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Taiwan tests missile as tension with China flares
Rowan Callick, China correspondent
March 07, 2007

SIMMERING tensions between China and Taiwan have boiled over, with Beijing criticising Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian for demanding independence and Taipei test-firing a cruise missile capable of hitting Shanghai. The missile was tested from the Chiupeng military base in Taiwan's south on Friday - carefully timed, like Mr Chen's speech, to precede the opening of China's National People's Congress.
Senior Taiwanese government politicians, including Defence Minister Lee Jye, witnessed the test - which may be seen as a counter to the 17.8 per cent rise in China's military budget now before the NPC. Taiwan claims that China already has 400 missiles lined up against it, in neighbouring Fujian province. Mr Chen told a pro-independence group on Sunday night that "Taiwan must be independent". "Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country outside of the People's Republic of China," Mr Chen said.

The comments have provoked outraged responses within China, whose Government has over the past year reined in strong comments on Taiwan. "Don't listen to local leaders," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said on Monday. "Whoever wants to split away will become a criminal in history." Beijing has regarded Taiwan as a renegade province since the nationalist armies of Chiang Kai-shek fled there in 1949 after losing the civil war. Two years ago, the National People's Congress passed legislation authorising the People's Liberation Army to attack Taiwan if it sought formal independence.

Also on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao drew loud applause from the NPC for reinforcing the eventual aim of peaceful reunification. Mr Wen's words, drafted before Mr Chen's latest remarks, reflected a steady, cautious approach. "We will unite with Taiwan compatriots in firm opposition to all forms of secession activities such as calls for Taiwan independence through legislation," Mr Wen said. "We will continue to step up dialogue and exchanges on the basis of the one-China principle with all political parties in Taiwan that advocate development of cross-straits relations."

General Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of China's Military Commission, which administers the defence forces, warned in response to Mr Chen that the People's Liberation Army would not tolerate secession. He told a panel of NPC military delegates: "If (secession) happens, we will effectively perform our glorious mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the will of the motherland." He urged soldiers to stay on alert. The NPC is set to approve a 17.8 per cent increase in the military budget, to $58 billion, considerably more than the education or health budget.

The US - which remains the ultimate military guarantor of Taiwan's status - also criticised Mr Chen's comments. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack described Mr Chen's rhetoric as "unhelpful". "President George Bush has repeatedly underscored his opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by either Taipei or Beijing," he said.

Mr Chen's speech helped drive Taiwan's main TAIEX stock index down 3.74 per cent on Monday, though it picked up yesterday. Opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou dismissed the statement as the kind of emotional remark the President - besieged by corruption charges for the past year - often makes. Mr Ma is also facing corruption charges. The uncertain political climate, just over a year from the next presidential election, is provoking edgy rhetoric.

The small opposition People First Party has even filed sedition charges against Mr Chen following his remarks on independence.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...1-2703,00.html
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Right lemme see... 23million vs 1.3billion. lmao @ Taiwanese tough talkin' politicians.

__________________
The United Church of the Latter Day Tangential Tarts
"When I'm in command, every mission is a suicide mission!" -Capt. Zapp Branigan
"Did you know that Republicans are stupid and evil?" -Bill O'Reilly, Feb 2010

We've already taken sides in this family squabble. And we chose the right side. The PRC has zero claim to Taiwan.

It is gratifying to see that Taiwan is becoming more capable of defending itself against the imperialist aggression of the PRC.

Those 23 million are backed by the most power nation that has ever existed in the history of the human race.

Numbers alone dont tell the whole story.

Sooo... a nation of 300million vs a nation of 1.3billion fighting over an insignificant island of 23million chinese.

Hmmm, something tells me this war isn't a good idea... where ever will I get my cheap tubesocks from?

__________________
The United Church of the Latter Day Tangential Tarts
"When I'm in command, every mission is a suicide mission!" -Capt. Zapp Branigan
"Did you know that Republicans are stupid and evil?" -Bill O'Reilly, Feb 2010

How many nukes do you think we would require to kill 1.3 billion people?

Numbers mean very little in modern warfare.

Certainly not for them.

South America. SE Asia. Mexico. Cheap labor is cheap for a reason.

WAAAAH? Sadistic wants to start a global nuclear war to save 23million chinamen.

Dude, talk about being a bleedingheart liberal.. you are it.

__________________
The United Church of the Latter Day Tangential Tarts
"When I'm in command, every mission is a suicide mission!" -Capt. Zapp Branigan
"Did you know that Republicans are stupid and evil?" -Bill O'Reilly, Feb 2010

When did I advocate starting a war? Please avoid putting words in my mouth.

I have openly stated I am in favor of defending other democracies many many times on this forum...why is this news to you? Please pay attention.

I is payin attenshun! You are a bleedingheart liberal willing to start nuclear war in order to save an insignificant island of 23million chinese.

__________________
The United Church of the Latter Day Tangential Tarts
"When I'm in command, every mission is a suicide mission!" -Capt. Zapp Branigan
"Did you know that Republicans are stupid and evil?" -Bill O'Reilly, Feb 2010

I have already stated my position before. Believe whatever makes you feel better. Its what liberals do, heh heh