--------------------
Taiwanese Denounce Anti-Secession Plan
--------------------
As rallies are held on the island, a Beijing official talks tough in advance of the expected passage of a law binding the area to the mainland.
By Mark Magnier and Tsai Ting-I
Special to The Times
March 7 2005
BEIJING; Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Sunday adopted a hard line toward Taiwan in advance of the expected passage this week of a controversial law aimed at legally binding the island to the mainland.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,4756912.story
Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com
Full Version: Eye on China and Taiwan
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Foreign Policy and National Defense > Foreign Policy & National Defense Issues Archive
--------------------
China Stock Market Misses Out on Boom
--------------------
Despite a roaring economy, share prices are down 40% since 2001, forcing many firms to raise capital in Hong Kong or the U.S.
By Don Lee
Times Staff Writer
March 7 2005
SHANGHAI; It's been four years since Zhou Xiao and her husband, textile workers in their late 40s, put their family's savings of about $36,000 into China's stock market.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chin...0,6931964.story
China Stock Market Misses Out on Boom
--------------------
Despite a roaring economy, share prices are down 40% since 2001, forcing many firms to raise capital in Hong Kong or the U.S.
By Don Lee
Times Staff Writer
March 7 2005
SHANGHAI; It's been four years since Zhou Xiao and her husband, textile workers in their late 40s, put their family's savings of about $36,000 into China's stock market.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chin...0,6931964.story
Taiwan Investigators Identify Suspect in Presidential Shooting
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0C1C0:2F72C9D
Police say Chen Yi-hsiung ;most likely; shot Taiwan President
Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu on election eve on March
19 last year
Chen Yi-hsiungPolice in Taiwan say they have identified the "most
likely" suspect in the attempted assassination of President Chen
Shui-bian last year. But the man is dead, and Taiwan's opposition
questions whether the truth behind the bizarre election eve shooting
will ever be known.
Police say Chen Yi-hsiung, an unemployed man in his 50s from the city
of Tainan, "most likely" shot Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and Vice
President Annette Lu on election eve on March 19 last year.
Ho You-yi, head of Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, says the
suspect's notes say he was depressed when Chen Shui-bian became
president because the economy turned bad.
Mr. Ho told reporters that evidence linking the suspect, Chen
Yi-hsiung, to the shooting included video footage from the scene,
ballistics tests, and testimony from the dead man's wife that her
husband had confessed to the shooting.
Mr. Ho said Chen Yi-hsiung's body was recovered from the Tainan harbor
ten days after the shooting, and the death is a suspected suicide.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0C1C0:2F72C9D
Police say Chen Yi-hsiung ;most likely; shot Taiwan President
Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu on election eve on March
19 last year
Chen Yi-hsiungPolice in Taiwan say they have identified the "most
likely" suspect in the attempted assassination of President Chen
Shui-bian last year. But the man is dead, and Taiwan's opposition
questions whether the truth behind the bizarre election eve shooting
will ever be known.
Police say Chen Yi-hsiung, an unemployed man in his 50s from the city
of Tainan, "most likely" shot Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and Vice
President Annette Lu on election eve on March 19 last year.
Ho You-yi, head of Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, says the
suspect's notes say he was depressed when Chen Shui-bian became
president because the economy turned bad.
Mr. Ho told reporters that evidence linking the suspect, Chen
Yi-hsiung, to the shooting included video footage from the scene,
ballistics tests, and testimony from the dead man's wife that her
husband had confessed to the shooting.
Mr. Ho said Chen Yi-hsiung's body was recovered from the Tainan harbor
ten days after the shooting, and the death is a suspected suicide.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/commo...55E2703,00.html
China hopes EU-supplied firepower will make US think twice
China hopes EU-supplied firepower will make US think twice
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/GC08Dj01.html
China, India to remain top FDI destinations
China, India to remain top FDI destinations
This story was sent to you by: kearneyjmm
--------------------
Taiwanese Skeptical of Chen Shooting Story
--------------------
Government says top suspect killed himself days after last year's attack on the president.
By Mark Magnier and Tsai Ting-I
Special to The Times
March 8 2005
TAIPEI, Taiwan ; The Taiwanese government's disclosure Monday that the top suspect in last year's apparent assassination attempt on President Chen Shui-bian had committed suicide was greeted with suspicion by opposition politicians.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5215666.story
Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com
--------------------
Taiwanese Skeptical of Chen Shooting Story
--------------------
Government says top suspect killed himself days after last year's attack on the president.
By Mark Magnier and Tsai Ting-I
Special to The Times
March 8 2005
TAIPEI, Taiwan ; The Taiwanese government's disclosure Monday that the top suspect in last year's apparent assassination attempt on President Chen Shui-bian had committed suicide was greeted with suspicion by opposition politicians.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5215666.story
Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com
China Unveils Anti-Secession Law
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1262A:2F72C9D
National People's Congress Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo says the law
seeks to carry out the Communist leadership's long-promised goal
of reunifying Taiwan with the mainland China has unveiled a new
anti-secession law that gives Beijing the legal basis to launch an
offensive against Taiwan as a last resort.
Wang ZhaoguoNational People's Congress Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo
announced the provisions of the law at the annual session of the
congress Tuesday. Mr. Wang said the anti-secession law seeks to carry
out the Communist leadership's long-promised goal of reunifying Taiwan
with the mainland.
Quoting the bill, he said the law allows Beijing to use non-peaceful
means if there are - in the words of the text - "major incidents" to
bring about the formal separation of Taiwan from the mainland.
Mr. Wang says that if possibilities for a peaceful reunification are
completely exhausted, the state will employ non-peaceful means and
other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
Following the unveiling of the measure Tuesday, the government in
Taipei issued a strong protest saying the law violates Taiwan's
sovereignty and is in effect a "blank check" for the mainland to use
military force against the island
The peaceful reunification method proposed by Beijing is the so-called
"one country, two systems" model imposed on Hong Kong when it reverted
to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, but consistently rejected by Taiwan.
The new anti-secession law makes provisions for peaceful
reunification, through, for example, closer economic ties, such as the
establishment of direct transport links between Taiwan and the
mainland.
Deputies are expected to approve the law next Monday at the conclusion
of the NPC session.
Its drafting comes after months of rising tensions triggered by what
Beijing interprets as Taiwanese moves toward independence.
Taiwan, now a democracy, has been ruled separately since 1949, when
Nationalists fled to the island following their defeat to the
Communists on the mainland at the end of the Chinese civil war. Since
then, Beijing has vowed to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by force
if necessary.
The Taiwan issue has been a ready source of Chinese rhetoric over the
past 56 years, but the passage of the law is a new concrete indication
of Beijing's resolve to go to war if the island secedes.
NPC Vice Chairman Wang's explanation of the law Tuesday contained some
finer points, including tactics that China would employ if it carried
out an attack on the island.
Mr. Wang says, the state shall exert its utmost to protect the lives,
property and other legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan civilians
and foreigners in Taiwan, and minimize losses.
The law has triggered alarm in Taiwan, where thousands demonstrated
against it on Sunday. More demonstrations are planned.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1262A:2F72C9D
National People's Congress Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo says the law
seeks to carry out the Communist leadership's long-promised goal
of reunifying Taiwan with the mainland China has unveiled a new
anti-secession law that gives Beijing the legal basis to launch an
offensive against Taiwan as a last resort.
Wang ZhaoguoNational People's Congress Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo
announced the provisions of the law at the annual session of the
congress Tuesday. Mr. Wang said the anti-secession law seeks to carry
out the Communist leadership's long-promised goal of reunifying Taiwan
with the mainland.
Quoting the bill, he said the law allows Beijing to use non-peaceful
means if there are - in the words of the text - "major incidents" to
bring about the formal separation of Taiwan from the mainland.
Mr. Wang says that if possibilities for a peaceful reunification are
completely exhausted, the state will employ non-peaceful means and
other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
Following the unveiling of the measure Tuesday, the government in
Taipei issued a strong protest saying the law violates Taiwan's
sovereignty and is in effect a "blank check" for the mainland to use
military force against the island
The peaceful reunification method proposed by Beijing is the so-called
"one country, two systems" model imposed on Hong Kong when it reverted
to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, but consistently rejected by Taiwan.
The new anti-secession law makes provisions for peaceful
reunification, through, for example, closer economic ties, such as the
establishment of direct transport links between Taiwan and the
mainland.
Deputies are expected to approve the law next Monday at the conclusion
of the NPC session.
Its drafting comes after months of rising tensions triggered by what
Beijing interprets as Taiwanese moves toward independence.
Taiwan, now a democracy, has been ruled separately since 1949, when
Nationalists fled to the island following their defeat to the
Communists on the mainland at the end of the Chinese civil war. Since
then, Beijing has vowed to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by force
if necessary.
The Taiwan issue has been a ready source of Chinese rhetoric over the
past 56 years, but the passage of the law is a new concrete indication
of Beijing's resolve to go to war if the island secedes.
NPC Vice Chairman Wang's explanation of the law Tuesday contained some
finer points, including tactics that China would employ if it carried
out an attack on the island.
Mr. Wang says, the state shall exert its utmost to protect the lives,
property and other legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan civilians
and foreigners in Taiwan, and minimize losses.
The law has triggered alarm in Taiwan, where thousands demonstrated
against it on Sunday. More demonstrations are planned.
Beijing Pulls Back Its Slingshot
Beijing's official threat to Taiwan is reason enough for the EU not to
sell arms to China. The Monitor's View
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0309/p08s02-comv.html?s=hns
Beijing's official threat to Taiwan is reason enough for the EU not to
sell arms to China. The Monitor's View
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0309/p08s02-comv.html?s=hns
Quiet giant of diplomacy looms: US-China relations
US must exercise restraint on Beijing military buildup - particularly
amid tension over Taiwan Strait. By John Hughes
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0309/p09s01-cojh.html?s=hns
US must exercise restraint on Beijing military buildup - particularly
amid tension over Taiwan Strait. By John Hughes
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0309/p09s01-cojh.html?s=hns
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...an_050308165146
China lifts veil on law that could unleash military might on Taiwan
China lifts veil on law that could unleash military might on Taiwan
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0309/p25s02-woap.html
Chinese legislation makes force an option over Taiwan
Chinese legislation makes force an option over Taiwan
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/08/internat...page&oref=login
Beijing Leaders Speak of Force to Keep Taiwan 'Chinese'
Beijing Leaders Speak of Force to Keep Taiwan 'Chinese'
US Pacific Commander Says New Chinese Law on Taiwan
Disconcerting;
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C180D6:2F72C9D
Admiral Fallon says it is at top of his list to gain better
understanding of China-Taiwan issue, and what US can do to help ease
tensions The new commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, Admiral
William Fallon, has expressed concern about the new anti-secession law
China's legislature is expected to pass next week.
Admiral William FallonIn his first public comments since taking over
the huge Pacific Command about 10 days ago, Admiral Fallon told the
Senate Armed Services Committee that it is at the top of his list to
gain a better understanding of the China-Taiwan issue, and what the
United States can do to help ease tensions. But he said the
anti-secession law China is expected to enact is causing him some
concern.
"It's disconcerting that this legislation, the anti-secession law, as
they call it, has been put forward because it hardens the line," he
said. "And it gives them, apparently, a legal basis, of sorts for the
potential for military action later on. So I don't think it's
particularly useful to the idea that we would propose to lessen
tensions between Taiwan and China."
The new Chinese law authorizes what it calls "non-peaceful" means to
achieve reunification with Taiwan, if that becomes necessary. China
has always reserved the right to use force, but the new law is seen as
providing a legal basis for doing so. Taiwan split from China at the
time of the communist revolution in 1949, and for decades claimed to
be home to the country's legal government. But in recent years, the
idea of Taiwan independence has become more popular on the island.
The United States says there is only one China, opposes Taiwan's
independence movement and wants the issue settled through
negotiations. The United States has a strong economic relationship
with China and also has a long-standing defense relationship with
Taiwan. Any Chinese attack on the island could draw a U.S. military
response.
Admiral Fallon says he is working with his subordinate commanders to
find ways the U.S. Pacific command can help reduce tensions across the
Taiwan Strait.
"We clearly have interests on both sides and I think we're, at least
in theory, positioned pretty well to maybe have some influence here,"
he said. "And I hope we can do that."
Admiral Fallon told the senators one reason the United States has that
influence is what he called a "very, very substantial increase in the
capability" of the forces under his command. He says U.S. naval, air
and land forces in the Pacific are capable of projecting U.S. military
power throughout the region and to do all the jobs they are called on
to do.
Disconcerting;
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C180D6:2F72C9D
Admiral Fallon says it is at top of his list to gain better
understanding of China-Taiwan issue, and what US can do to help ease
tensions The new commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, Admiral
William Fallon, has expressed concern about the new anti-secession law
China's legislature is expected to pass next week.
Admiral William FallonIn his first public comments since taking over
the huge Pacific Command about 10 days ago, Admiral Fallon told the
Senate Armed Services Committee that it is at the top of his list to
gain a better understanding of the China-Taiwan issue, and what the
United States can do to help ease tensions. But he said the
anti-secession law China is expected to enact is causing him some
concern.
"It's disconcerting that this legislation, the anti-secession law, as
they call it, has been put forward because it hardens the line," he
said. "And it gives them, apparently, a legal basis, of sorts for the
potential for military action later on. So I don't think it's
particularly useful to the idea that we would propose to lessen
tensions between Taiwan and China."
The new Chinese law authorizes what it calls "non-peaceful" means to
achieve reunification with Taiwan, if that becomes necessary. China
has always reserved the right to use force, but the new law is seen as
providing a legal basis for doing so. Taiwan split from China at the
time of the communist revolution in 1949, and for decades claimed to
be home to the country's legal government. But in recent years, the
idea of Taiwan independence has become more popular on the island.
The United States says there is only one China, opposes Taiwan's
independence movement and wants the issue settled through
negotiations. The United States has a strong economic relationship
with China and also has a long-standing defense relationship with
Taiwan. Any Chinese attack on the island could draw a U.S. military
response.
Admiral Fallon says he is working with his subordinate commanders to
find ways the U.S. Pacific command can help reduce tensions across the
Taiwan Strait.
"We clearly have interests on both sides and I think we're, at least
in theory, positioned pretty well to maybe have some influence here,"
he said. "And I hope we can do that."
Admiral Fallon told the senators one reason the United States has that
influence is what he called a "very, very substantial increase in the
capability" of the forces under his command. He says U.S. naval, air
and land forces in the Pacific are capable of projecting U.S. military
power throughout the region and to do all the jobs they are called on
to do.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/0dcb4574-9011-11d...000e2511c8.html
US Calls for Beijing rethink over Taiwan law
US Calls for Beijing rethink over Taiwan law
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/f...llnews&id=82720
Taiwan rebuffs China's law on secession
Taiwan rebuffs China's law on secession
http://www.washingtontimes.com/functions/p...08-111611-2827r
US calls new Chinese law on Taiwan 'unhelpful'
US calls new Chinese law on Taiwan 'unhelpful'
Free of Quota, China Textiles Flood the U.S.
By DAVID BARBOZA and ELIZABETH BECKER
In the first month after the end of all quotas on textiles
and apparel around the world, imports to the U.S. from
China jumped about 75 percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/10/business...textile.html?th
By DAVID BARBOZA and ELIZABETH BECKER
In the first month after the end of all quotas on textiles
and apparel around the world, imports to the U.S. from
China jumped about 75 percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/10/business...textile.html?th
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/10/internat...059&partner=AOL
Hong Kong's embattled Leader Steps Down
Hong Kong's embattled Leader Steps Down
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/GC11Ad05.html
US's $5 billion nuclear gamble with China
Kaushik Kapisthalam
US's $5 billion nuclear gamble with China
Kaushik Kapisthalam
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/GC10Ad05.html
Hu Jintao bad for intellectuals, good for peasants
Paul Mooney
Hu Jintao bad for intellectuals, good for peasants
Paul Mooney
Hong Kong's Chief Executive Resigns
[http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1DD5F:2F72C9D
Tung Chee-hwa blames poor health for early departure, but many
think Beijing may have pushed him out
Tung Chee-hwaHong Kong's embattled chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, has
confirmed he has resigned, ending a week of speculation and nearly
eight years as the territory's leader. Mr. Tung has been Hong Kong's
first - and only - chief executive since the British left the
territory in 1997.
Tung Chee-hwa blamed poor health for his early departure, but many
Hong Kong residents think Beijing may have pushed him out the door.
Media reports in Hong Kong suggest mainland Chinese officials felt
that popular frustration with Mr. Tung was becoming too great a
political distraction.
In December, Chinese President Hu Jintao publicly reprimanded the
67-year-old Mr. Tung for his poor performance, fueling rumors that
Beijing was considering making a change in Hong Kong.
But Mr. Tung on Thursday pointedly rejected speculation that Beijing
forced his resignation.
"That is not the case, the central government has repeatedly -
repeatedly - affirmed the work that I and my colleagues have done," he
said.
Part of a wealthy family that came originally from Shanghai, Mr. Tung
took office in 1997 with little political experience but strong ties
to Chinese leaders.
As his popularity waned, he was frequently portrayed as a mouthpiece
for Beijing and criticized for being out of touch with Hong Kong's
large middle class.
His support for a Beijing-backed security bill and his resistance to
direct elections sparked a series of mass political rallies in Hong
Kong in 2003 and 2004.
The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 but was
promised significant political autonomy under the so-called one
country two systems policy.
But Beijing has allegedly played a leading role in a number of key
local decisions, from voting rights to the chief executive's
resignation.
Only half the city's legislature is directly elected and the chief
executive is selected by a group of eight hundred people approved by
Beijing.
Mr. Tung on Thursday - speaking through an interpreter - says Hong
Kong's relationship with the mainland is key to its future.
"One country two systems will prevail," he said, "one country two
systems has also given Hong Kong irreplaceable competitive advantages,
these competitive advantages will play an increasingly important role
in our continued development."
Mr. Tung is expected to leave office Saturday, although he did not
specify a date. The city's second-highest official, Chief Secretary
Donald Tsang, a policeman's son and career bureaucrat, will reportedly
take over until a new leader is selected later this year.
[http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1DD5F:2F72C9D
Tung Chee-hwa blames poor health for early departure, but many
think Beijing may have pushed him out
Tung Chee-hwaHong Kong's embattled chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, has
confirmed he has resigned, ending a week of speculation and nearly
eight years as the territory's leader. Mr. Tung has been Hong Kong's
first - and only - chief executive since the British left the
territory in 1997.
Tung Chee-hwa blamed poor health for his early departure, but many
Hong Kong residents think Beijing may have pushed him out the door.
Media reports in Hong Kong suggest mainland Chinese officials felt
that popular frustration with Mr. Tung was becoming too great a
political distraction.
In December, Chinese President Hu Jintao publicly reprimanded the
67-year-old Mr. Tung for his poor performance, fueling rumors that
Beijing was considering making a change in Hong Kong.
But Mr. Tung on Thursday pointedly rejected speculation that Beijing
forced his resignation.
"That is not the case, the central government has repeatedly -
repeatedly - affirmed the work that I and my colleagues have done," he
said.
Part of a wealthy family that came originally from Shanghai, Mr. Tung
took office in 1997 with little political experience but strong ties
to Chinese leaders.
As his popularity waned, he was frequently portrayed as a mouthpiece
for Beijing and criticized for being out of touch with Hong Kong's
large middle class.
His support for a Beijing-backed security bill and his resistance to
direct elections sparked a series of mass political rallies in Hong
Kong in 2003 and 2004.
The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 but was
promised significant political autonomy under the so-called one
country two systems policy.
But Beijing has allegedly played a leading role in a number of key
local decisions, from voting rights to the chief executive's
resignation.
Only half the city's legislature is directly elected and the chief
executive is selected by a group of eight hundred people approved by
Beijing.
Mr. Tung on Thursday - speaking through an interpreter - says Hong
Kong's relationship with the mainland is key to its future.
"One country two systems will prevail," he said, "one country two
systems has also given Hong Kong irreplaceable competitive advantages,
these competitive advantages will play an increasingly important role
in our continued development."
Mr. Tung is expected to leave office Saturday, although he did not
specify a date. The city's second-highest official, Chief Secretary
Donald Tsang, a policeman's son and career bureaucrat, will reportedly
take over until a new leader is selected later this year.
China Rejects US Appeal to Reconsider Anti-Secession Bill
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1DD62:2F72C9D
China's National People's Congress is expected to pass the
controversial anti-secession law on Monday China has rejected a U.S.
appeal to reconsider a bill that would allow the use of force against
Taiwan.
China's National People's Congress is expected to pass the
controversial anti-secession law on Monday. It would authorize
military action if Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade
province, moves toward formal independence.
The White House Tuesday called the measure "unhelpful" and asked
Beijing to reconsider. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman
Thursday called the remark "irresponsible."
Meanwhile, officials of Taiwan's pro-independence party say they will
organize a protest March 26th against the proposed Chinese law.
Su Tseng-chang, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, said
Thursday that China's anti-secession bill poses an immediate threat to
the democratically-ruled island.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP, Reueters.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C1DD62:2F72C9D
China's National People's Congress is expected to pass the
controversial anti-secession law on Monday China has rejected a U.S.
appeal to reconsider a bill that would allow the use of force against
Taiwan.
China's National People's Congress is expected to pass the
controversial anti-secession law on Monday. It would authorize
military action if Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade
province, moves toward formal independence.
The White House Tuesday called the measure "unhelpful" and asked
Beijing to reconsider. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman
Thursday called the remark "irresponsible."
Meanwhile, officials of Taiwan's pro-independence party say they will
organize a protest March 26th against the proposed Chinese law.
Su Tseng-chang, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, said
Thursday that China's anti-secession bill poses an immediate threat to
the democratically-ruled island.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP, Reueters.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...eping_secrets_2
US Plans New Counterintelligence Policy
US Plans New Counterintelligence Policy
Hong Kong Chief Resigns; Deputy Will Assume Post
By KEITH BRADSHER
The resignation of Tung Chee-hwa begins the first transfer
of power since Britain returned the territory to Chinese
rule in 1997.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/11/internat.../11hong.html?th
By KEITH BRADSHER
The resignation of Tung Chee-hwa begins the first transfer
of power since Britain returned the territory to Chinese
rule in 1997.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/11/internat.../11hong.html?th
--------------------
China Dons Even Bigger Export Hat
--------------------
Apparel and textile shipments surge in January as quotas expire, raising alarms in Europe and the U.S.
By Evelyn Iritani, Don Lee and Marla Dickerson
Times Staff Writers
March 11 2005
An explosion in Chinese apparel and textile exports is fueling a backlash in the United States and Europe, while triggering labor shortages in China and job losses elsewhere.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-text...,0,551927.story
China Dons Even Bigger Export Hat
--------------------
Apparel and textile shipments surge in January as quotas expire, raising alarms in Europe and the U.S.
By Evelyn Iritani, Don Lee and Marla Dickerson
Times Staff Writers
March 11 2005
An explosion in Chinese apparel and textile exports is fueling a backlash in the United States and Europe, while triggering labor shortages in China and job losses elsewhere.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-text...,0,551927.story
US's $5 billion nuclear gamble with China:
On the surface, it's the biggest deal in the history of the Export-Import Bank of the United States - US$5 billion to finance the building of Chinese nuclear power plants by US firms in the energy-starved economic giant.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/GC11Ad05.html
On the surface, it's the biggest deal in the history of the Export-Import Bank of the United States - US$5 billion to finance the building of Chinese nuclear power plants by US firms in the energy-starved economic giant.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/GC11Ad05.html
China's Foreign Reserves Fall :
China cut the share of its foreign reserves held in U.S. dollar assets last year, suggesting that the United States might no longer be able to rely on Asia to finance growing deficits.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2005/0.../ap1878397.html
China cut the share of its foreign reserves held in U.S. dollar assets last year, suggesting that the United States might no longer be able to rely on Asia to finance growing deficits.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2005/0.../ap1878397.html
China, Greenspan rub saltin dollar wound:
The US dollar was struggling near a two-month low against the euro on Friday as the market braced for fresh trade data that were likely to show a further widening of the trade gap.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/GC12Dj01.html
The US dollar was struggling near a two-month low against the euro on Friday as the market braced for fresh trade data that were likely to show a further widening of the trade gap.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/GC12Dj01.html
Hong Kong's Outgoing Leader Given Political Home in Beijing
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C29EEA:2F72C9D
Move widely seen as face-saving gesture for unpopular chief executive,
who announced his resignation Thursday
Tung Chee-hwaChina has named Hong Kong's outgoing leader, Tung
Chee-hwa, vice chairman of Beijing's top political advisory council.
The move is widely seen as a face-saving gesture for Hong Kong's
unpopular chief executive, who announced his resignation Thursday.
Tung Chee-hwa will serve as one of several dozen vice chairmen, an
honor typically reserved for retiring political dignitaries from the
mainland's Communist Party.
Local media showed Mr. Tung in Beijing Saturday, smiling broadly and
waving to reporters after the selection process at China's annual
legislative session.
His promotion to the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference caps a week of political drama in Hong Kong. Mr. Tung
Thursday announced he was resigning his post as the territory's
leader, citing poor health.
"Age does creep up, and I'll be 68-years-old in three months time,
and, for someone who's been working 16, 18 hours a day, for a long,
long time, my health has been deteriorating," he said.
But his early departure, more than two years ahead of schedule, fueled
rumors that Beijing had forced the unpopular leader out of office.
The timing of his resignation, and the quick nomination to the
advisory committee, suggest to many political analysts here that a
deal may have been reached to soften the blow.
The new position affords Mr. Tung a great deal of prestige, but little
official power. The committee meets in tandem with China's national
parliament, offering advice and support, without any formal legal
status.
As Hong Kong's chief executive, Mr. Tung was widely criticized. The
former shipping magnate was blamed for poor economic policies and his
handling of the SARS crisis. But he was most unpopular for his
opposition to further democratization in Hong Kong.
Under the so-called one country, two-systems policy, Hong Kong
retained significant political autonomy after the British returned the
territory to Chinese control in 1997.
Lawmaker Emily Lau says Mr. Tung's resignation, regardless of
Beijing's role, remains a victory for the territory's pro-democracy
forces.
"The fact that Mr. Tung is stepping down is very much a response to
public feeling, although you may say it's a bit late," she said.
Mr. Tung will be replaced by Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's second
highest-ranking official.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C29EEA:2F72C9D
Move widely seen as face-saving gesture for unpopular chief executive,
who announced his resignation Thursday
Tung Chee-hwaChina has named Hong Kong's outgoing leader, Tung
Chee-hwa, vice chairman of Beijing's top political advisory council.
The move is widely seen as a face-saving gesture for Hong Kong's
unpopular chief executive, who announced his resignation Thursday.
Tung Chee-hwa will serve as one of several dozen vice chairmen, an
honor typically reserved for retiring political dignitaries from the
mainland's Communist Party.
Local media showed Mr. Tung in Beijing Saturday, smiling broadly and
waving to reporters after the selection process at China's annual
legislative session.
His promotion to the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference caps a week of political drama in Hong Kong. Mr. Tung
Thursday announced he was resigning his post as the territory's
leader, citing poor health.
"Age does creep up, and I'll be 68-years-old in three months time,
and, for someone who's been working 16, 18 hours a day, for a long,
long time, my health has been deteriorating," he said.
But his early departure, more than two years ahead of schedule, fueled
rumors that Beijing had forced the unpopular leader out of office.
The timing of his resignation, and the quick nomination to the
advisory committee, suggest to many political analysts here that a
deal may have been reached to soften the blow.
The new position affords Mr. Tung a great deal of prestige, but little
official power. The committee meets in tandem with China's national
parliament, offering advice and support, without any formal legal
status.
As Hong Kong's chief executive, Mr. Tung was widely criticized. The
former shipping magnate was blamed for poor economic policies and his
handling of the SARS crisis. But he was most unpopular for his
opposition to further democratization in Hong Kong.
Under the so-called one country, two-systems policy, Hong Kong
retained significant political autonomy after the British returned the
territory to Chinese control in 1997.
Lawmaker Emily Lau says Mr. Tung's resignation, regardless of
Beijing's role, remains a victory for the territory's pro-democracy
forces.
"The fact that Mr. Tung is stepping down is very much a response to
public feeling, although you may say it's a bit late," she said.
Mr. Tung will be replaced by Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's second
highest-ranking official.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/GC12Dj01.html
Playing Chicken in the Year of the Rooster
Playing Chicken in the Year of the Rooster
China Leadership Completes Transition as President Hu Assumes Military
Post
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C2B910:2F72C9D
Mr. Hu, head of state for two years, has also been head of more
powerful Communist Party Central Military Commission since last
September
Premier Wen Jiabao (l) and President Hu JintaoDelegates at the
annual session of China's National People's Congress have approved
Chinese President Hu Jintao as head of the government's largely
figurehead military body, completing a peaceful leadership transition
that began more than two years ago. Mr. Hu replaces Jiang Zemin, who
was China's president from 1993 until 2003.
With 2,886 'yes' votes, six against and five abstaining, Chinese
lawmakers on Sunday named President Hu Jintao the new chairman of the
State Central Military Commission, a government body.
Mr. Hu, head of state for two years, has also been head of the more
powerful Communist Party Central Military Commission since last
September, so Sunday's vote making him head of the governmental
military body was seen as largely ceremonial.
However, analysts see the move as significant, because it marks the
second time in succession that China's transfer of power has been
smooth - in this case, from former President Jiang Zemin and former
Premier Zhu Rongji to Mr. Hu and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Previous leadership transitions of the People's Republic of China were
marked by power struggles, purges and, at times, severe violence.
Bruce Jacobs is an Asian studies professor at Monash University in
Melbourne, Australia. While analysts have hailed the growing maturity
of the Chinese Communist Party, Mr. Jacobs points out that a peaceful
transition and a democratic transition are not necessarily the same
thing.
"Like the last one, it's been reasonably smooth," he said. "Of course,
it's an autocratic transition. It's a transition that was decided only
by the top very few in the party. It's certainly not a democratic
transition where the people have any say at all."
Professor Jacobs and other observers also see the event as marking the
moment at which Hu Jintao has fully taken over military matters from
Mr. Jiang, and assumed uncontested control over military
decision-making.
"In the past, since he didn't actually chair the military committee,
major military decisions would have still been subject to the
leadership of Jiang Zemin, but now that that transition has taken
place, Hu Jintao has leadership of that area," he said.
Unambiguous leadership of the military is seen as crucial at a time
when China's communist leaders are enacting an anti-secession law that
says Beijing may resort to "non-peaceful" means, if necessary, to
reunite Taiwan with the mainland. Deputies are expected to pass the
law at the final session of the National People's Congress on Monday.
In its two years in office, Mr. Hu's administration has sought to
modernize the military with manpower cutbacks and the installation of
high-technology systems. This month, officials announced a boost of
more than 12 percent in defense spending for 2005.
Post
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C2B910:2F72C9D
Mr. Hu, head of state for two years, has also been head of more
powerful Communist Party Central Military Commission since last
September
Premier Wen Jiabao (l) and President Hu JintaoDelegates at the
annual session of China's National People's Congress have approved
Chinese President Hu Jintao as head of the government's largely
figurehead military body, completing a peaceful leadership transition
that began more than two years ago. Mr. Hu replaces Jiang Zemin, who
was China's president from 1993 until 2003.
With 2,886 'yes' votes, six against and five abstaining, Chinese
lawmakers on Sunday named President Hu Jintao the new chairman of the
State Central Military Commission, a government body.
Mr. Hu, head of state for two years, has also been head of the more
powerful Communist Party Central Military Commission since last
September, so Sunday's vote making him head of the governmental
military body was seen as largely ceremonial.
However, analysts see the move as significant, because it marks the
second time in succession that China's transfer of power has been
smooth - in this case, from former President Jiang Zemin and former
Premier Zhu Rongji to Mr. Hu and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Previous leadership transitions of the People's Republic of China were
marked by power struggles, purges and, at times, severe violence.
Bruce Jacobs is an Asian studies professor at Monash University in
Melbourne, Australia. While analysts have hailed the growing maturity
of the Chinese Communist Party, Mr. Jacobs points out that a peaceful
transition and a democratic transition are not necessarily the same
thing.
"Like the last one, it's been reasonably smooth," he said. "Of course,
it's an autocratic transition. It's a transition that was decided only
by the top very few in the party. It's certainly not a democratic
transition where the people have any say at all."
Professor Jacobs and other observers also see the event as marking the
moment at which Hu Jintao has fully taken over military matters from
Mr. Jiang, and assumed uncontested control over military
decision-making.
"In the past, since he didn't actually chair the military committee,
major military decisions would have still been subject to the
leadership of Jiang Zemin, but now that that transition has taken
place, Hu Jintao has leadership of that area," he said.
Unambiguous leadership of the military is seen as crucial at a time
when China's communist leaders are enacting an anti-secession law that
says Beijing may resort to "non-peaceful" means, if necessary, to
reunite Taiwan with the mainland. Deputies are expected to pass the
law at the final session of the National People's Congress on Monday.
In its two years in office, Mr. Hu's administration has sought to
modernize the military with manpower cutbacks and the installation of
high-technology systems. This month, officials announced a boost of
more than 12 percent in defense spending for 2005.
China Denies 'Taiwan' Law on Secession Is a 'War Bill'
By JIM YARDLEY
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao defended a newly approved law
that could authorize a military attack to stop Taiwan from
pursuing independence.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/internat...beijing.html?th
By JIM YARDLEY
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao defended a newly approved law
that could authorize a military attack to stop Taiwan from
pursuing independence.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/internat...beijing.html?th
Chinese PM: Anti-Secession Law Not a License for War
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C32285:2F72C9D
Taiwan officials condemn the legislation and say the international
community shares its opposition China says its anti-secession law,
passed Monday at the annual legislative session, is not a license to
go war with Taiwan. The law passed unanimously as international
concerns mounted over Beijing's possible plans to attack the
democratically ruled island.
China's anti-secession law provides the legal basis for China to
resort to "non-peaceful means" if self-ruled Taiwan should declare
formal independence.
It passed unanimously Monday at the end of the annual legislative
session of the National People's Congress. In closing remarks, Chinese
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao sought to portray the bill as a measure to
reunite the island with the mainland. Mr. Wen says the law is not
targeted at the people of Taiwan, but at the forces of independence on
the island. He says the law is not a war bill.
Despite Mr. Wen's assertions, analysts say the law provides a road map
for Beijing to take the island by force if necessary. The legal
language says China will attempt to reunite with Taiwan by peaceful
means, but will resort to non-peaceful means once nonviolent methods
are exhausted.
For decades, China's communist rulers have vowed to reunite Taiwan
with the mainland. The island has been ruled separately from the
mainland since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
Officials in Taipei Monday condemned the legislation and said the
international community shares its opposition.
The United States - which has pledged to defend Taiwan from attack
even though it supports a one China policy - has protested China's
enactment of the law. The Bush administration has repeatedly warned
both sides not to take any steps that would change the status quo and
increase tensions in their relationship.
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was asked Monday whether China believes
itself to be ready to face up to U.S. military forces in the event of
a war with Taiwan. Mr. Wen says China rejects foreign interference in
its internal affairs. However, he says China is not afraid of foreign
interference.
His answer drew applause from Chinese journalists employed by state
media.
The anti-secession law topped the agenda at this year's 10-day N.P.C.
legislative session.
Deputies of the largely figurehead lawmaking body this year also
approved a 12 percent hike in military spending; accepted resignations
of key officials such as the head of the state central military
commission and the Hong Kong leader; and addressed issues including
economic growth and rural poverty.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C32285:2F72C9D
Taiwan officials condemn the legislation and say the international
community shares its opposition China says its anti-secession law,
passed Monday at the annual legislative session, is not a license to
go war with Taiwan. The law passed unanimously as international
concerns mounted over Beijing's possible plans to attack the
democratically ruled island.
China's anti-secession law provides the legal basis for China to
resort to "non-peaceful means" if self-ruled Taiwan should declare
formal independence.
It passed unanimously Monday at the end of the annual legislative
session of the National People's Congress. In closing remarks, Chinese
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao sought to portray the bill as a measure to
reunite the island with the mainland. Mr. Wen says the law is not
targeted at the people of Taiwan, but at the forces of independence on
the island. He says the law is not a war bill.
Despite Mr. Wen's assertions, analysts say the law provides a road map
for Beijing to take the island by force if necessary. The legal
language says China will attempt to reunite with Taiwan by peaceful
means, but will resort to non-peaceful means once nonviolent methods
are exhausted.
For decades, China's communist rulers have vowed to reunite Taiwan
with the mainland. The island has been ruled separately from the
mainland since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
Officials in Taipei Monday condemned the legislation and said the
international community shares its opposition.
The United States - which has pledged to defend Taiwan from attack
even though it supports a one China policy - has protested China's
enactment of the law. The Bush administration has repeatedly warned
both sides not to take any steps that would change the status quo and
increase tensions in their relationship.
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was asked Monday whether China believes
itself to be ready to face up to U.S. military forces in the event of
a war with Taiwan. Mr. Wen says China rejects foreign interference in
its internal affairs. However, he says China is not afraid of foreign
interference.
His answer drew applause from Chinese journalists employed by state
media.
The anti-secession law topped the agenda at this year's 10-day N.P.C.
legislative session.
Deputies of the largely figurehead lawmaking body this year also
approved a 12 percent hike in military spending; accepted resignations
of key officials such as the head of the state central military
commission and the Hong Kong leader; and addressed issues including
economic growth and rural poverty.
Human Rights Groups Demand International Intervention in Nepal
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C3227D:2F72C9D
Britain, India have suspended military aid to Nepal, and US says it
will review all its assistance if King Gyanendra does not restore
democracy
Nepal's King Gyanendra, who is also Commander of the Royal Nepal Army,
takes the salute at the Army Day function in KathmanduThe New
Delhi-based Asian Center for Human Rights wants the international
community to suspend humanitarian aid to Nepal, where King Gyanendra
assumed absolute power last month and imposed a state of emergency.
The king said he acted because political deadlock was preventing the
government from ending a nine-year bloody communist rebellion.
But in a report prepared for the United Nations, the Asian Center says
conditions for the average citizen are worse, not better under the
king. And the Maoist rebels are solidifying their control outside the
capital.
Suhas Chakma, director at the Center, says the international community
must step up pressure on Nepal to improve the human-rights situation,
and also help the country end the Maoist insurgency.
"We are calling for embargo on humanitarian and economic development
aid because the government of Nepal does not have the capacity to
deliver this aid because 70 percent of the country is under the
Maoists," said Suhas Chakma. "We are also calling for international
interventions in respect of involvement for mediation between the
Maoists and the government of Nepal."
Britain and India and have suspended military aid to Nepal, and the
United States says it will review all its assistance if the king does
not restore democracy.
The Asian Center's Mr. Chama says under the King's emergency rule,
civil liberties have been wiped out and there is an increase in
human-rights abuses, including extra-judicial killings.
"The Royal Nepal Army has been given carte blanche [total freedom] to
perpetrate all kinds of human-rights violations for three reasons:
there is complete ban on political activity, second there is complete
ban on press freedom, and third there is a ban on monitoring of
human-rights violations by restricting or by confining and detaining
people in Kathmandu Valley," he said.
In recent years, international human-rights groups have accused both
the Nepalese authorities and the rebels of widespread human rights
violations. Thousands of people have disappeared in the conflict that
has claimed more than 10,000 lives.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C3227D:2F72C9D
Britain, India have suspended military aid to Nepal, and US says it
will review all its assistance if King Gyanendra does not restore
democracy
Nepal's King Gyanendra, who is also Commander of the Royal Nepal Army,
takes the salute at the Army Day function in KathmanduThe New
Delhi-based Asian Center for Human Rights wants the international
community to suspend humanitarian aid to Nepal, where King Gyanendra
assumed absolute power last month and imposed a state of emergency.
The king said he acted because political deadlock was preventing the
government from ending a nine-year bloody communist rebellion.
But in a report prepared for the United Nations, the Asian Center says
conditions for the average citizen are worse, not better under the
king. And the Maoist rebels are solidifying their control outside the
capital.
Suhas Chakma, director at the Center, says the international community
must step up pressure on Nepal to improve the human-rights situation,
and also help the country end the Maoist insurgency.
"We are calling for embargo on humanitarian and economic development
aid because the government of Nepal does not have the capacity to
deliver this aid because 70 percent of the country is under the
Maoists," said Suhas Chakma. "We are also calling for international
interventions in respect of involvement for mediation between the
Maoists and the government of Nepal."
Britain and India and have suspended military aid to Nepal, and the
United States says it will review all its assistance if the king does
not restore democracy.
The Asian Center's Mr. Chama says under the King's emergency rule,
civil liberties have been wiped out and there is an increase in
human-rights abuses, including extra-judicial killings.
"The Royal Nepal Army has been given carte blanche [total freedom] to
perpetrate all kinds of human-rights violations for three reasons:
there is complete ban on political activity, second there is complete
ban on press freedom, and third there is a ban on monitoring of
human-rights violations by restricting or by confining and detaining
people in Kathmandu Valley," he said.
In recent years, international human-rights groups have accused both
the Nepalese authorities and the rebels of widespread human rights
violations. Thousands of people have disappeared in the conflict that
has claimed more than 10,000 lives.
When I read a couple of days ago that China was beefing up its military-- including new trucks to launch long-range missiles, I wondered what they were up to. Well, I guess we have our answer. They won't be happy until they make Taiwan part of mainland China again. If we take Taiwan's side, then what? God only knows what would happen if N. Korea helps China....I don't even want to think about it.
--------------------
China's GDP Figures in Doubt
--------------------
By Don Lee
Times Staff Writer
March 14 2005
BENGBU, China; On a gray Friday morning in February, Liu Min quietly went up to the ninth floor of an atrium building here, climbed over a 4-foot railing and plunged to his death onto the marble floor below.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chin...0,3034179.story
China's GDP Figures in Doubt
--------------------
By Don Lee
Times Staff Writer
March 14 2005
BENGBU, China; On a gray Friday morning in February, Liu Min quietly went up to the ninth floor of an atrium building here, climbed over a 4-foot railing and plunged to his death onto the marble floor below.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chin...0,3034179.story
--------------------
China OKs Law Aimed at Taiwan
--------------------
By Mark Magnier
Times Staff Writer
March 14 2005
BEIJING; Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said today that a controversial antisecession law on Taiwan passed by the nation's legislature was a necessary measure to preserve stability, not a "war bill."
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world
China OKs Law Aimed at Taiwan
--------------------
By Mark Magnier
Times Staff Writer
March 14 2005
BEIJING; Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said today that a controversial antisecession law on Taiwan passed by the nation's legislature was a necessary measure to preserve stability, not a "war bill."
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world
Those Subtle Chinese
Washington Post, March 10, 2005
Senior Associate Robert Kagan highlights the belligerent nature of Chinese diplomacy.
Thursday, March 10, 2005; Page A21
For the past few months I've been hearing from a bevy of China experts about how subtle and brilliant Beijing's diplomacy has become in recent years. Sophisticated and confident, Chinese diplomats have been running rings around the United States, winning friends and influencing people throughout East Asia and the world. So I can only marvel at China's latest diplomatic gambits, whose brilliance and sophistication must be so subtle as not to be susceptible to normal modes of analysis.
First, China's leaders this week introduced a draft "Anti-Secession Law" in the People's Congress that threatens military action against Taiwan. An official summary of the legislation declares that "in the event that the 'Taiwan independence' forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China, or that major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur, or that possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, that [the] state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." This deliberately vague threat would seem to suggest that China might attack Taiwan in the event that (a) Taiwan declares independence, (
seems to be about to declare independence, © seems to be thinking about possibly declaring independence some time in the future or (d) is not thinking about independence at all but merely refuses to be absorbed by China in a timely manner.
What's striking about this bellicose "legislation" is not only the content but the timing. It comes on the heels of an election in Taiwan in which pro-independence forces are widely assumed to have suffered a bit of a setback and when Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian, seems intent on improving the climate of cross-strait relations. He recently announced publicly that he would "not declare independence," would not seek an amendment to the constitution to change Taiwan's status and would not "promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issues of independence or unification." Perhaps Beijing thinks it is wise to follow this softening of the Taiwanese position with a renewed round of threats and intimidation, though if history is any guide, such intimidation will produce the opposite effect in Taiwan.
The threat also comes as some of China's neighbors, notably Japan and, more quietly, Australia, are evincing some nervousness about China's growing power and muscle-flexing. Japan has recently sought to broaden the scope of its security ties with the United States and for the first time has explicitly discussed joint U.S.-Japanese cooperation in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. What better way for China to soothe Japanese nervousness than to appear even more belligerent?
But Chinese subtlety doesn't end there. According to a report this week in The Australian, Chinese officials have recently demanded that the Australian government "review" its 50-year-old treaty with the United States. Australia "needs to be careful," Beijing Foreign Ministry official He Yafei reportedly warned, lest it wind up in a confrontation with China as part of its treaty obligations to the United States. Now, anyone who knows the Australian character knows that this kind of blunt "warning" and demand for a loosening of security ties with the United States is precisely the wrong tack to take if you really hope to influence Australian policy. So the Chinese must be operating on an entirely different plane of diplomatic sophistication.
In fact, of course, there is nothing at all subtle about Chinese "diplomacy." The Chinese are indeed flexing their muscles, wielding their increasing economic and military clout to demand greater obedience from their neighbors. There is nothing surprising in this. The only surprise is the way the world, including the United States, has in recent years tried to ignore China's growing belligerence, mesmerized by its economic performance and dreaming of a reformed, postmodern China that can be "integrated" into the global liberal economic order. Some American analysts have even been calling for the erection of new collective security structures in East Asia that would include China.
But that rather misses the point. New security structures are needed in East Asia, but they should involve America's democratic allies, all of whom now share an increasing fear of a China whose rise may or may not be entirely peaceful. Since Sept. 11, 2001, a United States understandably consumed with the terrorist threat has done less than it might have to reassure those allies that America's power and its will to deter remain undiminished in East Asia. This may have helped convince the Chinese that bullying can work.
It is possible that China hopes to get what it wants by bullying alone and that the Chinese leadership has no real intention of making good on its threats. It is also possible, however, that the Chinese are laying the groundwork for an eventual military assault on Taiwan. Who knows? Either way it would be foolish and dangerous to ignore Chinese threats. The best way to avoid war in the Taiwan Strait is to make clear that the United States will abide by its defense commitments, together with its Australian and Japanese allies. Let's not be too subtle.
Robert Kagan, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, writes a monthly column for The Post.
© 2005 The Washington Post Company
Washington Post, March 10, 2005
Senior Associate Robert Kagan highlights the belligerent nature of Chinese diplomacy.
Thursday, March 10, 2005; Page A21
For the past few months I've been hearing from a bevy of China experts about how subtle and brilliant Beijing's diplomacy has become in recent years. Sophisticated and confident, Chinese diplomats have been running rings around the United States, winning friends and influencing people throughout East Asia and the world. So I can only marvel at China's latest diplomatic gambits, whose brilliance and sophistication must be so subtle as not to be susceptible to normal modes of analysis.
First, China's leaders this week introduced a draft "Anti-Secession Law" in the People's Congress that threatens military action against Taiwan. An official summary of the legislation declares that "in the event that the 'Taiwan independence' forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China, or that major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur, or that possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, that [the] state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." This deliberately vague threat would seem to suggest that China might attack Taiwan in the event that (a) Taiwan declares independence, (
seems to be about to declare independence, © seems to be thinking about possibly declaring independence some time in the future or (d) is not thinking about independence at all but merely refuses to be absorbed by China in a timely manner.What's striking about this bellicose "legislation" is not only the content but the timing. It comes on the heels of an election in Taiwan in which pro-independence forces are widely assumed to have suffered a bit of a setback and when Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian, seems intent on improving the climate of cross-strait relations. He recently announced publicly that he would "not declare independence," would not seek an amendment to the constitution to change Taiwan's status and would not "promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issues of independence or unification." Perhaps Beijing thinks it is wise to follow this softening of the Taiwanese position with a renewed round of threats and intimidation, though if history is any guide, such intimidation will produce the opposite effect in Taiwan.
The threat also comes as some of China's neighbors, notably Japan and, more quietly, Australia, are evincing some nervousness about China's growing power and muscle-flexing. Japan has recently sought to broaden the scope of its security ties with the United States and for the first time has explicitly discussed joint U.S.-Japanese cooperation in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. What better way for China to soothe Japanese nervousness than to appear even more belligerent?
But Chinese subtlety doesn't end there. According to a report this week in The Australian, Chinese officials have recently demanded that the Australian government "review" its 50-year-old treaty with the United States. Australia "needs to be careful," Beijing Foreign Ministry official He Yafei reportedly warned, lest it wind up in a confrontation with China as part of its treaty obligations to the United States. Now, anyone who knows the Australian character knows that this kind of blunt "warning" and demand for a loosening of security ties with the United States is precisely the wrong tack to take if you really hope to influence Australian policy. So the Chinese must be operating on an entirely different plane of diplomatic sophistication.
In fact, of course, there is nothing at all subtle about Chinese "diplomacy." The Chinese are indeed flexing their muscles, wielding their increasing economic and military clout to demand greater obedience from their neighbors. There is nothing surprising in this. The only surprise is the way the world, including the United States, has in recent years tried to ignore China's growing belligerence, mesmerized by its economic performance and dreaming of a reformed, postmodern China that can be "integrated" into the global liberal economic order. Some American analysts have even been calling for the erection of new collective security structures in East Asia that would include China.
But that rather misses the point. New security structures are needed in East Asia, but they should involve America's democratic allies, all of whom now share an increasing fear of a China whose rise may or may not be entirely peaceful. Since Sept. 11, 2001, a United States understandably consumed with the terrorist threat has done less than it might have to reassure those allies that America's power and its will to deter remain undiminished in East Asia. This may have helped convince the Chinese that bullying can work.
It is possible that China hopes to get what it wants by bullying alone and that the Chinese leadership has no real intention of making good on its threats. It is also possible, however, that the Chinese are laying the groundwork for an eventual military assault on Taiwan. Who knows? Either way it would be foolish and dangerous to ignore Chinese threats. The best way to avoid war in the Taiwan Strait is to make clear that the United States will abide by its defense commitments, together with its Australian and Japanese allies. Let's not be too subtle.
Robert Kagan, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, writes a monthly column for The Post.
© 2005 The Washington Post Company
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.