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China Threatens Taiwan Anew With Force
Raising the stakes in an already tense situation, China threatened in remarks published Wednesday that "the use of force may become unavoidable" if the island pursues independence — the mainlandâs strongest statement in years against its archrival. But Wang Zaixi, a top mainland official who deals with the Taiwan issue, also said China felt close to the Taiwanese people and was "not willing to meet at the battleground." Wang, vice-minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said curbing Taiwanâs efforts toward independence is the main goal of the mainland, which will go to war if necessary.More of the usual. "If the Taiwan authorities collude with all âsplittistâ forces to openly engage in pro-independence activities and challenge the mainland and the one-China principle, the use of force may become unavoidable," Wang was quoted as saying in the China Daily. Separatists were "set to pay a high cost if they think we will not use force," Wang said. "Taiwan independence means war." Tell us something we donât know. Wangâs remarks came as Taiwan prepares to elect a new leader next March. Recent public polls show that President Chen Shui-bian has gained popularity with voters since he came up with plans for a new constitution last month. He has also introduced a law referendums that could lead to citizens voting on Taiwanâs independence. Saber rattling usually occurs right before the election. The introduction of a new constitution and referendums are "extremely dangerous behaviors," Wang was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency. He was speaking at a seminar on cross-straits relations. "That Chen is using ... presidential running tools to get himself re-elected and to push our Taiwanese compatriots to the brink of conflict with the motherland is immoral and is behavior that will destroy peace in the Straits of Taiwan," Wang said. "The people of Taiwan are our brothers and sisters," he said. "We are not willing to meet at the battleground." "Because weâre concerned we could get our asses handed to us by our brothers and sisters!" On Tuesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said the Bush administration would deploy sufficient force in the Asia-Pacific area to lower tensions between China and Taiwan. "We have good competent forces there," Armitage said as he also offered assurances that the Bush administration would provide Taiwan with "sufficient defense articles for her self-defense." Those Arleigh-Burke destroyers might be a step closer to sale. Posted by: Steve White 2003-11-19 |
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