The Hindu : China alleges nuclear blackmail by U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 18, 2002

International

International

China alleges nuclear blackmail by U.S.

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE March 17. In yet another attack on the U.S. for its Nuclear Posture Review, China accused the U.S. of "nuclear blackmail".

The Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing, summoned the U.S. Ambassador, Clark T. Randt Jr., on Saturday and delivered "solemn representations" to him. The protest comes close on the heels of a meeting between the Taiwanese "Defence Minister", Tang Yiau-ming, and the U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary, Paul Wolfowitz. "China wants to make it very clear that China will never yield to foreign threats, including nuclear blackmail," Mr. Li was quoted as telling Mr. Randt.

"The days when China could be bullied are gone forever," Mr. Li said in response to the policy review which targets China and six other countries as possible targets for an American nuclear attack. Accusing the United States of breaching three joint communiques, which laid the basis for improves relations with China, Mr. Li said: "The United States must abandon the idea of Taiwan as an unsinkable aircraft carrier." "People cannot but ask.... where does the U.S. side intend to lead China-U.S. relations.... you talked about hoping to see a peaceful settlement between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. Is what you are doing promoting peace? You repeatedly said that the United States pursues a One-China policy and abides by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques. Is any part of your acts consistent with these joint communiques?"

"Pampering and supporting Taiwan independence can only meet with the resolute opposition of all the Chinese people and will be doomed to failure," The Xinhua News Agency quoted the Vice-Foreign Minister as telling Mr. Randt. He reiterated that the Chinese people loved peace and did not interfere with the internal affairs of any country. "If there is anything good in threatening the Chinese people, it can only be one thing: the Chinese people's vigilance against certain people will be further heightened...."

"The West has a saying that makes a lot of sense: there is no free lunch.... both history and reality tell us that the China-U.S. relationship has always been a two-way street and serve both sides. It is not a favour that one gives to the other,'' Mr. Li stated. "The East also has a saying that fits into the situation here: a man who is not trustworthy cannot stand: How can a nation stand on its feet among the community of nations if it does not honour its own words," the Vice-Foreign Minister said.

Referring to the U.S. President, George W. Bush's recent visit to Beijing, the Chinese Minister said his Government valued the results of the tour. "We hope that the U.S. side will join us in materialising the spirit of the Beijing summit and advancing the constructive and co-operative relationship between the two countries," he said, adding that it took "two hands to clap". "As things stand now, the attitude of the U.S. side is the key," the Vice-Foreign Minister said, placing the onus for good relations between Beijing and Washington squarely on American shoulders. Two statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman and the latest remarks of Mr. Li are a clear indication that Beijing does not take lightly the nuclear posture review and the invitation to the Taiwanese "Defence Minister".

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