The United States warned Taiwan on April 21 that its unilateral moves toward
independence could destroy its economic and democratic "miracle" and urged
Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to take Beijing's resolve to thwart any separation
act seriously.
US Assistant
Secretary of State James Kelly. [AFP
file] |
Laying down a stern marker after Chen won a tight but disputed re-election
campaign on March 20, Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, responsible for
Asian-Pacific affairs, said: "We in the United States see these risks clearly
and believe they are well understood by (Chen) and others in Taiwan."
But under questioning by members of the U.S. Congress, Kelly also said that
if China moved militarily against Taiwan, Washington would view this with ˇ°grave
concernˇ± and Bush 's earlier promise to "do whatever it took" to defend Taiwan
would come into play.
While Washington strongly disagrees with China's approach, "it would be
irresponsible of us and of Taiwan leaders to treat these statements as empty
threats," he said.
Kelly said the U.S. "one China" policy of having official relations with
Beijing while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan served the United States
well for nearly three decades through numerous administrations, was in the U.S.
national interest and could provoke serious friction if altered.
The Bush administration in recent months has become increasingly alarmed at
Chen's comments on adoption of a new constitution and other steps that could be
perceived as moving Taiwan toward independence.
Taiwan is historically and by all records an integral part of China, and
Beijing has threatened to take military means to reunify the island with the
mainland if Taiwan authorities declares formal independence.
Kelly reiterated at the inquiry meeting organized by the House International
Relations Committee, that the United States does not support Taiwan
independence.
"A unilateral move toward independence will avail Taiwan of nothing it does
not already enjoy in terms of democratic freedom, autonomy, prosperity and
security," he said.
"We look to Chen Shui-bian to exercise the kind of responsible, democratic
and restrained leadership that will be necessary to ensure a peaceful and
prosperous future for Taiwan," he added.
A recount of the hotly contested Taiwan election is set to begin early next
month so it can be completed in time to determine if incumbent Chen Shui-bian
can take office on May 20.
