The New York Times, Published: August 31, 2004
U.S. Welcomes Steps by China and Taiwan
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 3:55 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The State Department welcomed on Tuesday steps by China and Taiwan to ease tensions by curtailing long-planned military exercises.
Taiwan canceled a major live-fire military exercise shortly after Beijing reportedly called off massive war games near Taiwan.
``We welcome and encourage all these steps that are being taken by Taiwan and the People's Republic of China to reduce tensions,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. He said the United States has consistently encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve differences.
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian made the announcement while en route to Latin America.
He and Secretary of State Colin Powell will attend the inauguration Wednesday of Panamanian President-elect Martin Torrijos.
Boucher said Powell has no plans to meet with Chen, consistent with the long-standing U.S. policy of limiting contact with Taiwanese officials. |
