US Taiwan Arms Sales Censured

China Thursday warned the United States against selling arms to Taiwan, saying they would be strongly opposed by the Chinese Government and all the Chinese people.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue made the remarks Thursday at a regular press briefing, saying US arms sales to Taiwan, under whatever pretext, constitute a serious interference in China's internal affairs.

The Washington Times reported on Tuesday that US intelligence agencies tracked a shipment of some 20 CSS-7 short-range missiles to a missile base near the town of Yong'an in Fujian Province.

According to the article, US officials said the new CSS-7s may lead to sale of Aegis-equipped warships to Taiwan.

Zhang criticized the report, saying it will "mislead the public and has ulterior motives.''

Meanwhile, US Defence Department reportedly said that China's deployment of missiles along its southeastern coast would threaten the security in the region.

Zhang said that China is a peace-loving country and its defence policy is geared totally to self-defence.

She indicated that it is not proper for US officials to make irresponsible remarks about China's national defence.

Turning to reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has proposed resuming peace talks with the United States, Zhang said that China welcomed the renewed talks, saying China would make its contribution to stability in the region.

"China endorses any effort that is in the interest of stability on the Korean Peninsula,'' said Zhang.

The spokeswoman also pointed out that the US should play a "constructive'' role in the peninsula.

The DPRK and the Republic of Korea are the major players in the question and the two sides should settle the issue through dialogue and cooperation, she said.

Also at Thursday's conference, Zhang confirmed that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi would attend the Bo'ao Forum, an international economic forum to be held on the southern China island of Hainan.

"The prime minister will deliver a keynote speech at the forum,'' said Zhang.

The Bo'ao Forum for Asia, to be held April 12-13, will provide an arena for Asian countries and regions to discuss regional issues in a global context.

"We hope that China and Japan and other Asian countries can join together to play a constructive role in the development and prosperity of Asia,'' Zhang said.

(China Daily April 5, 2002)