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Letter to the Editor
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SIR - The Bush administration's decision of selling a package of advanced weaponry to Taiwan angered the Chinese people again after the midair plane collision incident.
This wrong decision marked an escalation in its arms sales to Taiwan with advanced performance and huge value,, turning a blind eye to the three Sino-US joint communiques that serve as the cornerstone of bilateral relations. Such a dangerous move will bring about a destructive damage to Sino-US relations, while impacting bilateral co-operation in the nonproliferation field.
The USA does not actually want sustained peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, whose act can only further the arrogance of pro-Taiwan independence forces to split China, intensify the tension across the Taiwan Straits.
The US arms sales to Taiwan will jeopardize the interests of both sides. The Taiwan authorities have spent more than US$48 billion on weapons. It was reported that out of every US$1 worth of imports to Taiwan, 55 cents worth are for ammunition and related military equipment and technology. Each Taiwanese pays US$540 for Taiwan's arms, which is the highest in Asia. Arms buying will cost the island dearly. And even after the island gets advanced weapons, can it block the reunification process?
The USA will definitely lose more than it will gain if it continues to sell weapons to Taiwan. Sino-US trade volume has totalled US$74.5 billion last year and China has become the fourth largest trade partner of the US. It is estimated that by 2005, US exports to China will double to US$44.6 billion. It means 1.5 million jobs can be created in the United States. A worsening situation will spill over to affect the US economy, which face a possible rcession.
Sino-US relations are now experiencing a sensitive and complicated period. Washington should immediately revoke its erroneous decision, give up arms sales to Taiwan and take precausions against any attempt that may hurt Sino-US relations
Herbert Huang, Jinan
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