q: There have been news reports about Taiwan being interested in buying the Kidd destroyers. Has anything formal been requested on that, and is DoD talking with them about that?
Taiwan Successfully Develops Advanced Anti-Ship Missile, CNA, 03 December 2000 -- Taiwan has successfully developed advanced a supersonic anti-ship missile which is said to be superior to the Sunburn missiles that mainland China have acquired from Russia.
Taiwan Is Seeking Four Kidd-Class Destroyers From U.S., CNA, 03 December 2000 -- Taiwan is seeking to obtain four U.S.-made Kidd-class missile destroyers to replace its aging fleet of destroyers, according to a local evening newspaper Sunday.
China - Taiwan, Voice of America, 30 November 2000 -- China has spurned Taiwan's latest offer to renew dialogue with the mainland, insisting again that Taiwan recognize it is a part of China first.
Acceptance of One-China Principle: Only Way for Breaking Deadlock, People's Daily, 16 November 2000 -- "The only way to break the present deadlock in the cross-Straits relations is that, Taiwan authorities must acknowledge the one-China principle and clearly promise to adhere to the Common View on the One-China Principle reached by the Association of Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF)," said Wang Zaixi, deputy director of Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during an exclusive interview with the reporter in Zhuhai on November 15.
No Concessions on One-China Principle: China's Vice Premier, People's Daily, 16 November 2000 -- China will make no concessions on the one-China principle and will tolerate no activities aimed at splitting the country, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen said Thursday in Bandar Seri Bagewan.
Taiwan Prepared To Negotiate With Mainland China: ROC President, CNA, 21 October 2000 -- Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that he is willing to carry out dialogue with mainland China "on the existing foundations," but that Taipei and Beijing did not reach a consensus on the "one China" issue in 1992.
Taiwan / China / Chien, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has urged China to stop threatening the island and instead begin a dialogue to resolve problems between the two sides
China Will Do Its Utmost for Peaceful Reunification: White Paper, People's Daily, 16 October 2000 -- The Chinese government will do its utmost to achieve peaceful reunification, and advocates settling differences through dialogues and negotiations on the basis of the one-China principle.
China / Defense, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- China says it will increase its military spending to forestall independence moves by Taiwan and to respond to what is sees as foreign interference and power politics.
ROC President Expresses Views On Relations With ChinA, CNA, 17 October 2000 -- The text of an interview with Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian by Juergen Kremb and Andreas Lorenz of Der Spiegel, a leading German news weekly.
ROC Premier Urges Taipei-Beijing Reconciliation, CNA, 17 October 2000 -- Republic of China Premier Chang Chun-hsiung said Tuesday that the time for Taipei-Beijing reconciliation has come, adding that the government will evaluate and plan for direct trade, postal, and transport links with mainland China in stages.
CHINA-TAIWAN, Voice of America, 10 October 2000 -- China is refusing to budge on its position on Taiwan, despite Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's renewed offer to pursue long-lasting peace with the mainland.
Chen Urges Restart of Cross-Strait Dialogue In National Day MessagE, CNA, 10 October 2000 -- resident Chen Shui-bian Tuesday again urged leaders on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to set aside differences and resume dialogue with Taiwan so as to break the current deadlock and achieve a "win-win" situation.
TANG'S DEPARTURE INDICATES BEIJING'S IMPOTENCE REGARDING TAIWAN, CNA, 07 October 2000 -- The recent resignation of Tang Fei from the Republic of China's premiership highlights Beijing's impotence in dealing with Taiwan-related affairs, according to The Economist magazine.
US Planned Arms Sale to Taiwan, PRC Foreign Ministry Spokesman, 30 September 2000 -- Q: It is reported that the US Department of Defense has notified the Congress recently of its plan to sell Taiwan weaponry worth 1.3 billion US dollars, including such sophisticated weapons as the supersonic medium-range air-to-air missiles. What is the comment of the Chinese side?
TAIWAN / US ARMS, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- The Chairman of Taiwan's Foreign Relations Committee, Paris Chang, is welcoming Thursday's move by the U-S Defense Department to approve the sale of medium range air-to-air missiles and other defensive weapons.
U.S. Announces Proposed Sale of Aim-120 AMRAAMs, Harpoons To Taiwan, CNA, 29 September 2000 -- The U.S. Department of Defense on Thursday announced the proposed military sale of AIM-120C air intercept and RGM-84L Harpoon missiles, howitzers, and communications equipment worth a total of US$1.31 billion to the Republic of China.
Taiwan Leader Making "Dangerous Option": Magazine, People's Daily, 19 September 2000 -- The latest issue of the Beijing-based magazine Cross-Straits Relations carried an article accusing the Taiwan leader of making a "dangerous option" with his recent separatist remarks.
Nine
Chinook Helicopters To Be Delivered To Taiwan Next Year, CNA,
18 September 2000 -- An official with the Republic of China Defense
Ministry said Monday that nine American-made Chinook CH-47SD helicopters
on order by the ROC Army will be delivered next year.
President Vows To Continue Efforts To Join UN , CNA, 09 September 2000 -- President Chen Shui-bian stressed Saturday that the Republic of China will continue to strive to join the United Nations despite the latest setback.
ROC's Eighth Bid To Rejoin UN Fails, CNA, 08 September 2000 -- The Republic of China on Friday urged Beijing and the international community not to forget that the 21st century is a century of reconciliation when harmony should overpower conflict and cooperation take the place of confrontation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi on Taiwan's UN Bid Failure, People's Republic of China Foreign Ministry, 08 September 2000 -- Facts have proven once again that no matter what new ploys the Taiwan authorities come up with, its splittist attempts of creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" are futile and unpopular, and therefore doomed to failure.
CHINA-WTO-TAIWAN, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- China is refusing to back off from its proposal that the World Trade Organization grant membership to Taiwan only if it is recognized as a part of China.
Taiwan Can Only Join WTO as China's Separate Customs Territory, People's Daily, 07 September 2000 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi told a press conference that the Chinese government has held a consistent and clear-cut stance on Taiwan's entry into the WTO, adding that "We oppose Taiwan authorities' attempts to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan' in multilateral and bilateral areas by taking advantage of WTO."
Mainland Adheres to One-China Principle: Official, People's Daily, 06 September 2000 -- The mainland maintains that there is only one China in the world and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China. And China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are inalienable.
ROC OFFICIALS RESPOND TO MAINLAND PRESIDENT'S REMARKS, CNA, 06 September 2000 -- The Republic of China looks forward to seeing the top leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait exchange visits and sit down to talk.
CREW OF PENGHU FISHING BOAT SAID ARRESTED FOR 'SPYING', CNA, 06 September 2000 -- A Penghu-based fishing boat, which has been missing since May 21, is reportedly being held in custody by mainland Chinese coastal authorities.
CROSS-STRAIT TIES IN `COLD STORAGE' STAGE: MAC , CNA, 05 September 2000 -- Mainland China has two reasons for putting cross-strait ties in `cold storage' - mainland China needs a peaceful, stable environment to develop its economy and would not like to see cross-strait ties become a hot topic in the current US presidential campaign.
TAIWAN GETTING MORE SUPPORT IN UN BID, CNA, 03 September 2000 -- Fourteen of the ROC's diplomatic allies have jointly submitted a proposal asking the world body to reconsider Taiwan's representation.
CLARIFICATION FOR INCLUSION OF ROC ON US SECURITY LIST DEMANDED, CNA, 01 September 2000 -- A US representative has written to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Louis J. Freeh requesting clarification on why Taiwan was placed on a national security list last year by the FBI.
US WILL NOT DEPLOY NMD IN ASIA: PRESIDENT, CNA, 01 September 2000 -- US President Bill Clinton emphasized Friday that America must consider the impact on Asian security of a decision to deploy a National Missile Defense (NMD) system in Asia.
CLINTON'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON NMD CAUSES POLARIZED REACTIONS, CNA, 01 September 2000 -- US President Bill Clinton's Friday announcement that he will let the next US president decide whether to deploy the National Missile Defense (NMD) system has set off polarized reactions among congressmen.
MND IS WORTHWHILE IF IT REDUCES CHINESE THREAT: US EXPERT, CNA, 31 August 2000 -- An American expert on weapons systems is convinced that the ballistic missile defense systems now being developed by the United States may well be insufficient to deal with the sort of massive attack the Russians might mount, but if it at least neutralizes current mainland Chinese military expenditures, it may be well worth the price of development and deployment.
TAIWAN TO TRY OBTAINING EARLY WARNING SYSTEM: DEFENSE MINISTER, CNA, 31 August 2000 -- Republic of China Defense Minister Wu Shih-wen said Thursday that the military will continue to try to obtain an early warning system after recent war games revealed Taiwan's limited means to counter mainland Chinese missile attacks.
US SHOULD PROVIDE TMD TO ROC UNLESS M'LAND REDUCES MISSILES: US EXPERT, CNA, 29 August 2000 -- In the absence of any constructive moves by mainland China to decrease its missile threat, the United States should assist Taiwan to develop the component elements of a Theater Missile Defense that best suits the island's security needs, an American expert on Asia has emphasized.
MAC URGES CROSS-STRAIT TALKS ON 'MINI DIRECT LINKS', CNA, 28 August 2000 -- The government is taking a positive stance on the implementation of the so-called "mini three direct links" -- direct trade, shipping and communications links between the Republic of China's offshore islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu with mainland China -- and concrete plans are expected to be put on the drawing-board in the near future.
NATIONAL UNIFICATION NOT ONLY OPTION: DPP OFFICIAL, CNA, 27 August 2000 -- An official of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said national unification is not the only option for Taiwan and the concept should be adjusted to conform to mainstream values.
BEIJING URGED NOT TO IMPOSE POLITICAL BARRIER TO '3 LINKS', CNA, 26 August 2000 -- Mainland China should not impose any political barrier to the proposed opening of direct "three links" across the Taiwan Strait, a senior mainland affairs official said Saturday.
PFP UNVEILS GUIDELINES ON ITS MAINLAND CHINA POLICY, CNA, 24 August 2000 -- Refusing to take sides in the long-standing argument between Taiwan's pro-reunification and pro-independence forces, PFP leader James Soong took pains to position his party as "pragmatic" in terms of its approach toward the mainland.
PFP ISSUES 6-POINT STANCE ON CROSS-STRAIT TIES, CNA, 24 August 2000 -- Taiwan's opposition People First Party (PFP) issued a lengthy report Friday on its basic views and stances on relations across the Taiwan Strait.
'ONE CHINA' POLICY GOOD FOR TAIWAN, CHINA: US EXPERT, CNA, 24 August 2000 -- It makes a great deal of sense for the United States to maintain its "one China" policy, because it reduces the possibility of war across the Taiwan Strait, compels PRC modernization and democratization, and buys time without endangering Taiwan, claimed an American defense expert Thursday.
President Chen Calls For Planning New-Generation of Warplanes, CNA, 03 August 2000 -- President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday directed the Republic of China's Air Force to draw up a forward-looking blueprint for developing a new generation of warplanes to ensure supremacy in the sky over the Taiwan Strait.
Mainland Chinese Report `Unconducive' To Cross-Strait Relations: Mac, CNA, 27 July 2000 -- A response by mainland China's Xinhua News Agency to a statement by Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen was "completely unconducive to the improvement of cross-strait relations," a MAC official said on Thursday.
President Chen Calls For Beefing Up of Naval Strength, CNA, 21 July 2000 -- President Chen Shui-bian said on Friday the Republic of China must beef up its naval defense capability to cope with mainland China's mounting military threat and maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
President To Preside Over Navy Commissioning, CNA, 20 July 2000 -- Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian is scheduled to preside over the commissioning ceremony of an Anchorage-class dock landing ship and three Chinchiang-class patrol missile boats on Friday at southern Taiwan's Tsoying Naval Base. c
Missiles Aimed At Taiwan Could Top 1,000 In 10 Years: Expert, CNA, 19 July 2000 -- Stating that subduing Taiwan is a major short-term goal of Beijing's military modernization, a US expert recently predicted that the number of missiles trained on the island may increase to 1,000 or more in ten years.
Air Force's 1st Combat Control Center Opens To Journalists, CNA, 18 July 2000 -- The air force's first combat control center, which is responsible for monitoring military activity in the skies over southeastern mainland China and northern Taiwan, opened to journalists for the first time on Tuesday.
Jingoism Could Become Mainstream In Beijing If Talks Delayed: Expert, CNA, 17 July 2000 -- If cross-strait talks continue to be delayed, nationalistic calls for defending China's territorial integrity could well become the most politically popular position in Beijing, according to a renowned American specialist on Asian affairs.
Cohen Clarifies Report On Beijing's Stance Toward Taiwan, CNA, 14 July 2000 -- US Secretary of Defense William Cohen said in Beijing on Thursday that mainland China has not in any way give up its sovereign right to use force against Taiwan.
Mainland Chinese Vice Premier On `One China', CNA, 13 July 2000 -- Mainland Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen said on Thursday there is no need to dwell on whether "one China" refers to the Republic of China or the People's Republic of China, as long as the "one China" principle is observed.
President To Preside Over Commissioning of Air, Naval Fleets, CNA, 11 July 2000 -- President Chen Shui-bian is scheduled to preside over a commissioning ceremony for the ROC Air Force's second IDF (indigenous defense fighters) wing on Friday, military sources said on Tuesday.
China Warns France over Satellite Sale to Taiwan, People's Daily, 11 July 2000 -- China Tuesday again warned France against selling a satellite to Taiwan, saying such a sale would have a "negative impact" on Sino-French relations.
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright Press Conference, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 22 June 2000 -- "A second and very timely topic in our meetings today was Taiwan. The United States would like to see a resumption of the cross-strait dialogue and efforts to reduce tensions. The recent election of a new President of Taiwan could provide a fresh opportunity for progress, and certainly more will be gained through flexibility and appeals to shared interest, than could possibly be achieved through efforts to intimidate."
ROC NAVY OPENS DUTCH-MADE SUBS TO MEDIA
CNA - 22 June 2000 -- "Sea Tiger" and "Sea Dragon" represent two of the four submarines that the ROC Navy currently possesses. The two others, commissioned in the early 70s as "Sea Lion" and "Sea Jaguar," are US-made Guppy-class diesel-electric subs that are now restricted to use for training purposes. The ROC Navy has wanted to acquire at least 10 more submarines.
ARATS HEAD WILL VISIT TAIWAN `SOONER OR LATER': BEIJING VICE PREMIER CNA - 21 June 2000 -- Wang Daohan, chairman of Beijing's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) will make a long-awaited trip to Taiwan "sooner or later," mainland Chinese vice premier Qian Qichen was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
LEGISLATORS CALL FOR CROSS-STRAIT RECONCILIATION CNA - 20 June 2000 -- A group of legislators who tried to observe the historic summit between the two Koreas returned to Taipei on Tuesday and urged the leaders of mainland China and Taiwan to lay aside some of their differences and reach consensus on other subjects.
ROC TO CONTINUE SEEKING UN MEMBERSHIP: VICE PRESIDENT CNA - 20 June 2000 -- The Republic of China government will continue its strenuous efforts to re-enter the United Nations, Vice President Annette Lu said on Tuesday.
TAIWAN / VICE PRESIDENT Voice of America 14 June 2000 -- A group of opposition lawmakers in Taiwan say
the country's new vice president is a security risk
and they are calling for her dismissal.
TAIPEI, BEIJING NEED NEW FRAMEWORK FOR RELATIONS: MAC CHIEF June 13 (CNA) The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should craft a new framework for bilateral relations, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen said. Tsai said the anticipated co-existence framework should be flexible enough to accommodate the demands of both pro-unification and pro-independence members of the general public.
ALTERNATIVE TO TMD SYSTEM EXISTS FOR TAIWAN: EXPERT June 13 (CNA) Most importantly, Beijing fears TMD extension to Taiwan would create a de facto alliance between Taipei, Washington and Tokyo that would destroy any chance of China-Taiwan reunification.
STAFF TRIES TO DISPEL MISGIVINGS ABOUT LU'S `BAD GUY' REMARKS June 10 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu's staff said on Saturday that she never said anything to the effect that President Chen Shui-bian will play the role of the "good guy" while she plays the role of the "bad guy" in the new government.
ROC NAVY CELEBRATES ARRIVAL OF LEASED DOCK LANDING SHIP June 2 (CNA) Formerly named the USS Pensacola (LSD-38) Anchorage-class dock landing ship (LSD) leased from the United States, renamed Hsuhai (Radiant Sea), has completed combat readiness training in mid-June, it will replace the 50-year-old LSD Chungcheng.
ROC TO TEST FIRE PATRIOT ANTI-MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM May 26 (CNA) The Republic of China military will test fire its US-made Patriot anti-missile defense system in September 2001. Testing will be conducted at the military-run Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology's Chiupeng base in southern Taiwan.
TAIWAN-CHINA Voice of America 23 May 2000 -- Taiwan's new government has indicated that it wants to talk to China before - not after - accepting Beijing's "one China" principle.
TAIWAN NOT TO MENTION 'TWO-STATE' THEORY AGAIN: MAC HEAD May 23 (CNA) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Tsai Ying-wen said on Tuesday that the newly-inaugurated administration of President Chen Shui-bian will not mention the "two states" theory again.
Excerpts: PNTR Opponents Want Taiwan Security Amendment to Bill 22 May 2000 -- Opponents to granting China permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status want to get in on the amendment process for the legislation that would grant PNTR to China. If China invades or blockades Taiwan it would lose PNTR.
FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S INAUGURAL SPEEECH 20 May 2000 -- "As long as the CCP regime has no intention to use military force against Taiwan, I pledge that during my term in office, I will not declare independence, I will not change the national title, I will not push forth the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state" description in the Constitution, and I will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the question of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of the National Reunification Council or the National Reunification Guidelines will not be an issue."
CHEN SHUI-BIAN SWORN IN AS ROC'S 10TH PRESIDENT
CNA Taiwan 20 May 2000 -- The Republic of China's political history entered a new stage on Saturday, with Chen Shui-bian, a former political dissident, taking office as the ROC's 10th president.
TAIWAN INAUGURATION Voice of America 20 May 2000 -- Taiwan's new president, Chen Shui-bian, says he will not declare independence nor do anything else
that China might consider provocative as long as Beijing does not use force against the island.
TAIWAN-US Voice of America 19 May 2000 -- The
United States, which is wary of getting too entangled in the murky world of cross-strait diplomacy, denies that it wants to become a mediator and insists it is up to China and Taiwan themselves to rebuild a dialogue.
TAIWAN-ONE CHINA Voice of America 18 May 2000 -- Chen's advisors say he will continue to make conciliatory statements toward Beijing, but will not acknowledge that Taiwan is part of China, as Beijing insists he must.
TAIWAN - CHINA Voice of America 18 May 2000 -- China wants Mr. Chen to use his inaugural address to show he will work toward Taiwan's reunification with the mainland on Beijing's terms.
TAIWAN - CHINA - U-S Voice of America 18 May 2000 --
China has emphatically denied a U-S newspaper report (Washington Post) that says Beijing has asked
the United States to mediate in its relationship with Taiwan.
MND DENIES REPORT CONCERNING PLA MISSILE BRIGADE MOVEMENT CNA Taiwan 18 May 2000 -- The ET Today report said the PLA began military deployment against Taiwan in late 1998 and set up its first and only surface-to-surface guided missile brigade early last year.
WUCHIU FORCES HAVE NOT INCREASED COMBAT READINESS SAYS COMMANDER CNA Taiwan 17 May 2000 -- With an area of 1.22 square kilometers, Wuchiu currently has 75 civilian households with a population of 387, but only some 20 of the registered residents frequently live on the island.
MND DISMISSES `BLOCKADE' REPORT CNA Taiwan 17 May 2000 -- The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday quoted US and Australian intelligence sources as saying that mainland China is planning to launch a blockade of Taiwan's key port of Kaohsiung, probably in September of this year, to force Taiwan to open reunification talks with Beijing.
TAIWAN BLOCKADE REPORTS Voice of America 17 May 2000 -- Taiwan's government is denying a newspaper report that Beijing is planning to blockade the island's largest port in order to force talks on reunification.
US NAVY COMMANDER SEES NO UNUSUAL SIGNS ACROSS TAIWAN STRAIT CNA Taiwan 16 May 2000 -- Although Beijing is improving the capability of the mainland Chinese navy, the difficult military task of crossing the 90-mile-wide Taiwan Strait to take Taiwan is simply beyond their reach now.
U-S MILITARY / TAIWAN Voice of America 16 May 2000 -- The commander of the United States Pacific Fleet says U-S naval activity will not be increased in advance of Saturday's inauguration of Taiwan's controversial new president.
CHINA / TAIWAN / U-S Voice of America 16 May 2000 -- China's stepped-up pressure on Taiwan comes as the United States is indicating that it has no desire to mediate between the two longtime rivals.
NO MILITARY DRILLS BEFORE MAY 20: HONG KONG DAILY
CNA Taiwan 15 May 2000 -- If Chen firmly refuses to recognize the "one China" principle in his inaugural speech, Beijing is likely to start large-scale military maneuvers within a period of three days.
Text: Sen. Craig Thomas May 9 on Taiwan Security Enhancement Act 09 May 2000 -- The East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee chairman warned against the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which passed the House of
Representatives overwhelmingly earlier this year.
DEFENSE MINISTRY CORRECTS FALSE REPORTS ABOUT BEIJING WARPLANES CNA-Taiwan 03 May 2000 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday corrected false news reports on Wednesday that said mainland Chinese warplanes recently crossed the mid-point of the Taiwan Strait.
NO SIGN THAT PRC WILL STAGE LARGE-SCALE WAR GAMES CNA-Taiwan 02 May 2000 -- A spokesman for the Republic of China Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that there is no sign indicating that mainland China is going to stage a large-scale war game in the immediate future.
NEW LANDING VESSEL LEASED FROM US RETURNING
CNA-Taiwan 01 May 2000 -- A new dock landing ship (LSD) leased from the United States by Taiwan is on its way to the island after completion of crew training. Chenghai-class ships were decommissioned last year, and the Chungcheng-class vessels will follow after the new landing ships are put into service.
TAIWAN SNUBS BEIJING'S CLAIMS OF TALKS ON EQUAL-FOOTING WITH TAIWAN CNA-Taiwan 28 April 2000 -- Su Chi, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, dismissed Tang's remarks as self-contradictory, because the "one China" policy demanded by Beijing as a prerequisite to dialogue with Taiwan is "unequal in nature".
LOW POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-STRAIT WAR: VICE DEFENSE MINISTER [CNA Taiwan] 26 April 2000 -- The possibility of war breaking out with mainland China after Taiwan President-elect Chen Shui-bian takes office on May 20 is low, Vice National Defense Minister T.Y. Sun told reporters on Wednesday.
INVADING TAIWAN WOULD COST MAINLAND CHINA DEARLY: MAC OFFICIAL [CNA Taiwan] 26 April 2000 -- If mainland China were to launch an attack on Taiwan, the mainland economy might regress 20 years and its leaders would face pressure to step down, a senior mainland affairs official said on Wednesday.
TAIWAN / LORD Voice of America 25 April 2000 -- Former U-S ambassador to China Winston
Lord has just wound up a fact-finding trip to
Taiwan and is now headed to China for talks with
Chinese officials.
US AGREEES SALE OF ARMS BUT NO DESTROYERS TO TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 18 April 2000 -- PAVE PAWS radar can detect missile launches within a distance of 3,000 miles and can link up with anti-missile systems under development by the United States. US officials hinted that the PAVE PAWS radar to be sold to Taiwan will not be as powerful as the version used by the US armed forces, but will greatly boost Taiwan's early warning capability.
Taiwan Arms Deal Excludes Warships
By Thomas E. Ricks and Steven Mufson Washington Post April 18, 2000; Page A01 -- "If I were the Chinese, I'd have to assume that the Taiwan radar was connected to the American missile defense network," said John Pike, director of space policy at the Federation of American Scientists.
Text: Senator Helms Statement on Weapons Sales to Taiwan 18 April 2000 -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms condemned the U.S. Department of Defense's decision not to sell Taiwan most of the weaponry it requested for 2000 and depicted the Clinton Administration as attempting to pour old wine into new bottles.
Text: Senator Helms Statement on Taiwan Defense Requests Denial 17 April 2000 -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms issued a press release April 17 expressing extreme disappointment that the U.S. Department of Defense had decided against selling Aegis-class destroyers to Taiwan and had suggested delaying the sale of early-warning radars to the island.
TAIWAN WEAPONS Voice of America 17 April 2000 -- Missile expert John Pike of the private Federation of American Scientists says the ten-story-tall PAVE-PAWS would make Taiwan's existing Patriot missile defenses work much better.
MILITARY REITERATES ROC STANCE AGAINST NUCLEAR, BIO WEAPONS (CNA Taiwan) 12 April 2000 -- Chief of the General Staff Tang Yao-ming on Wednesday reiterated the military's determination to follow the government's set policy of never seeking the development of nuclear or biochemical weapons.
PRESIDENT-ELECT CHEN TALKS ABOUT CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS (CNA Taiwan) 09 April 2000 -- Republic of China President-elect Chen Shui-bian stressed Sunday that advocating the right to self-determination is different from advocating Taiwan's independence.
SENATE LEADER PRESSES FOR ARM SALES TO TAIWAN WHILE SUPPORTING TSEA (CNA Taiwan) 08 April 2000 -- If the Pentagon approves the deal, two of the four destroyers -- with a price tag of US$1 billion each -- will be built in Lott's home state of Mississippi, and will boost the senator's re-election campaign in November.
TAIWAN SHOULD KEEP SILENT ON ARMS FROM US: ROC DEFENSE MINISTER (CNA Taiwan) 05 April 2000 -- Although earlier reports said the United States has agreed to provide Taiwan with the state-of-the-art Aegis warships, the latest news in Taiwan on Wednesday was that the United States has made a decision not to sell Taiwan any of the vessels this year.
EXPERT SAYS BEIJING'S WAIT-AND-SEE APPROACH BODES ILL FOR TAIWAN (CNA Taiwan) 04 April 2000 -- The looming power struggle in the run-up to the scheduled reshuffling of Beijing's ruling team in 2002 is further prompting leaders there to get tough with Taiwan as a way to boost their position within the Chinese Communist Party.
Taiwan President-Elect Denies Sending Emissary To Beijing Apr 3, 2000 -- (Agence France Presse) Taiwan's president-elect Chen Shui-bian Sunday denied a report that he had asked respected U.S. scientist Jeremy Stone to visit Beijing to help thaw frosty ties.
DPP MAY NOT RULE OUT 'ONE CHINA' PRINCIPLE: PARTY CADRE
(CNA Taiwan) 03 April 2000 -- Hsiao Bi-khim, director of the DPP's International Affairs Department, said the DPP may not rule out the possibility of accepting Beijing's demands to rekindle talks under the "one China principle," but added that it first must gain a deeper understanding of the "one China" framework drafted by Beijing.
'ONE CHINA' DISPUTE RESULTS FROM LACK OF MUTUAL TRUST: AIT HEAD (CNA Taiwan) 02 April 2000 -- Richard Bush, head of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which represents US interests in lieu of official relations between the two countries, said Taiwan and mainland China should try to seek terms acceptable to both sides so as to restart bilateral talks.
KINMEN COAST GUARD DETAINS 5 MAINLAND FISHING BOATS FOR POACHING (CNA Taiwan) 02 April 2000 -- Cutters of the National Coastal Guard Administration, Kinmen Chapter, captured five mainland Chinese fishing boats along with 20 crewmen that had been poaching in waters of Kinmen Island.
Envoy Reaches Out to Beijing For Taiwanese
By John Pomfret Washington Post Saturday, April 1, 2000; Page A13 -- BEIJING, March 31 –– An American scientist who helped negotiate arms control treaties with the Soviet Union came to China tonight on a sensitive and unannounced trip to talk to Chinese leaders about Taiwan.
Two Chinese States By Jesse Helms
Washington Post March 31, 2000 -- The military balance of power of the past 20 years--when it was widely assumed that Taiwan had air superiority and could thereby thwart any attempted invasion or blockade by the mainland--is quickly shifting in Beijing's favor.
BEIJING IS STILL DEBATING WHAT TO DO ON CHEN'S ELECTION: CAMPBELL (CNA Taiwan) 31 March 2000 -- Beijing has still not made up its mind and is actively debating what its approach will be in response to the election of pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Chen Shui-bian.
CHINA TAIWAN Voice of America 31 March 2000 -- Defense Secretary William Cohen says Taiwan "has a very capable military" even though a top secret Pentagon report is critical of the island's defenses.
POST-ELECTION TAIWAN Voice of America 31 March 2000 -- Beijing continues to insist Taiwan is part of
China but not so loudly as during the presidential election campaign. After the pre-election build-up, tensions between China and Taiwan are back to normal.
CLINTON-CHINA Voice of America 29 March 2000 -- President Clinton has urged China and Taiwan
to renew their political dialogue in the aftermath of the Taiwanese presidential election March 18th
CONGRESS-TAIWAN Voice of America 28 March 2000 -- The U-S House of Representatives has passed
(418-1) a formal resolution congratulating the people of Taiwan on their recent election of President Chen Shui-bian (Schway-bien).
Text: Senate Approves March 28 Resolution on Taiwan Elections 28 March 2000 -- The Senate's leading Republican, Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, and Democratic Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware urged their Senate colleagues March 28 to pass a resolution praising the successful democratic elections held in Taiwan ten days earlier.
Text: Lawmakers Praise Taiwan Elections in March 28 Vote 28 March 2000 -- A broad spectrum of Congress March 28 rose to support a House resolution that praised the democratic elections in Taiwan ten days earlier, and criticized Beijing for threatening to use force against Taiwan. By an overwhelming 418-1, the lawmakers passed House Concurrent
Resolution 292.
Text: Representative Gilman Praises Taiwan's "Courageous Democracy" 28 March 2000 -- The chairman of the House International Relations Committee urged President Clinton to follow a policy more like former President Ronald Reagan's on Taiwan, and called on Beijing to stop threatening Taiwan.
A SEA OF DANGER SURROUNDS TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 27 March 2000 -- Communist China still lacks the amphibious capability and long-range aircraft needed to mount a successful invasion of Taiwan, though it could take the offshore islands of Matsu and Quemoy.
NAVY TO ADD FAST ATTACK BOATS TO BEEF UP DEFENSE [CNA Taiwan] 27 March 2000 -- The navy has completed a blueprint for the building of the "Kuanghua 6." Bidding for the construction of the fast attack boats will begin next month.
BEIJING LIKELY TO CREATE 'CRISES' TO TEST TAIWAN'S NEW PRESIDENT [CNA Taiwan] 26 March 2000 -- Beijing is likely to "create some crises" to test the new Taiwan president's possible reaction after he assumes office on May 20, Columbia University professor Andrew Nathan predicted on Saturday.
TAIWAN - POLITICS Voice of America 24 March 2000 -- Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui has officially resigned his post as leader of the island's ruling Nationalist party.
CHINA AND TAIWAN Voice of America 24 March 2000 -- The People's Republic of China had denounced
President-elect Chen's candidacy, suggesting that if he won, war might result. Mr. Chen's party has advocated independence for Taiwan. Since the
election, both sides have tempered their rhetoric, but the future of Taiwan-China relations remains unclear.
Text: Lee Hamilton Remarks at American Institute in Taiwan 24 March 2000 -- Former U.S. Congressman Lee Hamilton praised Taiwan's President-elect Chen Shui-bian for his "prudent, positive statements on cross-strait relations" since the election this month.
MAINLAND CHINESE FISHING VESSELS MASSING OFF MATSU ISLANDS [CNA Taiwan] 24 March 2000 -- Mainland Chinese iron-hulled fishing vessels have been reported to be massing in the waters off Tungyin, one of the Republic of China-controlled outlying Matsu Islands, causing concern among island residents.
SEN. MURKOWSKI SUPPORTS CHEN VISIT TO US [CNA Taiwan] 23 March 2000 -- Senator Frank Murkowski on Wednesday expressed support for Republic of China President-elect Chen Shui-bian to visit the United States before he is sworn in.
Chen moving too fast, scholar says Liberty Times March 23, 2000 -- Since emerging victorious in the recent presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party's Chen Shui-bian has been seeking to calm fears that his pro-independence leanings will lead to cross-strait instability. So eagerly has Chen been pushing this point that some scholars warn that he may be going too far.
DPP independence proposal shelved Taipei Times March 23, 2000 -- A controversial proposal to reform the DPP's independence platform was swept back quietly under the carpet yesterday by the party's Central Executive Committee, which sent it to the policy research department for further review.
WESTERN MEDIA CRITICIZED FOR MISSING THE POINT ON CHINA, TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 23 March 2000 -- Beijing mentioned "equality" in the white paper, meaning that further talks between the two sides would be on equal footing and not set up under the previous scenario of central government versus local government.
Text: Gilman on Taiwan President-elect Chen's Reconciliation Effort 23 March 2000 -- The Chairman of the House International Relations Committee praised the people of Taiwan on a very successful election and for "taking another step in consolidating their democratic evolution."
US - TAIWAN - CHINA Voice of America 23 March 2000 -- Critics say the United States should make clear it would come to Taiwan's defense if the island came under attack by Beijing - in his words, replace the policy of `strategic ambiguity' with `strategic clarity'.
CHINA-TAIWAN-US Voice of America 23 March 2000 -- China has declared its opposition to a suggestion that Taiwanese president-elect Chen Shui-bian visit the United States before his inauguration next May.
TAIWAN / POLITICS Voice of America 23 March 2000 -- Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui has decided to quit as leader of the island's ruling Nationalist party.
TAIWAN - CHINA Voice of America 22 March 2000 -- The party of Taiwan's newly elected president, Chen Shui-bian is meeting Wednesday to discuss dropping its long-standing support for independence from China.
Text: Senator Murkowski Calls Chen Election a Victory for Democracy 22 March 2000 -- Saying he supported "measures to maintain Taiwan's security in the face of threatening words and actions by the Mainland," Murkowski added that "an effective trade relationship is an important factor in reducing threatening behavior."
MCCAIN SUPPORTS MISSILES FOR TAIWAN AS 'VIGOROUS RESPONSE' TO BEIJING [CNA Taiwan] 22 March 2000 -- US Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Tuesday that the United States must have a vigorous response to Beijing's continued threats against Taiwan, including development of sea-borne missile defense systems for the Taiwanese.
US SEES NO UNUSUAL MILITARY ACTION IN TAIWAN STRAIT [CNA Taiwan] 22 March 2000 -- The United States has observed no irregular military preparations on either side of the Taiwan Strait, said Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon on Tuesday.
NO SIGN OF DRILLS BY MAINLAND CHINESE TROOPS: MND [CNA Taiwan] 21 March 2000 -- The officials said that "a few" mainland and Hong Kong vessels in the area are fishing boats operating in their traditional springtime fishing grounds.
TAIWAN-CHINA Voice of America 21 March 2000 -- In a gesture to China, Taiwan's parliament has voted to modify a 50-year-old ban on direct trade and transportation links between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
TAIWAN'S ELECTIONS Voice of America 20 March 2000 -- For many years, Mr. Chen and his Democratic Progressive Party called for independence from the mainland. But the president-elect, who will take office on May 20, has recently moderated his position, saying that no declaration of independence is needed because Taiwan is already sovereign.
WASHINGTON POST: TAIWAN SHOULD BE FREE TO DECIDE ITS OWN FATE [CNA Taiwan] 20 March 2000 -- Increasingly, the newspaper concluded, "the question confronting the Clinton administration is how to keep the peace in a world where China seems more and more determined to divert attention from internal problems through international assertions."
Taiwan's military stays on 'heightened alert' Taiwan News March 20, 2000 -- A state of "heightened alert" announced by Taiwan's armed forces on the eve of the island's presidential election will continue indefinitely, the military said yesterday.
Prospects for cross-strait ties discussed United Daily News March 20, 2000 -- University of Maryland law Professor Chiu Hungdah believes that in the short term the mainland will wait to hear to what Chen says, and will be especially interested to see what he does. In particular, Beijing will be concerned to see that no moves are taken toward Taiwan independence.
THOUSANDS OF MAINLAND CHINESE FISHING BOATS BLOCKADING ROC ISLANDS [CNA Taiwan] 20 March 2000 -- Nearly one thousand mainland Chinese fishing boats have reportedly converged since Sunday on the Pratas Islands, a Republic of China-controlled outpost in the South China Sea. The spokesman disagreed with a report that over one hundred PLA air force jets have flown from the southern province of Guangdong to the neighboring province of Fujian.
CHEN'S TOP, URGENT PRIORITY IS TO DISPEL INDEPENDENCE WORRY: SCHOLAR [CNA Taiwan] 20 March 2000 -- Chen, against whom Beijing launched pre-election verbal assaults due to his pro-independence bent, risks leading the volatile cross-strait relations to new uncertainties if he does not act fast to defuse anxiety over the separatism advocated by the DPP.
TAIWAN-CHINA Voice of America 20 March 2000 --
Taiwan President-elect Chen Shui-bian has for the first time agreed to discuss with Chinese leaders China's insistence that Taiwan accept the idea that there is only one China.
TAIWAN / CHINA Voice of America 20 March 2000 -- For Mr. Chen to say he is willing to discuss the "one China" issue is a major change. The
president-elect backed away from his espousal of formal independence for Taiwan during the campaign -- saying the issue was moot because Taiwan is already independent anyway.
TAIWAN / ASIA MARKETS Voice of America 20 March 2000 -- Uncertainty dominated Taipei's stock market Monday, following the victory of opposition leader Chen Shui-bian. But while Taiwan's market suffered a two-point-six percent loss, other Asian markets were little affected by the election results.
CHEN IS BETTER POSITIONED TO CUT DEAL WITH BEIJING, SAYS US EXPERT [CNA Taiwan] 19 March 2000 -- Robert A. Manning, director of Asian Studies at the US Council on Foreign Relations, said that Chen is "better positioned to cut a deal" with the mainland than President Lee Teng-hui and other previous national leaders.
TAIWAN ELECT - INTERNATIONAL REACT Voice of America 19 March 2000 -- Following Taiwan's presidential election, some countries are urging Taiwan and mainland China to resume their dialogue and contribute to regional stability.
TAIWAN DEMOS Voice of America 19 March 2000 -- Taiwanese riot police have clashed with thousands of angry demonstrators demanding President
Lee Teng-hui resign as party chairman of the long-ruling Nationalist Party.
CLINTON - TAIWAN Voice of America 18 March 2000 -- 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.
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT March 18, 2000 -- During the election, all the candidates made clear their hope for restoration of constructive dialogue with the People's Republic of China. I believe the election provides a fresh opportunity for both sides to reach out and resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue.
PROFILE: CHEN SHUI-BIAN Voice of America 18 March 2000 -- Chen Shui-bian, who has just won election as Taiwan's president, is a one-time advocate of
independence for his island and a constant thorn in China's side.
TAIWAN - CHEN WINS Voice of America 18 March 2000 -- Chen said China and Taiwan have a common ancestry and can open a new era of peace through increased exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
TAIWAN - CHEN WINS Voice of America 18 March 2000 -- Opposition candidate Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party has been elected president of Taiwan.
TAIWAN VOTES Voice of America 18 March 2000 -- Most of the attention is on Mr. Chen, who is disliked by China for his past advocacy of formal independence for Taiwan. Even though he has moved away from that position, China has warned the island's voters not to choose him as their next president.
MAC HOPES FOR NEW SITUATION IN TAIWAN STRAIT AFTER ELECTION [CNA Taiwan] 18 March 2000 -- Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Su Chi on Saturday urged mainland Chinese authorities to help create a peaceful "win-win" situation across the Taiwan Strait after Taiwan's presidential election.
BIOGRAPHY OF CHEN SHUI-BIAN [CNA Taiwan] 18 March 2000 -- During his two terms as legislator from 1989-1994, Chen earned a reputation as an aggressive critic of the ruling Kuomintang, but was nevertheless elected convenor of National Defense Committee, a seat usually held by the ruling party.
NO ATTACK BY MAINLAND CHINA, NO TAIWAN INDEPENDENCE: CHEN [CNA Taiwan] 18 March 2000 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian reiterated on Saturday said he will not promote a plebiscite to determine Taiwan's future if mainland China restrains itself from using force against Taiwan.
ALL QUIET IN TAIWAN STRAIT ON ELECTION DAY [CNA Taiwan] 18 March 2000 -- ROC armed forces are still on high alert and are closely monitoring any movement by mainland Chinese troops in case of any accidental events, the ministry's Office of Military Spokesman said.
Washington Post urges end to ambiguity March 17, 2000 -- In an opinion piece published yesterday, the Washington Post compares mainland Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji to a "Mafia kingpin" because of his recent threats to Taiwan ahead of the island's presidential election. The article also advises the White House to clarify its stance on defending Taiwan.
Beijing's belligerence seen as sign of instability Liberty Times March 17, 2000 -- Lin Chung-pin, vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council and a professor of political science at National Sun Yat-sen University, said yesterday that mainland Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji recent remarks about Taiwan could indicate instability within the Communist regime.
TAIWAN ELECTION-CHINA Voice of America 17 March 2000 -- Beijing stepped up its threats to the island after Taiwanese media reports indicated that Mr. Chen, of the Democratic Progressive Party -- or DPP -- has pulled ahead of his rivals in recent days.
TAIWAN ELECTION Voice of America 17 March 2000 -- Mr. Chen has picked up endorsements from the country's most respected scientist, several top businessmen and two former advisors of Nationalist President Lee Teng-hui. And the local news media now say he has pulled ahead of his rivals.
TAIWAN CANDIDATES Voice of America 17 March 2000 -- Mr. Chen's detractors call the 48-year-old farmer's son arrogant, chameleon-like (changeable) and a warmonger. His Democratic Progressive Party advocates formal independence from China, although he has taken a softer stance during the campaign.
TAIWAN GOES TO POLLS AMID SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY [CNA Taiwan] 17 March 2000 -- Alarmed at the prospect of a victory for Chen, mainland Chinese officials, from Premier Zhu Rongji on down, have in the past few days bombarded Taiwan with blunt ultimatums to choose war or peace, in an apparent attempt to scare voters away from Chen.
TAIWAN STEPS UP MILITARY ALERT BEFORE SATURDAY'S ELECTION [CNA Taiwan] 17 March 2000 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Friday that the military has stepped up its alert for any emergency that might arise before or after Saturday's presidential election, but has not heightened war preparedness.
SITUATION IN TAIWAN STRAIT WORRISOME: US ADMIRAL [CNA Taiwan] 17 March 2000 -- Admiral Dennis Blair, commander of the US Pacific Command, said on Thursday that the security situation across the Taiwan Strait is a troubling development in Asia.
US URGES CHINA TO REMAIN CALM IN FACE OF TAIWAN ELECTION [CNA Taiwan] 17 March 2000 -- The United States reiterated Thursday its firm position of rejecting use of force to resolve cross-Taiwan Strait differences and urged Chinese leaders to be prudent and patient.
TAIWAN-CHINA Voice of America 16 March 2000 -- Taiwan's defense minister has ordered his troops to step up their vigilance following a second day of threats from China in the run-up to the island's presidential election.
TAIWAN YOUTH VOTE Voice of America 16 March 2000 -- In Taiwan, a generation that sees itself more Taiwanese than Chinese is coming of age. Many of
these young people want independence from Beijing and are supporting presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian and his pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.
US PACIFIC FORCES READY TO DEFEND TAIWAN'S SECURITY: BLAIR [CNA Taiwan] 16 March 2000 -- The commander of the US Pacific Command said on Wednesday that US Pacific forces are ready and capable of carrying out their current responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
MAINLAND POLICY A VITAL ISSUE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION [CNA Taiwan] 16 March 2000 -- DPP candidate Chen Shui-bian said in his campaign platform that Taiwan and mainland China should make more efforts to improve the strained cross-strait relations. The two sides should develop an institutionalized relationship, Chen suggested.
CHINA - TAIWAN ELECTION Voice of America 16 March 2000 -- In the past several weeks, Beijing has several times suggested that if reunification talks do not restart, or if there is any official pronouncement after the election of independence, China might try unification by force.
ZHU'S WARNING MOST SEVERE YET: KMT OFFICIAL [CNA Taiwan] 15 March 2000 -- Mainland Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji speech on cross strait issue was Beijing's most severe warning yet to Taiwan's independence advocates, a ruling Kuomintang official said on Wednesday.
SOONG PROMISES DIALOGUE WITH BEIJING IF ELECTED [CNA Taiwan] 15 March 2000 -- Independent presidential candidate James Soong reiterated on Wednesday his willingness to open dialogue with Beijing as a way of easing tension across the Taiwan Strait.
TAIWAN-CHINA Voice of America 15 March 2000 -- Taiwan has told Beijing to mind its own business concerning the island's upcoming election. The angry Taiwanese reply followed Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's warning to Taiwan's voters to shun pro-independence candidates when they head to the polls Saturday.
Text: House International Relations Chairman on Taiwan, China Threats 15 March 2000 -- Representative Benjamin A. Gilman, chairman of the House International Relations Committee, criticized China's recent statements concerning the upcoming Taiwan election as "unacceptable" and "contemptible threats."
Admiral leans toward missile defense system for Taiwan PAMELA HESS United Press International March 15, 2000 -- Taiwan already owns the Patriot PAC-2 system, but it is not designed to be an anti-missile weapon, according to John Pike, a senior analyst with the Washington, D.C.-based Federation of American Scientists.
TAIWAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN Voice of America 15 March 2000 -- The three-man horse race involves Vice-President Lien Chan of the ruling Nationalist Party,
Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party, and James Soong - a former Nationalist stalwart
running as an independent.
TAIWAN ELECTION SCENESETTER Voice of America 14 March 2000 -- Opposition standard-bearer Chen Shui-bian appears to be building enough momentum to pull ahead of his rivals.
US EXPERT WARNS OF CONFLICT IN TAIWAN STRAIT [CNA Taiwan] 13 March 2000 -- "(Mainland Chinese) President Jiang Zemin has declared in recent months that he intends to make reunification of the motherland his legacy" and "senior Chinese military officials now speak openly about a 'fixed timetable' for reunification," Kagan said in a column in Sunday's Washington Post.
NAVY TO RESTORE ORDER FOR 8TH PERRY-CLASS FRIGATE [CNA Taiwan] 13 March 2000 -- The China Shipbuilding Corp. (CSBC) is preparing to resume construction of an eighth Perry-class frigate for the Republic of China Navy after the order was put on hold for two years.
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin March 10, 2000 Press Conference -- Psychological warfare, closely related to high-tech warfare, focuses on the manipulation of media. During mid-July 1999 to mid-February 2000, there were 173 times of the Hong Kong media reported or printed news and analyzed the PRC’s possible military actions against Taiwan, with a total of 259 story items.
PREMIER WARNS OF WAR SCENARIO IN TAIWAN STRAIT [CNA Taiwan] 10 March 2000 -- Taiwan will run the risk of war if cross-strait relations are not handled properly, Premier Vincent Siew said on Friday.
COLUMNIST URGES US SALE OF DEFENSIVE WEAPONS TO TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 09 March 2000 -- Paul Greenberg urged the United States government to provide Taiwan with the new defensive weapons it needs to deter a Communist Chinese invasion, saying that "an ounce of deterrence now might prevent a world of aggression later."
COHEN / TAIWAN Voice of America 09 March 2000 -- U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen says the current tensions between Taiwan and China are not likely to escalate into major military actions.
CHINA-US-TAIWAN Voice of America 09 March 2000 -- China says it is deeply concerned over reports that the United States is prepared to sell 162 Hawk anti-aircraft missiles and equipment needed to upgrade an aging radar system to Taiwan.
TAIWAN / ELECTION Voice of America 08 March 2000 -- With Taiwan's presidential election less than two weeks away, polls show the main candidates in a virtual three-way tie.
US REACTED FIRMLY TO BEIJING'S WHITE PAPER: US OFFICIAL [CNA Taiwan] 08 March 2000 -- A senior US Defense Department official said on Tuesday that the US has responded with the firmest possible commitment to the challenge of Beijing's white paper on Taiwan, in order to preserve peace and stability.
PENTAGON ANNOUNCES POSSIBLE HAWK MISSILE SALE TO TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 08 March 2000 -- The US Department of Defense announced on Tuesday the possible sale to Taiwan of 162 HAWK Intercept Aerial guided missiles and peripheral equipment at an estimated cost of US$106 million.
CLINTON SAYS ANY ARMS SALES MUST BE IN LINE WITH TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT [CNA Taiwan] 08 March 2000 -- US President Bill Clinton said Tuesday that any decision he makes on arms sales to Taiwan has to be in line with the Taiwan Relations Act and with general US policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Lien reaffirms Lee's mainland policy
March 7, 2000 The China Post Vice President Lien Chan said yesterday he would expect ties with Beijing to be conducted on a "state-to-state' basis.
DEFENSE MINISTER INSPECTS KINMEN AMID BEIJING'S BELLIGERENT RHETORIC [CNA Taiwan] 07 March 2000 -- Barring unexpected developments, Tang also said, the military is unlikely to deploy more troops in Kinmen. Tang said there is no difference between the front and the rear in modern warfare as the enemy can now launch its first attack from any point.
PUNISHING CHINA FOR THREATS FALLS TO US CONGRESS: EDITORIAL [CNA Taiwan] 07 March 2000 -- Since the Clinton administration is helpless to prevent cross-strait military conflict because of its engagement policy, it will fall to Congress to punish Beijing for its latest threat against Taiwan, beginning with the passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.
TAIWAN ISSUE IS NOT AN INTERNAL ISSUE OF CHINA, SAYS EX-CANDIDATE [CNA Taiwan] 06 March 2000 -- Peng said that both the KMT and DPP claim that the Republic of China on Taiwan is an independent nation having its own sovereignty, and that there is no need for Taiwan to declare independence, nor is it necessary to include independence in the Constitution.
LIEN CALLS FOR NEW APPROACH IN HANDLING CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS [CNA Taiwan] 06 March 2000 -- Dispelling speculation that he would toe President Lee's line, Lien reaffirmed that he will pursue his own path, stressing that if elected, he will "have the full responsibility and power" to handle top policy issues concerning national security and the welfare of the people.
POLLS FIND PRESIDENTIAL RACE REMAINS TIGHT CNA-Taiwan 05 March 2000 -- Two new public opinion polls have found that the ongoing presidential race remain very tight, with the three leading candidates still running neck-and-neck.
McCAIN WARNS CHINA OF CONSEQUENCES IF IT INVADES TAIWAN CNA-Taiwan 04 March 2000 -- US Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) warned Communist China Friday against its latest threat to invade Taiwan, saying Beijing would face consequences far greater than anything they might gain from such an action.
TAIWAN KEEPS MUM OVER US ARM SALES CNA-Taiwan 03 March 2000 -- Taipei kept mum on Friday over reports that Washington is inclined to reject Taiwan's offer to buy four US warships. US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott urged US President Bill Clinton on Thursday to give Taiwan ground- and sea-based early-warning radar equipment.
TAIWAN / U-S Voice of America 03 March 2000 -- Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Stanley Roth says the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act would be destabilizing.
TAIWAN SECURITY / U-S Voice of America 02 March 2000 -- Already tense relations between Taiwan and China could be strained further as a result of a decision expected soon on United States weapons sales to the island.
US TO SELL TAIWAN DATA LINKS FOR 2ND-GENERATION WARPLANES CNA-Taiwan 02 March 2000 -- United States will approve Taiwan's request to purchase three additional upgraded Patriot missile systems for deployment in central and southern parts of the island. The ROC has already purchased three sets of Patriot PAC-2 Plus anti-missile systems, which have been deployed in densely populated northern Taiwan. The United States is also expected to endorse sales of long-range early warning radar systems.
Arms requests test for US policy China Times 02 March 2000 -- Debate is continuing within the Clinton administration on the sale of Aegis-equipped warships to Taiwan, but it now seems likely that the U.S. president will reject the sale. Even if the U.S. approves the Aegis sale, delivery of the first ship would not occur for five years, while it would be several more years before ROC navy personnel would be able to handle the equipment properly.
'One China' vs. 'two states' The China Post 02 March 2000 -- Both governments decided to conveniently avoid the touchy issue of recognizing each other's authority by agreeing that each side would be allowed to issue its own definition of what "one China" meant, effectively agreeing to disagree on the subject so that practical talks could proceed. Each side originally agreed to let the other define "one China" as it pleased.
Lien sees no policy conflict with Lee The China Post 01 March 2000 -- Vice President Lien Chan said yesterday his proposed return to the "one China" principle does not clash with the "special state-to-state" claim in addressing the sovereignty row with Beijing. Critics have nevertheless questioned Lien's sincerity to continue Lee's legacy, citing as evidence the fact that he employs several strategists known for their criticism of Lee.
A consequence of the PRC military threat The China Post 01 March 2000 -- Lien's recent announcement that he, if elected, will be willing to return to a 1992 tacit agreement Taipei reached with Beijing. This agreement requires both Taipei and Beijing to adhere to a one-China principle, but it allows each side the freedom to state its own perception of China.
'One-China' and international law, United Daily News, 01 March 2000 -- Commentary by Hungdah Chiu, member of the ROC's National Unification Council and president of the International Law Association, on the White Paper "The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue" publ;ished by the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS Free China Review VOL.50 NO.3 - March 2000
US expected to sell Aegis ships
February 29, 2000 -- Eleven Jan, a senior editor at the Defense Technology Monthly magazine, expressed doubts that conscripts, who make up the bulk of Taiwan's armed forces, could properly operate the sophisticated Aegis technology.
MAC, Lee respond to white paper News reports February 29, 2000 --Chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council Su Chi formally responded to Beijing's latest Taiwan white paper on Friday, saying that the mainland was attempting to interfere in the upcoming presidential election, and that by threatening to use force Beijing was actually damaging prospects for unification.
US MUST SUPPORT TAIWAN'S DEFENSE: US POLICY ANALYST Feb. 28 (CNA) The Clinton administration could mollify history's potentially harsh judgment by selling Taiwan the AEGIS naval defense system, the AMRAAM anti-aircraft missile and starting a crash program to build lasers capable of dealing with the missile threat to Taiwan.
Mainland China throws its weight around 27 February 2000 -- China is trying to influence Taiwan's presidential election. Confirmation of this came from the director of mainland China 's Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhang Mingqing, in an interview with Japan's NHK radio. Zhang's message was simple: Elect the DPP's Chen Shui-bian and cross-strait relations won't improve.
Three leading candidates stress sovereignty of island Taiwan News 25 February 2000 -- Taiwan's presidential candidates promised to hold cross-strait peace talks if elected, but said they will not be forced into negotiations by Beijing's strong-arm tactics. James Soong, Chen Shui-bian and Lien Chan all stressed the sovereignty of the nationalist island and said Beijing's intimidation would only provoke disdain among Taiwan's population.
Statement on Mainland China's White PaperMainland Affairs Council February 25, 2000 -- The mainland policy of the ROC government has consistently been based on the respect for separate rule of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Through dialogues and exchanges, the ROC government has gradually promoted the normalization of cross-Strait relations in order to maintain the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and enhance the cross-Strait reconciliation step by step.
Playing the stability card By Myra Lu -- Free China Review 02/25/2000 -- Chen stressed Taiwan sovereignty while describing cross-strait affairs as "special relations between two countries." Chen will push for normalization of relations with the mainland.
Statement on mainland China's White Paper Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan Republic of China February 25, 2000 -- We must solemnly point out that the ROC government will by no means agree with the PRC's unilateral definition of "one China". The ROC has always been an independent sovereign state. This fact will not be changed by the issuing of a mere "white paper". If China is unified, why does the unification issue still exist? If China is one, why bother to mention "one China"?
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin February 25, 2000 Press Conference -- The ROC government has never betrayed the scope of “one China should be subject to interpreted respectively by each side.” However, Beijing has set aside this agreement in three steps. First, it restricted the agreement for only cross-strait relations, not foreign affairs. Second, the agreement, at the PRC’s insistence, should be limited to cross-strait practical issues, not political talks. Third, the PRC categorically denied the agreement.
MAC Chairman Su Chi February 25, 2000 Press Conference -- The consensus that “one China interpreted respectively by each side” is not something that came out of the blue. It was adopted in 1992. The agreement successfully gave rise to the subsequent talks. The PRC's views on the 1992 agreement now differ widely from our views. The PRC’s "one-China principle" is that “Taiwan is a local authority, and the Republic of China no longer exists.” For the past five decades, the PRC has treated us as a local area. We used to treat Mainland China as a rebel group. The so-called "time element" is the third "if" of its three conditions in White Paper, which is very unfriendly in our view. A timetable (for unification) does not contribute to cross-strait relations. Either the year 2007 or 2010 is a speculation by the media. We won't comment on that.
ROC NAVY'S 11TH CHINCHIANG-CLASS PATROL SHIP CHRISTENED [CNA Taiwan] 25 February 2000 -- The patrol ship Chuchiang, the 11th and the last of the Chinchiang-class vessels constructed by China Shipbuilding Corp. for the Republic of China Navy, was christened on Friday.
Taiwan, U.S. officials silent on aircraft carrier moves [CHINA NEWS] 25 February 2000 -- U.S. Defense Department said yesterday that the sailing of the USS Kitty Hawk from its home port of Yokosuka in Japan is related to a planned military maneuver and has nothing to do with Taiwan's presidential election.
SAILING OF USS KITTY HAWK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BEIJING'S WHITE PAPER [CNA Taiwan] 24 February 2000 -- The sailing of the American aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk out of its home port of Yokosuka is to carry out a scheduled military drill and has nothing to do with Taiwan's presidential election or Beijing's white paper on the Taiwan issue.
TAIWAN ELECTIONS - CHINA Voice of America 24 February 2000 -- Voter support in Taiwan for presidential candidates is virtually unchanged in the aftermath of a new threat from Beijing.
WASHINGTON REITERATES LONG-STANDING POLICY ON TAIWAN ISSUE [CNA Taiwan] 24 February 2000 -- The Clinton administration on Wednesday once again stressed the long-standing US policy that rejects any use of force or threat of force to resolve the Taiwan issue.
THREATENING TAIWAN IS AGAINST PRC INTERESTS SAYS FRENCH DEFENSE CHIEF [CNA Taiwan] 24 February 2000 -- Neither threats of force nor the actual attempt to carry out any military action against Taiwan is in the interests of the People's Republic of China, French Defense Minister Alain Richard said here Wednesday.
FRENCH DEFENSE MINISTER WARNS CHINA TO BACK OFF FROM TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 24 February 2000 -- French Defense Minister Alain Richard said: "We do warn China that it's against their interests to make any kind of threat or any kind of -- play military pressure over Taiwan."
US REJECTS BEIJING'S THREAT OF FORCE AGAINST TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- The United States government stressed Tuesday that it rejects any use of force or any threat of force in resolving the Taiwan issue, saying Communist China's latest threat is "counterproductive and unhelpful," but added that there is no consideration being given to a change in the US policy on Taiwan.
US AIRCRAFT CARRIER MONITORING TAIWAN SITUATION, SAYS JAPANESE TV [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- Fuji TV said that the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk may be dispatched to waters close to Taiwan if the situation across the Taiwan Strait becomes tense before or after Taiwan's March 18 presidential election.
HELMS ATTACKS PRC AND CLINTON ADMINISTRATION [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- Veteran US Senator Jesse Helms on Tuesday blasted Beijing over its white paper on the Taiwan issue and criticized the White House for its lukewarm attitude toward Taiwan's defense.
LATEST MAINLAND CHINA THREATS TO TAIWAN IRK US CONGRESS MEMBERS [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- Several members of the US Congress on Tuesday criticized Beijing for once again threatening to use military force against Taiwan, and called on the Clinton administration to react more strongly to such intimidation.
BEIJING WILL FACE `INCALCULABLE CONSEQUENCES:' US OFFICIAL [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- US Undersecretary of Defense Walter Slocombe on Tuesday warned Beijing that it faces "incalculable consequences" if it follows through on its threat of force against Taiwan.
ROC HAILS US STANCE ON PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO TAIWAN STRAIT ISSUE [CNA Taiwan] 23 February 2000 -- The Republic of China welcomes the US reiteration of its stance on peaceful solution to the Taiwan Strait issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Wednesday.
SCHOLAR INTERPRETS BEIJING'S WHITE PAPER ON TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 22 February 2000 -- Though Beijing has in the past repeatedly said it would use force if Taiwan is invaded by a foreign force, proclaims independence or is troubled by internal chaos, this marks the first time mainland China has stated so clearly that if Taiwan authorities indefinitely refuse to peacefully settle the reunification issue, Beijing would be forced to adopt all possible "drastic measures," including military force.
SOONG: TAIWAN WON'T BOW TO BEIJING'S THREAT [CNA Taiwan] 22 February 2000 -- Independent presidential hopeful James Soong on Tuesday criticized Beijing for issuing a new warning to Taiwan, and said that Taiwan would never sit down at the negotiation table under threat.
TAIWAN / CHINA-UPDATE Voice of America 22 February 2000 -- In the face of new threats from China, Taiwan on Tuesday defiantly insisted it should be declared an independent state.
U-S - TAIWAN ELECTION Voice of America 22 February 2000 -- Many American analysts believe Beijing issued its White Paper at this time to send a message to the candidates as well as the voters in Taiwan's March 18th
presidential election.
MND DENIES DISCLOSURE OF INTELLIGENCE CHANNELS [CNA Taiwan] 21 February 2000 -- Chinese Maj. Gen. Liu Liankun, his unnamed mistress, and Senior Col. Shao Zhengzhong were executed in mainland China last September on charges of spying for Taiwan. Liu was charged with tipping off Taiwan that missiles fired by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near the island on March 8, 1996 as part of its live-fire war games carried only dummy warheads.
TAIWAN MAKES NO INSTANT OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO BEIJING WHITE PAPER [CNA Taiwan] 21 February 2000 -- An aide to Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Su Chi said on Monday that the MAC will not make an instant comment on the "one China principle and the Taiwan issue" white paper just issued by Beijing.
US LIKELY TO INTERVENE IN CHINESE ATTACK ON TAIWAN: SPECIALIST [CNA Taiwan] 19 February 2000 -- Martin L. Lasater, an independent scholar affiliated with the Asian Pacific program of the Washington-based Atlantic Council, warned that the United States is unlikely to help defend Taiwan if Taipei deliberately precipitates a crisis in the Taiwan Straits to gain US support for independence.
TAIWAN WARNED AGAINST POSSIBLE `INFORMATION WAR' BY CHINA [CNA Taiwan] 19 February 2000 -- Beijing, based on the principle of taking Taiwan in a single strike, could employ its advanced information technology edge to intercept Taiwan's strategic information and interfere with its weaponry and warfare systems.
PREMIER REITERATES ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE ZONE IN TAIWAN STRAIT [CNA Taiwan] 18 February 2000 -- Premier Vincent Siew on Friday reiterated his call for the establishment of a "Taiwan Strait peace zone" so as to promote the normalization of cross-strait relations.
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin February 18, 2000 Press Conference - Subjects: DPP legislators’ draft bill; Lien’s 10-point proposal; Elementary school for children of Taiwan businessmen on the Mainland.
TAIWAN POLITICS Voice of America 17 February 2000 -- Taiwan's Vice President Lien Chan says if he wins the island's upcoming presidential election, he would be willing to enter into official talks with China and ease long-standing trade restrictions.
KMT CANDIDATE UNVEILS CAMPAIGN PLATFORM FOR CROSS-STRAIT TIES [CNA Taiwan] 17 February 2000 -- Ruling Kuomintang presidential candidate Lien Chan unveiled his campaign platform for relations across the Taiwan Strait on Thursday, promising to catapult cross-strait ties into a "medium range" stage if he manages to win presidency.
WASHINGTON ISN'T EXCLUDING TAIWAN FROM TMD: US OFFICIAL [CNA Taiwan] 17 February 2000 -- Holum did, however, state that the United States has not ruled out the possibility of including Taiwan in the TMD system which focuses on intercepting high-altitude missiles. "We have not ruled that out," he said.
NEW ANALYSIS CONCLUDES CHINA MAY BE WILLING TO USE FORCE AGAINST US [CNA Taiwan] 16 February 2000 -- Communist China, despite an awareness of its relative weakness, might nevertheless be willing to use force against the United States or in a way that runs a major risk of US involvement, seeking primarily to achieve a political effect.
US WILL ASSIST TAIWAN IN CASE OF CRISIS: FORMER US LAWMAKER [CNA Taiwan] 16 February 2000 -- The United States will not sit idly by if Taiwan is intimidated by mainland China in the runup to the island's March 18 presidential election, former US Congressman Stephen Solarz said on Wednesday.
TSEA 'could backfire' for Taiwan : Taipei Times 14 February 2000 -- Senate approval of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TESA) would prevent mainland China's possible interference in Taiwan's presidential election next month, analysts here said that such a move could backfire and heighten cross-strait tensions.
SOONG STRESSES NEED TO REOPEN CROSS-STRAIT DIALOGUE CHANNEL [CNA Taiwan] 14 February 2000 -- Independent Presidential candidate James Soong reiterated on Monday that the two sides of Taiwan Strait must lower their confrontation and reopen dialogue channels and sign a peaceful non-invasion treaty.
MOJIB HEAD ADMITS INFILTRATION BY PRC SPIES [CNA Taiwan] 14 February 2000 -- The head of the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau (MOJIB) on Monday admitted that mainland Chinese spies have infiltrated Taiwan and conducted intelligence work here. Wang disclosed that a total of 376 mainlanders were expelled over the past three years after being found to have carried out undercover intelligence work in Taiwan.
POLL SHOWS SOONG, CHEN NECK AND NECK IN RACE FOR PRESIDENCY [CNA Taiwan] 13 February 2000 -- Chen Shui-bian, the candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was favored by 26.1 percent of those surveyed. James Soong commanded the support of 25.7 percent of respondents. The ruling Kuomintang's candidate Lien Chan came in third place with 20.3 percent of respondents' support, while the New Party's Li Ao and the other independent Hsu Hsin-liang brought up the rear with 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.
US INTERESTS BETTER SERVED BY TSEA: ANALYST [CNA Taiwan] 12 February 2000 -- By voting before Taiwan's forthcoming presidential election, the Senate assures Taiwan's people that mainland China's military coercion will not be unnoticed or unchecked by the United States, said Stephen Yates of the Washington-based Heritage Foundation in an analysis titled "Time to Act on Taiwan's Security."
New PRC destroyer passes without incident Taiwan News February 12, 2000 -- Mainland Affairs Council Spokesman Lin Chong-pin told reporters that "building a democracy, not buying new warships, is the best way for mainland China to speed up reunification with Taiwan. Our elections will be far more powerful than any modern destroyers the mainland acquires... Democracy is the world trend, and we believe time is on our side," Lin said.
NAVAL DESTROYERS STRAIT PASSAGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ELECTIONS: MAC [CNA Taiwan] 11 February 2000 -- The reported passage of two new mainland Chinese destroyers through the Taiwan Strait during the early morning hours of Saturday has nothing to do with Taiwan's presidential election scheduled for March 18, a Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) official said on Friday.
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin February 11, 2000 Press Conference -- Chinese views on Taiwan’s presidential election; Taiwan’s dependence on the Mainland market; delivery of Russian destroyers to PRC; ROC representative to Hong Kong.
MAINLAND WARSHIP SCHEDULED TO PASS THROUGH TAIWAN STRAIT [CNA Taiwan] 10 February 2000 -- The reported passage in the coming days of a mainland Chinese warship through the Taiwan Strait is an attempt at psychologically intimidating Taiwan, said an official in charge of mainland affairs on Thursday.
Don't rely on US, Li Ao says United Daily News 10 February 2000 - New Party presidential candidate Li Ao said yesterday that Taiwan cannot place its fate in the hands of the Americans, because the United States is not reliable, and could sell Taiwan out for the sake of its own interests. Li also described the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) initiative as inappropriate.
U-S-TAIWAN SECURITY Voice of America 03 February 2000 -- Congressional Republicans accuse the Clinton Administration of neglecting the commitment to Taiwan. Their bill would, for the first time, set up direct military to military communications with the island and give Congress more of a say in what U-S weapons systems can be sold to Taiwan.
TAWIAN - CHINA Voice of America 03 February 2000 -- Taiwan's official opposition party is hailing the U-S House of Representatives passage of the Taiwan Enhancement Act.
TAIWAN - CHINA- CIA Voice of America 03 February 2000 -- The head of the Central Intelligence Agency says growing tensions between Taiwan and China could spark another military "flare up" in the next few months.
Taiwan politicians hail Security Act vote China Times February 3, 2000 -- Monday's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA) has been welcomed by members of the ruling Kuomintang and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, but criticized by the minority New Party's vice presidential candidate.
CLINTON-TAIWAN Voice of America 02 February 2000 -- The White House has served notice that President Clinton intends to veto, if necessary, a bill before Congress strengthening U-S military ties with Taiwan.
TAIWAN - ELECTION Voice of America 02 February 2000 -- Concerns are mounting in Taiwan that China may try to intimidate the island province before its March 18th presidential election.
CHINA / U-S / TAIWAN Voice of America 02 February 2000 -- China has summoned the U-S ambassador to complain about the approval of legislation in the House of Representatives that would strengthen U-S military ties with Taiwan.
US House passes Taiwan security law Taiwan Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2000 -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted Monday (Washington time) to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA), a controversial law which would expand military ties between Taiwan and the United States. The bill received the backing of 341 lawmakers, including 140 Democrats and one independent.
Tang says low-level missile defense needed Taiwan Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2000 -- Minister of National Defense Tang Fei said Tuesday that Taiwan needs to build its own low-level missile defense to protect itself from mainland China's missile deployments.
US LAWMAKERS URGED TO SUPPORT TAIWAN SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT (CNA-Taiwan) 01 February 2000 -- It is believed that the Clinton administration is striving hard to prevent the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act from becoming law by dissuading the Senate from passing the bill.
US REPORTEDLY TO SELL ANTI-SUB PLANES, MISSILES TO TAIWAN (CNA-Taiwan) 01 February 2000 -- Taiwan's request to acquire four AEGIS radar systems has caused a fierce debate within the Clinton Administration. The Pentagon agrees with the sales and the National Security Council and State Department officials object to the proposal.
CONGRESS-CHINA-TAIWAN Voice of America 01 February 2000 -- In a solid bipartisan vote (341 to 70), House members passed a bill to strengthen contacts, training and communication with the Taiwanese military.
TAIWAN ARMS Voice of America 01 February 2000 -- Taiwan media are quoting military sources as saying the island wants to purchase a long range radar system from the United States. The system would be able to detect threats as far as 3000 kilometers, covering all of China.
Text: Gilman on Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, H.R. 1838 USIA 1 February 2000 -- Scorning what he termed Beijing's "thuggish attempts at intimidation," Representative Benjamin A. Gilman (Republican of New York), exulted in a sweeping bipartisan 341 to 70 vote in favor of H.R. 1838 -- the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act -- in the U.S. House of Representatives February 1.
Policy Chairman Hails Passage of Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (February 1, 2000) House Policy Chairman Christopher Cox called today's overwhelming passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act "a ringing bipartisan commitment to freedom and democracy in Asia."
MND ALLAYS FEARS OVER REPORTS ON BEIJING MILITARY EXERCISES (CNA-Taiwan) 31 January 2000 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Monday allayed public fears raised by a Hong Kong newspaper report that mainland China is preparing to hold large-scale anti-air raid exercises in late February.
US Congress revives Taiwan Security bill Taiwan Headlines January 31, 2000 -- Even if the TSEA does receive approval from both the House and the Senate, it is still likely to be vetoed by U.S. President Bill Clinton. The bill was passed by the House's International Relations Committee last October after some of the most controversial provisions were deleted.
MAC official rejects Qian's statement Taiwan Headlines January 31, 2000 -- A senior official from the Mainland Affairs Council on Saturday rejected remarks made Friday by PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen on the issue of unification between Taiwan and mainland China.
CHEN'S 'SEVEN-POINT' STATEMENT CALLED AMBIGUOUS (CNA-Taiwan) 31 January 2000 -- A recent statement on cross-Taiwan Strait issues made by the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate Chen Shiu-bian is too ambiguous to effectively resolve bilateral disputes, said independent presidential hopeful Hsu Hsin-liang on Monday.
Chen: No independence unless PRC attacks Taiwan Headlines January 31, 2000 -- Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian said on Sunday that Taiwan will not declare independence unless it came under military attack from mainland China.
Beijing warns independence means war Taiwan News January 29, 2000 -- "China is getting harsher than five years ago in its Taiwan policy," said Chang Jung-kung, the Kuomintang's top official handing mainland affairs, referring to the warning that a declaration of independence would mean war.
ROC PLANS TO ACQUIRE 6 MORE PATRIOT MISSILE SYSTEMS (CNA-Taiwan) 28 January 2000 -- In order to build up its national defense capability, the Republic of China plans to acquire six more US-made Patriot antiballistic-missile systems to be installed in central and southern Taiwan.
DPP PURSUES 'GENUINE STABILITY' FOR TAIWAN: CHEN SHUI-BIAN (CNA-Taiwan) 18 January 2000 -- Chen Shui-bian, presidential candidate of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, on Tuesday urged the ruling Kuomintang not to take rash action to create tension in the Taiwan Strait in the run-up to the March 18 presidential election.
PRESIDENT DEFENDS `SPECIAL STATE-TO-STATE' THEORY (CNA-Taiwan) 17 January 2000 -- President Lee Teng-hui strongly defended his definition of relations across the Taiwan Strait as a "special state-to-state relationship" on Monday, and urged the international community to understand the Republic of China's basic stance.
TAIWAN SPIES UNTOUCHED SINCE 1997, SAYS REPORT (CNA-Taiwan) 17 January 2000 -- Beijing and Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region government did not want to upset relations with Taiwan or prospects for "one country, two systems" by rounding up agents who could also act as a channel for communicating with Taipei.
DESTROYER NANYANG DECOMMISSIONED (CNA-Taiwan) 16 January 2000 -- The destroyer Nanyang was decommissioned on Sunday at the southern Taiwan port of Kaohsiung after having served 25 years in the Republic of China Navy.
US POLICY SAID TO BE ENCOURAGING CHINA'S BOLDNESS (CNA-Taiwan) 14 January 2000 -- Unless changes are made in the United States' China policy, sometime in the next decade an American president will witness either an internal upheaval in mainland China or an attempt by Beijing to take Taiwan, and the former will very likely lead to the latter.
CHEN SHUI-BIAN WILL NOT DECLARE TAIWAN'S INDEPENDENCE IF ELECTED (CNA-Taiwan) 14 January 2000 -- Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Lin I-hsiung said here on Friday that DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian will not declare independence for Taiwan if he is elected.
ROC AIR FORCE TAKES DELIVERY OF LAST IDF FIGHTER (CNA-Taiwan) 14 January 2000 -- The ROC Air Force took delivery of the last of 130 locally developed defense fighters on Friday. The military has formed two IDF wings which are deployed at the Taichung and Tainan air bases.
DoD News Briefing Thursday, January 13, 2000 -- Taiwanese have deployed Chaparral missiles on a disputed island in the South China Sea. They've had Chaparral missiles for a long while.
LAST LOCALLY-DEVELOPED IDF FIGHTER ROLLS OFF ASSEMBLY LINE [CNA Taiwan] 13 January 2000 -- The 130th and last of the locally developed Ching-kuo Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDFs) will be delivered to the Republic of China Air Force on Friday.
MAINLAND CHINESE MILITARY MOVEMENTS ONLY ROUTINE: MND [CNA Taiwan] 11 January 2000 -- China's military usually conducts routine training for its new conscripts every year during the January-March period and will upgrade military alert in the lead-up to the Chinese lunar new year festival which falls on Feb. 4 this year.
MND DENIES US SCIENTIST SPIED FOR TAIWAN [CNA Taiwan] 11 January 2000 -- ) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Tuesday denied categorically that Taiwan-born US scientist Wen Ho Lee, who is alleged to have spied for mainland China, had been hired by a Taiwan military research institute as an adviser.
GAP OF SUPPORT RATINGS OF 3 FRONT-RUNNERS NARROWING: POLL [CNA Taiwan] 09 January 2000 -- 24 percent of the respondents said they would vote for opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Chen Shui-bian; 23 percent said they would opt for independent contender James Soong; and 22 percent threw support behind KMT's Lien.
US SAID SET TO SELL 4 AEGIS WARSHIPS TO TAIWAN FOR TMD [CNA Taiwan] 09 January 2000 -- The United States has reportedly agreed to sell four Berker Class Guided Missile AEGIS warships equipped with a new theater missile defense system (TMD) for naval use to Taiwan, a senior adviser to the Republic of China President said on Sunday.
SOONG, CHEN NECK AND NECK, LIEN TRAILING: POLL [CNA Taiwan] 08 January 2000 -- Independent presidential contender James Soong and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Chen Shui-bian are neck and neck while Kuomintang candidate Lien Chan still trails in support ratings.
ROC ARMY TO ACQUIRE CH-47SD HELICOPTERS FROM US [CNA Taiwan] 06 January 2000 -- The purchase of nine American-made CH-47SD Chinook helicopters from the United States will greatly augment the transportation capability of the Republic of China Army.
TAIWAN WILL NOT DEVELOP NUCLEAR ARMS: DEFENSE MINISTER [CNA Taiwan] 05 January 2000 -- The issue was suddenly a hot topic because of former Premier Hau Pei-tsun's disclosure in his soon-to-be published "Diary of Eight Years as Chief of the General Staff" that Taiwan was capable of producing nuclear weapons 14 years ago.
ROC AIR FORCE TRANSFERS KINMEN AIRPORT TO CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATION [CNA Taiwan] 03 January 2000 -- The Shang Yi Airport on the offshore island of Kinmen was turned over to the Civil Aeronautics Administration by the Republic of China Air Force on Monday, ending more than four decades of military administration of the airport.
