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Arms sales to Taiwan will continue, says US

Posted on: Wed January 13, 2010

WASHINGTON: US military officials on Wednesday vowed to provide Taiwan with weapons to protect itself from a possible Chinese attack, despite Beijing s warning that such sales are meddling and could lead to conflict.The officials told US lawmakers at a congressional hearing that China is boosting preparations for a short, intense fight against the self-governing island that it claims as its own territory. That military build-up, which includes more than 1,000 ballistic missiles deployed opposite Taiwan, is in stark contrast to the improved ties between the rivals since the March 2008 election of a more China-friendly Taiwan president, Ma Ying-jeou. The comments come as the United States prepares for an expected announcement of arms sales for Taiwan and follows China s announcement Monday that its military intercepted a missile in mid-flight in a test of new technology.The commander of US forces in the Pacific, Admiral Robert Willard, said that Beijing s military advancements make worse the already heavy combat imbalance between China and Taiwan. Willard told lawmakers that the US military is trying to reconcile China s claims that its forces are defensive with a military capability that is growing more powerful and outward-looking. That can only occur through continuous, frank conversations and a strong and mature military-to-military relationship a relationship that does not yet exist with the People s Liberation Army, Willard said, referring to China s army. Indeed, US-Chinese military ties are only just now improving after a furious Beijing cut contact following the Bush administration s 2008 announcement of a $6.5 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The upcoming arms sales to Taiwan will test whether the Obama administration s efforts to establish greater trust with China s leaders will keep Beijing from cutting military ties in retaliation. Communist-ruled China split with Taiwan amid civil war in 1949and sees arms sales to the island as interference in its internal affairs. US-Chinese spats over China are common, as Washington is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.     The US officials also urged China to be more open about its growing military and its intentions. Assistant Secretary of Defence Wallace Gregson said some aspects of China s military could restrict US access to the region or allow China to attack or coerce its neighbours.     China s growing capabilities also entail greater responsibility, Gregson said. The Obama administration, Gregson said, needs to make sure China clearly understands US interests and does not challenge them. China can and should do more to help Washington address crises in North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and other global hotspots, he said.

Courtesy : The News