China Says Syria, Russia and Others Support Its Taiwan Law

[Snowden]

China Says Syria, Russia and Others Support Its Taiwan Law
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com International Editor
March 15, 2005

Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) -- Facing criticism over passage of a law allowing the use of "non-peaceful" actions against Taiwan, China on Tuesday highlighted the support it has received from several foreign governments, none of them fully-functioning democracies.

China asserts that the "anti-secession law" endorsed by lawmakers Monday is needed to prevent Taiwanese leaders from formalizing the island's de facto independence.

The official People's Daily stressed that the law allowed for "non-peaceful means and other necessary measures" as a last resort only.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the body that handles policy toward Beijing, said the move restricted Taiwan's freedom and democracy, while the U.S., Japan and others also expressed concern.

The People's Daily said a number of foreign governments backed the law.

It cited statements of support from the Russian foreign ministry, Pakistan's foreign office, the government of Belarus, the African Union -- and from Syrian deputy foreign minister Walid Muallem, who said Damascus fully understood the law and would "consistently stand by China in fighting against attempts of Taiwan independence secessionists."

China also saw implicit support in the fact that the European Union, in a statement reacting to the law, voiced support for a "one China" policy.

The People's Daily claimed that the E.U. therefore backed the law, although the 25-member union's statement did not say that.

Rather, it called on "all parties to avoid any unilateral action which might revive tensions."

"The E.U. will be worried if this passage of a law referring to the use of 'non-peaceful means' negated recent signs of rapprochement between the two sides," it added.

The E.U. is planning to lift an arms embargo on China later this year, despite strong objections from the U.S., Japan and Taiwan.

E.U. officials are in Washington this week for talks with administration officials and lawmakers on the plan to end the ban, which was imposed after Chinese troops crushed pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

U.S. officials say lifting the embargo could lead to a situation in which American forces deployed to defend Taiwan find themselves up against a Chinese military armed with sophisticated European weaponry.

Washington also says China's human rights record remains poor.

Copyright © 1998-2005 CNSNews.com - Cybercast News Service



http://www.gopusa.com/news/2005/marc..._support.shtml

[scott.voigt]

This is not in the best interest of the US even if t didn't have support. Taiwan and the US have cozy relations and if an invasion did occur.... I honestly don't know what would happen.

[Snowden]

Originally Posted by scott.voigt

This is not in the best interest of the US even if t didn't have support. Taiwan and the US have cozy relations and if an invasion did occur.... I honestly don't know what would happen.

I believe we have a pact with Taiwan to go to their defense in such a case, Scott; but I'm not sure if it's still in effect. I rather think it is.

[scott.voigt]

Either way... it's not an appealing thought

[Bluehawk]

Taiwan is, and always has been, tomorrow's Israel...

[Woodmonkey]

Originally Posted by Wingwiper

Taiwan is, and always has been, tomorrow's Israel...

I think that you are right there, Sir Bluewing. If I recall correctly, we are bound by treaty to support them if they are attacked. They are also a thorn in China's side.

[cb88]

First to the title/subject of the article....Isn't this a bit like Jeffrey Dahmer saying that Hannibal Lecter supports his canabilistic habits???


Ok, now to my thoughts.....this is a no win situation folks.....if we support Taiwan, then basically we go against our own past philosophies against secession...I mean, what was the Civil War all about??? It was not about slavery, contrary to popular belief, it was about the south wanting to secede and the north saying "no way, you are part of us". How would we react if Florida wanted to secede????

Yet, this is communism and if Taiwan wants to become a democracy and we don't stick up for them, well, we just went against what we've been fighting for in Iraq.

Kind of a "rock and a hard place" situation.