Chi. specifically voiced concerns over Japanese defense bills allowing Japanese logistical support for U.S. regional operations (since enacted). He said it would violate China’s sovereignty if Tokyo and Washington included Taiwan within the scope of bilateral defense cooperation[sic].. "
"Kyuma explained Tokyo’s stance that it expects China and Taiwan to resolve any outstanding problem through dialogue. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and maintains that a row between Beijing and Taipei is part of its domestic affairs.. "
In a meeting with Kyuma, Premier Zhu "called for Japan to abide by a 1972 communiqué which states that Japan ‘ understands and respects’ that Taiwan is part of China’s territory, the officials said."
Clear indications were given that the Taiwan issue should be excluded from the remit of the Japan-U.S. defense co-operation guidelines, in one case an army official was carrying an article critical to the Japanese bills.
"’It was as if shaking hands with us with it’s right hand and pointing a pistol at us with it’s left hand.‘ one senior defense official stated."
With this evidence, therefore we should be aware of the background to any official Chinese protestations against Japan. They are aimed at continuing the international diplomatic exclusion of Taiwan. Moreover they intend to give us the option
Comment? China is there. Big and bullying.
"And lest things which should be remembered perish with time and vanish..." Brother John Clyn, 1349, quoted by Connie Willis in Doomsday Book
© TR 10th/6/98
© Teal Ray... (with acknowledgement to Steve Hartley, Uzbekistan and the camels for inspiration)...