Posted on 02/17/2010 7:45:39 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
United States arms sales to Taiwan help to improve the island’s relations with China, President Ma Ying-jeou told a visiting Congressman Wednesday. He told Republican Jim Sensenbrenner that Washington’s recent approval of a US$6.4 billion arms package for Taiwan not only safeguarded the country’s security, but also promoted a peaceful dialogue with China because stable Taiwan-U.S. relations were closely linked to the harmony of the environment between Taiwan and China.
Ma said his efforts to improve relations with China had also improved mutual trust between Washington and Taipei. He mentioned how his government had concluded more than 12 agreements with Beijing since taking office in May 2008 and reopening negotiations which had been interrupted for a decade.
Having U.S. weapons as a backup increased Taiwan’s feelings of security and confidence enough to hold talks with China on improving relations, Ma told his visitor.
Taiwan would continue to seek to acquire weapons necessary for its defense while using a variety of channels to resolve cross-straits differences in a peaceful manner, the president said.
China has strongly protested the latest U.S. arms deal, which includes Patriot missile systems, Black Hawk helicopters, mine-hunting ships and telecommunications equipment.
Ma also asked for Sensenbrenner’s assistance for his efforts to obtain visa exemptions for Taiwanese citizens traveling to the U.S. and to achieve an extradition agreement.
He also requested U.S. support for Taiwan’s efforts to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Wisconsin Republican said he supported Taiwan’s efforts to actively participate in international organizations, but added that more talks were needed on the extradition agreement and the visa waiver, reports said.
(Excerpt) Read more at etaiwannews.com ...
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If they didn’t invent ‘spin’ they are certainly perfecting it.
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