Chinese Army Marks Anniversary With Warning Against Taiwan Independence

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Taiwan Premier Frank Hsieh snaps a model of a missile off a map of China in a symbolic move urging rival China to remove its ballistic missiles targeting the island, at a gathering in Taipei, 06 March 2005. The Taipei gathering drew some 1,000 protesters against China's plan to enact an anti-secession law aimed at preventing the island from declaring formal independence. In a separate rally in the southern city of Kaohsiung, around 20,000 Taiwanese took to the streets to protest the Chinese plan. AFP Photo by Patrick Lin

Beijing (SPX) July 31, 2005
China Sunday marked the 78th anniversary of the founding of its army by reiterating its promises of peace but also warning against any move by Taiwan towards declaring formal independence.

At a reception marking the anniversary of the Peoples Liberation Army, Minister of National Defence Cao Gangchuan told guests that China's military strategy is in line with its policy of peace.

"Chinese people have always loved peace and valued harmony. China unservingly pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and a defensive national defence policy," Cao was quoted by China Central Television as saying.

A Pentagon report said earlier this month that China is building up its military at a pace that is tipping the balance against Taiwan and could pose a credible threat to other armies in the region.

It said China had deployed up to 730 ballistic missiles opposite the island, which it regards as a renegade province. The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war and China has vowed to attack Taiwan should the island declare formal independence.

Also earlier this month, a Chinese general reportedly warned that Beijing would retaliate with nuclear weapons if the US military intervened in a conflict over Taiwan.

Cao said China would try its best to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait but would not allow Taiwan to become independent.

"We will strive for a peaceful and reunited future with our greatest sincerity and effort, but we will absolutely not allow 'Taiwan independence' splittist force to separate Taiwan from the mainland via any means," he said.

Taiwan staged a military exercise last Wednesday simulating an invasion of its key air base by rival China, in which more than 2,100 soldiers were mobilized.

The island's President Chen Shui-bian earlier urged the international community to curb China's military rise.

"If not, then all the members of the international community would have to jointly take the consequences," he said

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Washington (UPI) Jul 29, 2005
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