Taiwan opposes arms race

Taiwan opposes arms race

In response to the article entitled China lashes U.S. over
weapon sales to Taiwan in The Jakarta Post on May 7, 1999, I
would like to express Taipei's point of view.

In March 1996, Beijing lobbed missiles at Taiwan. Since then,
the People's Liberation Army has deployed more than 100 of its
newest M-9 and M-11 missiles across the Taiwan Straits, and the
number may reach 650 by 2005, according to Pentagon.

In August 1998, North Korea launched missiles over Japan.
These incidents and security threats from elsewhere prompted the
U.S. to more than double its ballistic-missile-defense budget in
February 1999 to a record US$10 billion between now and 2005. A
part of the program is the Theater Missile Defense (TMD),
designed to neutralize ballistic missile attacks in North East
Asia.

Will the Republic of China participate in the development and
employment of TMD? Our views follow.

We promote regional stability and prosperity, and oppose the
arms race. Our economic development has garnered the accolade of
the "Taiwan miracle", and is a major source of our people's much
enhanced wellbeing. To ensure our continued prosperity, we must
actively promote regional stability and fully support any effort
toward it. To engage in an arms race, siphons off the life-blood
of one's economy. We oppose the arms race, as it is incompatible
with our national interest.

Beijing's militant behavior is threatening regional stability.
Beijing has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, which
Beijing has from time to time reiterated. The Beijing military
buildup substantiates its militant rhetoric. Since 1989, its
official defense budget -- not to mention the actual expenditure
-- has grown at a double digit rate, far outstripping the
inflation rate.

Our self-defense, like our survival, is an inalienable right
commonly shared by all nations. TMD, by definition, is a system
of defense, not offense. The Republic of China is an independent
and sovereign country. We reserve the right to decide whether to
participate in the TMD. Beijing's opposition on this matter
merely belies its intent of aggression.

The proliferation of weapons of massive destruction into the
hands of irresponsible states poses a threat to not only regional
but also global peace and stability. Against this threat, TMD may
offer some prospects of deterrence and defense. However, we fully
realize the evolving nature of the TMD technology, the sizable
financial commitment involved, and the strategic uncertainties of
cross-strait relations. We are seriously concerned with the issue
and are cautiously assessing it before making a decision thereon.
There are many factors influencing our assessment. But Beijing's
behavior as such, or possible reduction thereof in the future,
will ultimately determine whether we decide to participate in the
TMD.

As the world enters the 21st century, the sweeping waves of
democracy can no longer be held back. While we have chosen the
right side of history, Beijing has not. We hope Beijing will
soon. Between democracies, few wars have occurred in this
century, and none since the end of World War II. In the long run,
only if Mainland China democratizes can regional stability and
prosperity be assured.

CINDY CHIEN

Assistant

Information Division

Taipei Economic and Trade Office

Jakarta