July 08, 1999
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| July 08, 1999 | atimes.com | |
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| China Japan won't clarify if Taiwan in defense pact with U.S. TOKYO - Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi has refused to clarify whether Taiwan is within the scope of the U.S.-Japan defense cooperation guidelines. The question came up during an interview with Chinese reporters prior to Obuchi's visit to China starting on Thursday. The defense guidelines will be a key agenda item in Obuchi's talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin. ''It is inappropriate to specify what countries or regions are covered by the guidelines,'' Obuchi said, ''because the concept is based on specific situations, not geographic categories." The prime minister refused comment as to the possibility of Japan's Self-Defense Forces assisting the U.S. military in the event of an armed clash in the Taiwan Strait. Regarding the status of Taiwan, Japan remains committed to a 1972 joint declaration that Taiwan is Chinese territory, Obuchi stated. Beijing has grown nervous about the possible inclusion of Taiwan within the scope of the U.S.-Japan defence guidelines. ''Our ties with China are one of our most important bilateral relationships, and must be further strengthened towards the 21st century,'' Obuchi said. ''I intend to make my visit a bridge for Japan-China friendship in the new century,'' he added, expressing readiness to co-operate with forestation projects being pushed by Jiang. (Asia Pulse/Nikkei) | |||||||||
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