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China Summons Diplomat Over Taiwan By Christopher Bodeen -Li criticized the United States for permitting Taiwan's defense minister, Tang Yiau-ming, to attend a private defense convention this month in St. Petersburg, Fla. � the first time a Taiwanese defense minister has visited the United States since Washington cut ties with Taiwan in 1979 in order to recognize Beijing. Further enraging China, Tang discussed Taiwan's defense needs in private meetings on the conference's sidelines with Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly. -Li also accused the United States of violating the terms of three joint communiques, encouraging Taiwanese independence through sales of sophisticated weapons and seeking to intimidate China with nuclear threats. Associated Press Writer Saturday, March 16, 2002; 11:51 AM BEIJING �� China expressed "strong indignation and resolute opposition" to growing U.S.-Taiwan military contacts, summoning the American ambassador Saturday to demand Washington reverse course on ties with the island. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told U.S. Ambassador Clark T. Randt it is "crucial to observe the attitude of the U.S. side," China Central Television reported in its main evening news broadcast. "We hope the United States makes a clear and decisive decision," it quoted Li as saying. The statement was the latest in a series of protests underscoring the Chinese government's deep unease over what it perceives as strengthened U.S. support for Taiwan, a self-governing island Beijing claims as an indivisible part of Chinese territory. "The Chinese government and people express their strong indignation and resolute opposition to acts that interfere in China's internal affairs and undermine China-U.S. relations," Li said. Li criticized the United States for permitting Taiwan's defense minister, Tang Yiau-ming, to attend a private defense convention this month in St. Petersburg, Fla. � the first time a Taiwanese defense minister has visited the United States since Washington cut ties with Taiwan in 1979 in order to recognize Beijing. Further enraging China, Tang discussed Taiwan's defense needs in private meetings on the conference's sidelines with Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly. Li also castigated Washington for granting a visa to former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui, reviled by the Chinese government for his efforts to cement Taiwan's independent identity. Li also accused the United States of violating the terms of three joint communiques, encouraging Taiwanese independence through sales of sophisticated weapons and seeking to intimidate China with nuclear threats. China's leaders have repeatedly said Taiwan is the most sensitive issue in its relations with the United States. China and Taiwan separated amid civil war in 1949, and Beijing has threatened to use force to reassert control over the island despite increasing economic links. The United States is Taiwan's biggest weapons supplier, and U.S. law includes a vague threat that American forces might help defend Taiwan if it is attacked. The TV report was notable for its length � more than five minutes � and strong language. Recent efforts by the government to improve relations with the United States have been sharply criticized by nationalists who strongly resent U.S. backing of Taiwan. "The era of Chinese being bullied is long past," Li said. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage http://sports.yahoo.com/ --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9617B Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
