dnesday that weapons purchases from the United States can give it the confidence it needs to pursue reconciliation with rival China -- an apparent rebuke to Beijing's denunciations of American arms deals with the island.
Earlier in the day China's Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing reaffirmed its strong opposition to U.S. arms transactions with Taipei, saying ''the stand we take in opposing any country selling arms to Taiwan has been consistent and clear.''
The Chinese comment -- one of several in recent weeks -- comes in the immediate wake of the Pentagon's awarding a $969 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the provision of 263 PAC-3 air defense missiles to Taiwan and a $1.1 billion contract to Raytheon Co. for production of the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for the island.
Further deals -- including for utility helicopters and design plans for diesel submarines -- may be announced in coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said that Beijing should understand that weapons deals with the U.S. did not threaten its interests.
''Procuring arms from the United States is for the country's security and defense so that Taiwan can feel more confident and stronger in the process of reconciling and negotiating with mainland China,'' MAC said in a statement. ''We thank the U.S. for its long-term support.''
Communist-ruled China split with Taiwan amid civil war in 1949 and continues to regard it as part of its territory. Beijing sees arms sales to the island as interference in its internal affairs and has frequent diplomatic spats with the United States, which pledged to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself in 1979.
Since taking office 19 months ago, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made improved relations with China the centerpiece of his administration, turning the corner on his predecessor's pro-independence policies.
But many Taiwanese remain wary of Beijing's long-term intentions and fear that it could eventually follow through on its oft-repeated threat to take the island over by force -- a stance backed up by the deployment of some 1,300 missiles aimed at Taiwanese targets.
China responded to the last U.S. arms offer by rejecting Hong Kong port calls by the USS Kitty Hawk and other American ships in November 2007.
Showing posts with label President Ma Ying-jeou. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Ma Ying-jeou. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
DTN News: Taiwan Says US Arms Will Help Ties With China
DTN News: Taiwan Says US Arms Will Help Ties With China
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (AP)
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - January 14, 2010: Taiwan said We
dnesday that weapons purchases from the United States can give it the confidence it needs to pursue reconciliation with rival China -- an apparent rebuke to Beijing's denunciations of American arms deals with the island.
Earlier in the day China's Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing reaffirmed its strong opposition to U.S. arms transactions with Taipei, saying ''the stand we take in opposing any country selling arms to Taiwan has been consistent and clear.''
The Chinese comment -- one of several in recent weeks -- comes in the immediate wake of the Pentagon's awarding a $969 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the provision of 263 PAC-3 air defense missiles to Taiwan and a $1.1 billion contract to Raytheon Co. for production of the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for the island.
Further deals -- including for utility helicopters and design plans for diesel submarines -- may be announced in coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said that Beijing should understand that weapons deals with the U.S. did not threaten its interests.
''Procuring arms from the United States is for the country's security and defense so that Taiwan can feel more confident and stronger in the process of reconciling and negotiating with mainland China,'' MAC said in a statement. ''We thank the U.S. for its long-term support.''
Communist-ruled China split with Taiwan amid civil war in 1949 and continues to regard it as part of its territory. Beijing sees arms sales to the island as interference in its internal affairs and has frequent diplomatic spats with the United States, which pledged to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself in 1979.
Since taking office 19 months ago, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made improved relations with China the centerpiece of his administration, turning the corner on his predecessor's pro-independence policies.
But many Taiwanese remain wary of Beijing's long-term intentions and fear that it could eventually follow through on its oft-repeated threat to take the island over by force -- a stance backed up by the deployment of some 1,300 missiles aimed at Taiwanese targets.
China responded to the last U.S. arms offer by rejecting Hong Kong port calls by the USS Kitty Hawk and other American ships in November 2007.
dnesday that weapons purchases from the United States can give it the confidence it needs to pursue reconciliation with rival China -- an apparent rebuke to Beijing's denunciations of American arms deals with the island.
Earlier in the day China's Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing reaffirmed its strong opposition to U.S. arms transactions with Taipei, saying ''the stand we take in opposing any country selling arms to Taiwan has been consistent and clear.''
The Chinese comment -- one of several in recent weeks -- comes in the immediate wake of the Pentagon's awarding a $969 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the provision of 263 PAC-3 air defense missiles to Taiwan and a $1.1 billion contract to Raytheon Co. for production of the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for the island.
Further deals -- including for utility helicopters and design plans for diesel submarines -- may be announced in coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said that Beijing should understand that weapons deals with the U.S. did not threaten its interests.
''Procuring arms from the United States is for the country's security and defense so that Taiwan can feel more confident and stronger in the process of reconciling and negotiating with mainland China,'' MAC said in a statement. ''We thank the U.S. for its long-term support.''
Communist-ruled China split with Taiwan amid civil war in 1949 and continues to regard it as part of its territory. Beijing sees arms sales to the island as interference in its internal affairs and has frequent diplomatic spats with the United States, which pledged to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself in 1979.
Since taking office 19 months ago, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made improved relations with China the centerpiece of his administration, turning the corner on his predecessor's pro-independence policies.
But many Taiwanese remain wary of Beijing's long-term intentions and fear that it could eventually follow through on its oft-repeated threat to take the island over by force -- a stance backed up by the deployment of some 1,300 missiles aimed at Taiwanese targets.
China responded to the last U.S. arms offer by rejecting Hong Kong port calls by the USS Kitty Hawk and other American ships in November 2007.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
DTN News: China and Taiwan Leaders Exchange Letters For First Time
DTN News: China and Taiwan Leaders Exchange Letters For First Time
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - July 28, 2009: China's President Hu Jintao has sent his Taiwan counterpart Ma Ying-jeou a telegram, applauding his election as ruling party chief.
Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou (left) and Chinese President Hu Jintao
Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou (left) and Chinese President Hu JintaoThe letter was the first direct communication between the leaders of the two governments in 60 years. Ma Ying-jeou's Nationalist Party says that in addition to congratulating Mr. Ma on his election as party chairman, Mr. Hu on Monday expressed hope the Communist Party can work with the Nationalists and promote peaceful relations between the two sides.
In his 73-word telegram, Mr. Hu also said he hoped the two parties could build more trust in political affairs. Mr. Ma responded by sending his own letter, urging Beijing and Taipei to continue efforts to build peace across the Taiwan Strait and rebuild regional stability.
Ties between Taiwan and China have long been difficult. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which has been separately governed since the Communists won the Chinese civil war in 1949 and the Nationalists fled to the island.
Usually the two sides communicate through semiofficial channels. This is the first direct, publicly released communication between leaders in Beijing and Taipei in six decades.
In his telegram, China's president simply called the Taiwanese leader Mr. Ma, an apparent attempt to avoid touching on the sensitive issue of sovereignty.
Lin Chong-pin is a former vice-chairman of Taiwan's top policy-making body for relations with China. He says the exchange of letters is an extension of the goodwill that has been building since Mr. Ma was elected last year.
"It's a continuation of the trend which began last year" Lin said. Of course, for Ma Ying-jeou it was the first time. Nothing surprising, however, like everybody has conjectured it has increased the probability of the two meeting face to face as heads of the two parties in 2012 before Hu Jintao leaves his position."
Lin says he thinks the two want to meet so that they can both receive a Nobel Peace Prize for their effort. He adds, however, that 2012 is a long way off and much could happen between now and then, on either side of Taiwan Strait, to disrupt such an effort.
Since Mr. Ma was elected president in May 2008, on pledges to open more trade with China and put aside politics, the two sides have signed landmark trade and transit deals.
Mr. Ma's election as the head of the Nationalists and Mr. Hu's telegram appeared to help boost Taiwan's stocks on Monday. The main index ended above 7,000 points for the first time in 11 months.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
DTN News: Diplomat Says US To Consider F-16 Fighter Jets Sale To Taiwan
DTN News: Diplomat Says US To Consider F-16 Fighter Jets Sale To Taiwan
*Sources: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - June 27, 2009: The de facto U.S. ambassador in Taiwan said Friday the Obama administration will consider the contentious sale of F-16 fighter jets to the island after key American officials are 
settled into their jobs.
The comments by Stephen Young of the American Institute in Taiwan come amid strong opposition to the sale by China because of its view that the U.S. has no business providing arms to a territory Beijing claims as its own.
Earlier this week China raised the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during its first high-level bilateral military dialogue with the Americans in 18 months. Beijing suspended the talks in late 2007 because of the Taiwan arms sales issue.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Young said Washington will continue to help Taiwan enhance its security and the sale of the 66 F-16 C/D jets is still on the table.
“As (senior officials) get into place, they will continue to look closely at this whole question,” Young said, adding Washington does not consult with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan.
Young cited Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, National Security adviser Jeffrey Bader, and Assistant Secretary of Defense Wallace Gregson as officials who will be involved in the F-16 matter.
The U.S. transferred its recognition of China from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but is obligated by law to provide the island the means to defend itself.
China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.
Taiwan initially requested the F-16s during the administration of its former President Chen Shu-bian, who said they were necessary to help Taiwan counter a decade-long Chinese military buildup.
China continues to threaten Taiwan with an attack if the democratic island moves to make its break with the mainland permanent. Chen was a strong advocate of formal Taiwanese independence.
Since assuming office 13 months ago, Chen successor Ma Ying-jeou has said repeatedly that he too wants the F-16s, despite his policy of pushing for better relations with Beijing.
settled into their jobs.
The comments by Stephen Young of the American Institute in Taiwan come amid strong opposition to the sale by China because of its view that the U.S. has no business providing arms to a territory Beijing claims as its own.
Earlier this week China raised the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during its first high-level bilateral military dialogue with the Americans in 18 months. Beijing suspended the talks in late 2007 because of the Taiwan arms sales issue.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Young said Washington will continue to help Taiwan enhance its security and the sale of the 66 F-16 C/D jets is still on the table.
“As (senior officials) get into place, they will continue to look closely at this whole question,” Young said, adding Washington does not consult with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan.
Young cited Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, National Security adviser Jeffrey Bader, and Assistant Secretary of Defense Wallace Gregson as officials who will be involved in the F-16 matter.
The U.S. transferred its recognition of China from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but is obligated by law to provide the island the means to defend itself.
China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.
Taiwan initially requested the F-16s during the administration of its former President Chen Shu-bian, who said they were necessary to help Taiwan counter a decade-long Chinese military buildup.
China continues to threaten Taiwan with an attack if the democratic island moves to make its break with the mainland permanent. Chen was a strong advocate of formal Taiwanese independence.
Since assuming office 13 months ago, Chen successor Ma Ying-jeou has said repeatedly that he too wants the F-16s, despite his policy of pushing for better relations with Beijing.
Monday, June 08, 2009
DTN News: Taiwan War Game Simulates Chinese Attack: Media Report
DTN News: Taiwan War Game Simulates Chinese Attack: Media Report
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - June 8, 2009: Taiwan held a virtual military exercise Friday June 5, simulating an invasion of the island by China despite warming ties between the once bitter rivals, a report said. 
An armored personnel carrier transports President Ma Ying-jeou to a command post at Yuanshan, Taipei. Ma visited the command post as director of war game Operation Han Kuang June 5.
The drill, part of the annual "Han Kuang" war games, was played out entirely on computers in a Taipei military command centre presided over by President Ma Ying-jeou, the United Evening News reported.
The computers simulated a ground attack by 200,000 Chinese troops, with Taiwan eventually gaining the upper hand after a series of battles, it said.
A scenario in which Chinese troops attempt to capture Taiwan's leaders was omitted from this year's drill because of the improvement in cross-strait relations since Ma took office in May last year, it said.
The defence ministry declined to comment.
China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing views the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade the island should it declare formal independence.
An armored personnel carrier transports President Ma Ying-jeou to a command post at Yuanshan, Taipei. Ma visited the command post as director of war game Operation Han Kuang June 5.
The drill, part of the annual "Han Kuang" war games, was played out entirely on computers in a Taipei military command centre presided over by President Ma Ying-jeou, the United Evening News reported.
The computers simulated a ground attack by 200,000 Chinese troops, with Taiwan eventually gaining the upper hand after a series of battles, it said.
A scenario in which Chinese troops attempt to capture Taiwan's leaders was omitted from this year's drill because of the improvement in cross-strait relations since Ma took office in May last year, it said.
The defence ministry declined to comment.
China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing views the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade the island should it declare formal independence.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
China, Taiwan Military Officials To Meet: Report
China, Taiwan Military Officials To Meet: Report
(NSI News Source Info) BEIJING - April 1, 2009: Military officials from China and Taiwan will meet face-to-face for the first time in 60 years, state media said March 31, the latest sign of warming relations between the longtime rivals. 
They will meet at a security forum in Hawaii in August, China Daily said, quoting unnamed senior Chinese military officials.
It gave no other details on who would meet or what would be discussed.
The expected meeting, on the sidelines of a military exchange forum organized by a think tank under U.S. Pacific Command, would be the first in the 60 years since the sides split at the end of China's civil war.
The report comes amid a dramatic improvement in relations since China-friendly Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May promising to boost the island's trade and tourism links with the mainland.
In December, the sides inaugurated the first daily passenger flights across the Taiwan Strait, along with other transport links.
Earlier this month, Taiwan's defense ministry said it planned to cut the size of its armed forces by more than a fifth by 2014 amid the friendlier relations with China.
China views Taiwan as a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
They will meet at a security forum in Hawaii in August, China Daily said, quoting unnamed senior Chinese military officials.
It gave no other details on who would meet or what would be discussed.
The expected meeting, on the sidelines of a military exchange forum organized by a think tank under U.S. Pacific Command, would be the first in the 60 years since the sides split at the end of China's civil war.
The report comes amid a dramatic improvement in relations since China-friendly Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May promising to boost the island's trade and tourism links with the mainland.
In December, the sides inaugurated the first daily passenger flights across the Taiwan Strait, along with other transport links.
Earlier this month, Taiwan's defense ministry said it planned to cut the size of its armed forces by more than a fifth by 2014 amid the friendlier relations with China.
China views Taiwan as a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Taiwan Wants To Establish Contacts With Chinese army, Official Says
Taiwan Wants To Establish Contacts With Chinese army, Official Says
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - March 9, 2009: Taiwan is working on setting up a think tank to coordinate contacts with the Chinese military, a Defense Ministry off
icial said Monday, in what would be one of the most significant steps so far in rapidly improving relations between the sides.
The official's comments follow last week's assertion by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao that Beijing is ready to hold talks with Taiwan on political and military issues aimed at ending hostility with the rival island.
Since the inauguration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in May, long-standing tensions between Taiwan and China have begun to recede, prompted by Ma's renunciation of his predecessor's pro-independence policies, and his continuing efforts to deepen the island's economic relations with the mainland.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry official told The Associated Press that the purpose of the new liaison organization would be to build mutual trust with the Chinese military "on a step by step basis." He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject .
"We want to establish a think tank to reduce the unsafe factors in relations between the sides," he said, without elaborating.
He added that the new organization could be part of a research body at a Taiwanese university but said that no final decision had yet been made.
China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to see the democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened war if it moves to make their break permanent.
Last month the Taiwanese Cabinet-level body responsible for relations with the mainland said that Beijing had some 1,500 missiles aimed at Taiwanese military and civilian targets - an increase of more than 100 since Ma entered office.
The new president has spoken repeatedly of the need for "confidence building measures" between the Taiwanese and Chinese militaries as a prelude to signing a formal peace treaty.
He has frequently pointed to the existence of Chinese missiles as a significant barrier to better relations.
In remarks last week to the opening session of China's National People's Congress, Wen said that Beijing was ready to hold talks with Taiwan to "create conditions for ending the state of hostility and concluding a peace agreement."
The remarks were similar to ones made by President Hu Jintao in December.
icial said Monday, in what would be one of the most significant steps so far in rapidly improving relations between the sides.
The official's comments follow last week's assertion by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao that Beijing is ready to hold talks with Taiwan on political and military issues aimed at ending hostility with the rival island.
Since the inauguration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in May, long-standing tensions between Taiwan and China have begun to recede, prompted by Ma's renunciation of his predecessor's pro-independence policies, and his continuing efforts to deepen the island's economic relations with the mainland.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry official told The Associated Press that the purpose of the new liaison organization would be to build mutual trust with the Chinese military "on a step by step basis." He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject .
"We want to establish a think tank to reduce the unsafe factors in relations between the sides," he said, without elaborating.
He added that the new organization could be part of a research body at a Taiwanese university but said that no final decision had yet been made.
China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to see the democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened war if it moves to make their break permanent.
Last month the Taiwanese Cabinet-level body responsible for relations with the mainland said that Beijing had some 1,500 missiles aimed at Taiwanese military and civilian targets - an increase of more than 100 since Ma entered office.
The new president has spoken repeatedly of the need for "confidence building measures" between the Taiwanese and Chinese militaries as a prelude to signing a formal peace treaty.
He has frequently pointed to the existence of Chinese missiles as a significant barrier to better relations.
In remarks last week to the opening session of China's National People's Congress, Wen said that Beijing was ready to hold talks with Taiwan to "create conditions for ending the state of hostility and concluding a peace agreement."
The remarks were similar to ones made by President Hu Jintao in December. Friday, February 13, 2009
China Military Eyes Global Role, Says US Intel Chief
China Military Eyes Global Role, Says US Intel Chief
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 13, 2009: China's military remains primarily focused on recapt
uring Taiwan but the country's naval and missile build-up portends a global role for the Asian giant, the head of US intelligence said.
uring Taiwan but the country's naval and missile build-up portends a global role for the Asian giant, the head of US intelligence said. "China's desire to secure access to the markets, commodities, and energy supplies needed to sustain domestic economic growth significantly influences its foreign engagement," retired admiral Dennis Blair told Congress.
The priority of Chinese diplomacy is to remain on friendly terms with other major powers, especially the United States given the primacy of US demand to China's own economic growth, he said. "But Beijing is also seeking to build its global image and influence in order to advance its broader interests and to resist what it perceives as external challenges to those interests or to China's security and territorial integrity."
Blair, the new director of national intelligence under President Barack Obama, was presenting the US intelligence community's annual "risk assessment" to a Senate select committee.
He noted that under President Ma Ying-jeou of the nationalist Kuomintang party, Taiwan has resumed dialogue with China after a nine-year hiatus, and there is cautious optimism "for a period of less confrontational relations."
But Beijing's communist leadership sees eventual reunification with Taiwan to mend the rival Chinas' 60-year-old split as "vital to regime legitimacy," the US official stressed. "Preparations for a possible Taiwan conflict continue to drive the modernisation goals of the People's Liberation Army and the Chinese defence-industrial complex," Blair said. "At the same time, we judge that China over the past several years has begun a substantially new phase in its military development by beginning to articulate roles and missions for the PLA that go well beyond China's immediate territorial interests."
Blair cited China's development of a blue-water navy that can range far afield from East Asia, highlighting its decision in December to start anti-piracy patrols in the lawless waters off Somalia.
Chinese infantry troops were also extending their international presence through a higher peacekeeping profile, and may take on combat missions beyond their current role in logistical support for the United Nations.
Blair said China's space programmes, including anti-satellite weapons, "also rank among the country's highest military priorities." Of most immediate concern to far-flung US forces in the western Pacific and Asia is China's refinement of ballistic and cruise missile capabilities, while its nuclear weapons capability will increase over the coming decade.
"China also is developing conventionally armed short- and medium-range ballistic missiles with terminally guided manoeuvrable warheads that could be used to attack US naval forces and airbases," Blair said. "In addition, counter-command, control, and sensor systems, to include communications satellite jammers, are among Beijing's highest military priorities."
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