CNA/Taiwan : CHINA COULD ATTACK U.S. IN TAIWAN CONFLICT: PENTAGON REPORT

[Dao Van <daotb@yahoo.com>]

10-16-99 DPP PREPARING WHITE PAPER ON PARTY'S 'CHINA POLICY'

Taipei, Oct.  16 (CNA) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is
drafting a white paper on the party's "China policy" with the main
points echoing DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian's view of
conditioned direct contacts between the two sides.  On Sept.  20, Chen
announced his view of cross-strait relations.  He proposed a relaxing of
restrictions on direct shipping, trade and investment on the condition
that Taiwan's national security is not endangered.  A DPP source
disclosed that the white paper will be released next month,
corresponding with the DPP-sponsored
"International Conference
on China in the 21st Century" to be held at the Taiwan University
Conference Hall on Nov.  6-7.  Chen, invited to speak at the closing
ceremony, is expected to further elaborate his views on normalizing
relations between Taipei and Beijing.  The DPP politician, in a
September announcement, summed up his proposals in five points --
negotiation of all topics, including political issues, the establishment
of institutionalized exchanges of visits and dialogue, the building of
mutual trust to reduce the risk of military confrontation, the relaxing
of restrictions on direct shipping, trade and investment on the
precondition that they don't endanger national security, and the signing
an interim peace agreement that recognizes equal status.  Yen Wan-chin,
director of the DPP's Department of China Affairs, said that Chen has
succeeded in consolidating different factions within the party and that
the five-point announcement reflected a policy of bold advancement and
patience. 
(By Lillian Lin)
ENDITEM/SDB
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10-16-99 CHINA COULD ATTACK U.S.  IN TAIWAN CONFLICT: PENTAGON REPORT

Washington, Oct.  15 (CNA) Communist China is building up its missile
forces in preparation for possible attacks against Taiwan and the United
States if its military comes to Taiwan's aid, according to a Pentagon
report.  The Washington Times on Friday quoted the Pentagon report as
saying that the large number of regional offensive missile systems,
backed by space-based spying systems, will be the
"cornerstone of the
People's Liberation Army early in the 21st century."
"Beijing's  drift  toward  a force dominated by
offensive theater missiles could have significant implications on
regional stability," said the report.  "In the most likely scenario of
any future conflict with Taiwan, the PLA's growing arsenal of highly
accurate and lethal theater missiles, and a preemptive doctrine could
give Beijing a decisive edge." Regarding US involvement in a war between
mainland China and Taiwan, the report makes clear that Beijing won't
hesitate to attack. 
"The  PLA  has  indicated  a  willingness  to use
highly accurate short-range ballistic missiles, medium-range ballistic
missiles and land attack cruise missiles against US assets, including
key bases in Japan and aircraft carriers operating in the Western
Pacific," the report said, noting that Communist Chinese weapons
planners are working hard at preparing missiles designed to attack US
carriers. 
(By Nelson Chung)
ENDITEM/SDB
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