Clinton Decides Against Selling Destroyers to Taiwan

U.S. President Bill Clinton decided Monday against the sale of four Aegis destroyers to Taiwan but approved sale of long-range radar designed to detect missile launches.

Clinton, who is in California on a tour of impoverished communities, acted on the recommendation of top advisers who met earlier in the day at the White House, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon had recommended that the administration put off Taiwan's request to buy new weapons, including the destroyers, submarines and anti-submarine aircraft.

Observers said the White House might face a showdown with Congress over legislation to strengthen U.S. military ties with Taiwan, a province of China.

Clinton administration officials have said they would recommend a presidential veto if Congress tries to force the sale of arms to Taiwan.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the so-called Taiwan Security Enhancement Act in February. The Clinton administration said it may veto because it undermines the stability in Asia. The White House said in a statement that it "strongly opposes" the measure because it "would seriously diminish Taiwan's security and undermine the important U.S. objective of stability in Asia." The measure was sharply condemned by China. China is strongly opposed to the sale of any weapons to Taiwan and has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by the three joint communiques governing Sino-U.S. relations and stop selling weapons to Taiwan.

Please visit People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/