-Caveat Lector- China warns Taiwan leader to stop talking independence Copyright © 1999 Nando Media Copyright © 1999 Associated Press By JOE McDONALD BEIJING (July 13, 1999 9:30 a.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - China heightened its attacks on Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui on Tuesday, accusing him of pursuing independence for the island. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Lee was taking "extremely dangerous steps. She repeated Beijing was ready to use force to block formal independence for the island, which it regards as a renegade province. Beijing was outraged by Lee's comments to German radio station Deutsche Welle that China and Taiwan have "state-to-state" dealings. The characterization runs counter to Beijing's insistence that Taiwan is part of China. Taiwan and the mainland have been separated since a civil war 50 years ago, but both say they intend one day to reunite. "We hope that Lee Teng-hui and the Taiwan authorities will stop all activities and remarks aimed at splitting the motherland," Zhang said at a regular news briefing. The state-run Xinhua News Agency accused Lee of deliberately spoiling a recent easing of tensions between Taiwan and the mainland. Taiwan said Monday that by labeling their dealings "state-to-state relations" it aimed to encourage more constructive talks with Beijing. "We hope the Taiwan authorities will not underestimate the firm resolve of the central government to safeguard the sovereignty, dignity and territorial integrity of our country, and will not underestimate the strength of courage of the Chinese people in the fight against separatism and Taiwan independence," Zhang said. Lee, who won Taiwan's first free presidential election in 1996, has said he will consider eventual reunification only after the mainland becomes democratic. Chinese officials and state media have not resorted to such direct criticism of Lee since the 1996 elections, when Beijing launched war games and missile tests near Taiwan to intimidate voters. Zhang did not say whether the latest disagreement would affect plans for China's top negotiator with Taiwan, Wang Daohan, to visit the island's capital, Taipei, later this year. However, she noted a statement by Wang that Lee's comments had "wiped out the foundation for contacts" and said he was waiting for clarification from Taiwan. "We do not undertake to give up the use of force, which is by no means directed against our compatriots in Taiwan. It is rather against the attempts by foreign forces to interfere in China's reunification hopes and for Taiwan independence," she said. http://www.nandotimes.com/global/story/0,1024,69963-110608-784251-0,00.html DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
