Taiwan says China military buildup is world threat
David LagueInternational Herald TribuneWednesday October 10, 2007
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian warned in a national address Wednesday that China's military build-up was threatening world peace, and urged it to halt military exercising targeting the island.
In a National Day speech ahead of a parade aimed at underscoring Taiwan's defence capabilities, he also called on China to withdraw ballistic missiles that are aimed at the island.
"With China's rapid rise and relentless military build-up, the 'China threat' is no longer confined to confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. In fact, it has already seriously impacted world peace," he said.
Chen called on urged the international community to "strongly demand that China immediately withdraw missiles deployed along its southeastern coast targeted at Taiwan, stop military exercises simulating attacks on Taiwan."
The independence-leaning Chen accused Beijing of ignoring peace overtures and using "ever more belligerent rhetoric and military intimidation."
He said the tactics were "aimed at denigrating our nation, marginalizing it in the world, cultivating the perception that Taiwan is a local region of China, delegitimizing its government, and undermining its sovereignty."
"Only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their nation's future," he added.
"Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two sovereign, independent nations, and neither exercises jurisdiction over the other. This is a historical fact. This is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait."
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after the end of a civil war, but Beijing still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
David LagueInternational Herald TribuneWednesday October 10, 2007
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian warned in a national address Wednesday that China's military build-up was threatening world peace, and urged it to halt military exercising targeting the island.
In a National Day speech ahead of a parade aimed at underscoring Taiwan's defence capabilities, he also called on China to withdraw ballistic missiles that are aimed at the island.
"With China's rapid rise and relentless military build-up, the 'China threat' is no longer confined to confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. In fact, it has already seriously impacted world peace," he said.
Chen called on urged the international community to "strongly demand that China immediately withdraw missiles deployed along its southeastern coast targeted at Taiwan, stop military exercises simulating attacks on Taiwan."
The independence-leaning Chen accused Beijing of ignoring peace overtures and using "ever more belligerent rhetoric and military intimidation."
He said the tactics were "aimed at denigrating our nation, marginalizing it in the world, cultivating the perception that Taiwan is a local region of China, delegitimizing its government, and undermining its sovereignty."
"Only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their nation's future," he added.
"Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two sovereign, independent nations, and neither exercises jurisdiction over the other. This is a historical fact. This is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait."
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after the end of a civil war, but Beijing still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
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