The Hindu : International : Hu urges Bush not to sell arms to Taiwan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 01, 2004

International

International

Hu urges Bush not to sell arms to Taiwan

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, JULY 31. The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, has, in a telephonic conversation with his U.S. counterpart, George W. Bush, emphasised Beijing's `opposition' to the sales of any sophisticated American weapons to Taiwan at this sensitive time. Adding a new political nuance to China's campaign against any U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Mr. Hu suggested to Mr. Bush that Washington should associate itself with Beijing's efforts to stop Taiwan in its tracks towards `independence'.

China has stepped up its pressure on Washington on the weapons-issue in view of its high political currency on the U.S. presidential campaign trails at this point. According to a Chinese official version, released today, Mr. Hu told Mr. Bush during the phone-talk on Friday that "the current situation across the Taiwan Strait," which separates the territory from mainland China, "is very sensitive and complicated."

`Adventurist attempt'

China and the U.S. should, therefore, "act resolutely" against the moves for "the independence of Taiwan" and against any adventurist attempts by separatist organisations.

Tracing Beijing's overall position on the Taiwan question, Mr. Hu told Mr. Bush that China would exert itself, with "utmost sincerity" to resolve the issues by peaceful means. However, the idea of "independence of Taiwan" would never be tolerated by China. Characterising the current state of Sino-American relations as a "constructive partnership," Mr. Hu assured Mr. Bush that China "is willing to continue to maintain close contact and communications with the United States." China would, with similar consistency, `respect' the concerns of the U.S. and address "mutual concerns" with a view to furthering the Sino-American `partnership'.

Positive appraisal

The Chinese side quoted Mr. Bush as making a "positive appraisal" of the recent developments on the bilateral front. Saying that a strong and prosperous China would serve the interests of the U.S. as well, Mr. Bush expressed his understanding of Beijing's concerns over the Taiwan question. He was quoted as reaffirming, in this context, that the U.S. would adhere to the "One China policy" and desist from supporting the moves for "independence of Taiwan."

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