U.S. warned on sales to Taiwan

U.S. warned on sales to Taiwan

BEIJING (AP): China called on Thursday for the immediate
cancellation of U.S. plans to sell air defense equipment to
Taiwan, warning that such sales inflame already tense relations.

But at the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu
Bangzao also urged Congress to grant Beijing permanent low-tariff
trade rights.

U.S. President Bill Clinton submitted legislation to Congress
on Wednesday to establish permanent normal trade relations with
China.

Zhu said China has made "solemn representations" to Washington
over the Pentagon's intention to sell 162 Hawk intercept guided
missiles for US$106 million and items needed to reconfigure
Taiwan's TPS-43F air surveillance radar.