The Hindu : International : Chen not for arms race

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 11, 2004

International

International

Chen not for arms race

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: The Taiwanese President, Chen Shui-bian, on Sunday pledged to "strengthen the military capabilities" of the non-sovereign territory. In a "National Day" speech in Taipei, Mr. Chen said it did not "signal an attempt to provoke China." The objective was also not to enter into an arms race with China. Beijing, engaged in efforts to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, has repeatedly criticised Mr. Chen in recent months over his policy of shopping for another round of purchases of sophisticated U.S. weapons. China has made no secret of its determination to prevent any form of Taiwanese independence. It is in this context that Mr. Chen said: "If Taiwan lacks a strong national defence, how can it deter military invasion or prevent the outbreak of war?"

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Four die in blast at Pakistan mosque

Gayoom lifts emergency

Chen not for arms race

Big jump in anti-terror cooperation: Russia

Howard cites economy for victory

The man who wed Hitler and Eva

A macabre end to kidnap drama

More activity at St. Helens

Maverick Award for Mira Nair

Mixed welcome to Bride and Prejudice

Afghan panel to probe poll protests

Genocide accused surrenders