approved the sale. It now goes before Congress,
where Taiwan enjoys strong bipartisan support.
Despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties, U.S. law
requires Washington to ensure Taiwan has the
means to defend itself.
Taiwan is a democratically governed island that
broke away from the Communist Party-ruled
mainland during a civil war in 1949.
China has been stepping up military,
diplomatic and economic pressure against
the administration of Taiwanese President Tsai
Ing-wen, who has refused to embrace Beijing’s
“one-China principle” that regards Taiwan as
Chinese territory.
A semi-annual defense ministry report issued
last month stated that China “has the firm
resolve and the ability” to take control of Taiwan.
“We make no promise to renounce the use
of force, and reserve the option of taking all
necessary measures,” the report said.
The document, titled “China’s National Defense
in the New Era,” also pointed to specific
intimidation tactics cited by many as partial
justification for strengthening Taiwan’s defenses.
“Aiming at safeguarding national unity, China’s
armed forces strengthen military preparedness
with emphasis on the sea,” the report said. “By
sailing ships and flying aircraft around Taiwan,
the armed forces send a stern warning to the
‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”
ann
(Ann)
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