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http://www.hinduonnet.com/stories/2002041901231500.htm The Hindu April 19, 2002 Terrorism: U.S. not happy with China By Amit Baruah -It is evident that after a period of neglect, the Americans have woken up to the Asia-Pacific region with a vengeance. -...China expressed concern over Washington's plans to stay for a long time in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia. American troops are likely to linger in the Philippines longer than the six months scheduled.... -...Admiral Blair said the U.S. was interested in the use of the strategic Vietnamese base of Cam Ranh Bay, which the Russians are expected to return to Hanoi later this year. SINGAPORE April 18. At a time when China has said a "deep chill'' has set into its relations with the United States, Washington has called on Beijing to share more intelligence information with it to tackle the problem of terrorism. Admiral Dennis Blair, U.S. Pacific commander, told reporters in Hong Kong today that Beijing was coming up short on specifics when it came to polling information in the battle against terrorist groups. ``With other governments that we're operating with more closely, like the Philippines or Singapore and Malaysia, it's very detailed, tactical information of the type you need to take action....I think we need to get to that level with Beijing, and it's not quite there yet,'' the Admiral, who has been visiting the region, was quoted as saying. Beijing is critical of recent developments in ties with the U.S. and believes that Washington is undermining the basis on which the relations were restored � the U.S. commitment to a "one China'' policy. ``When we have all countries doing that (sharing information) in a very effective way, we will go a long way towards winning this campaign,'' the U.S. official, who lays down office on May 2, said. ``You need specific information: what airplane flight is that person going to be flying from Beijing to Manila on and what alias is that person going to be using and let's have a picture,'' the Admiral said about the kind of cooperation the United States wanted from China. Apart from their criticism of the U.S. paying host to top Taiwan leaders, China expressed concern over Washington's plans to stay for a long time in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia. American troops are likely to linger in the Philippines longer than the six months scheduled; a policy option that has support from the Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, herself. These developments are being closely watched by Beijing, which had expected more understanding from Washington in its battle against the Uighur separatists in Xinjiang province. Interestingly, Admiral Blair said the U.S. was interested in the use of the strategic Vietnamese base of Cam Ranh Bay, which the Russians are expected to return to Hanoi later this year. The Americans, however, are unexpected to receive any special treatment from the Vietnamese as far as the use of the Russian Cold War base is concerned given the past history of animosity between Hanoi and Washington. It is evident that after a period of neglect, the Americans have woken up to the Asia-Pacific region with a vengeance. There have been scores of visits to this part of the world � the Americans are slated to begin a security dialogue with the Indonesians later this month and the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, will be in Washington in May. There is little doubt that underlying all this diplomatic activity is the dominant concern about tackling terrorism especially when it affects American nationals. In the weeks and months to come, American involvement in the Asia-Pacific region can only increase. Such developments will be closely watched in the capitals of the region � especially in Beijing. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.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 ==^================================================================
