 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
US voices opposition to Taiwan referendum
Taipei (AFP) Nov 9, 2007 The de facto US envoy to Taiwan on Friday reiterated Washington's opposition to President Chen Shui-bian's apparent determination to push ahead with a referendum on UN membership for the island. Independence-leaning Chen has vowed to press ahead with a referendum on whether to apply for United Nations membership under the name "Taiwan" despite opposition from ally Washington and rival Beijing. "I have regular dialogues with President Chen and the other players in Taiwan on the political side," Stephen Young, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), told reporters. "I think it is clear to say neither President Chen nor anybody else here in Taiwan should be confused by the effective opposition to the referendum and the reasons." Young said a referendum was "not necessary" or "helpful" and called on Taiwan to adopt a "careful and moderate approach" in relations with China. US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said in August Washington opposed any such referendum because it would be a step to declaring full independence -- a highly sensitive issue with China insisting Taiwan is part of its territory. Local newspapers said Washington had decided to postpone the sale of dozens of F-16 C/D fighters to Taipei in an effort to show its displeasure. Taiwan, under its official name the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971. Efforts in the past 14 years to rejoin the world body using the name "Taiwan" have been repeatedly blocked by Beijing, which regards the island as part of its own territory awaiting reunification. Names and titles are highly sensitive in the row between Taiwan and China, which split after the end of a civil war in 1949. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links China News from SinoDaily.com
Analysis: Long-run wins for green Olympics
Washington (UPI) Nov 7, 2007 Beijing's efforts to meet clean-air standards in time for the 2008 Olympics are drawing increased skepticism as the August deadline approaches. Worst-case scenarios depict marathoners coughing their way through smog to the finish line, prompting the International Olympic Committee to suggest that some competitions may be delayed due to pollution. Yet even if Beijing fails to meet Olympic expectations on time, some analysts say China's attempt to do so will have at least one or two lasting benefits for Beijing and beyond. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
