Chinese Legislator Slams Negative US Reports

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, July 18, 2002

Chinese Legislator Slams Negative US Reports

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Sino-US relations could be seriously damaged if the US Congress legislates two reports accusing China of being a threat, rather than an obvious benefit, to world peace, stability and development, a senior Chinese lawmaker warned Wednesday in Beijing.

"I hope the US Congress will not legislate them, or else bilateral ties will be seriously affected," said Zeng Jianhui, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, of the reports prepared by the US-China Security Review Commission and the Pentagon.

"I expect insightful US Congress members to recognize the possible consequence any further moves in that direction would bring, and do their best to avoid a detrimental outcome," said Zeng.

The "China threat" in the two reports is "out of tune with the trend of Sino-US relations," Zeng said, noting that China is a peace-loving country.

Zeng stressed China has never adopted expansionary policies abroad.

The Chinese Government has repeatedly pledged that the country does not seek world or regional hegemony and does not want to station troops in any foreign country.

Instead of posing a threat, Zeng said a developed China will benefit its neighbours, the Asia and Pacific region and the world as a whole.

Of China's consistently increasing trade, 60 per cent comes from deals with its neighbouring countries and regions, and the majority of the rest with the United States.

In its first annual report presented to the US Congress, the US-China Security Review Commission played up the fictitious "China threat" and called for tougher action against China, such as trade and technology blockades, limits on access to US capital markets and restrictions on imports from China and US firms operating in the country.

The report the Pentagon presented to the US Congress on Chinese military power also played up opposition between the two countries.

The Pentagon report said the modernization, weaponry, pilot training, tactics, and command and control of the Chinese mainland's military force are beginning to erode Taiwan's qualitative edge.

Instead of posing a threat, Zeng said a developed China will benefit all.

He said the reports, which claimed the Chinese mainland was increasing military pressure over Taiwan, actually created an excuse for the US to enhance ties with Taiwan.

"Such a move will encourage Taiwan-independence forces in separatist activities and make peaceful reunification difficult," Zeng said.

By emphasizing the 1982 communique, Zeng said he hoped the US will continue to abide by the three communiques, which should be the basis of bilateral relations.

The US promised in the 1982 communique that it would gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan, leading over a period of time to a final resolution.

China plans to increase its budget on national defence by 17.6 per cent this year to US$20 billion - an extremely small part of its gross domestic product, and far behind other major countries.

The US' military spending adds up to US$379.3 billion, US$48 billion more than the previous year, he pointed out.

A modern national defence to ensure a peaceful environment is a must for a prosperous and stable China, Zeng said.

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