02-20-2005, 11:06 PM
<b>China Issues Protest Over U.S.-Japan Agreement </b>
By Edward Cody
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, February 20, 2005; 10:10 AM
BEIJING, Feb. 20 -- China issued a stiff protest Sunday over an updated U.S.-Japanese strategic agreement, saying its reference to Taiwan violates China's national sovereignty and its criticism of China's military buildup is "untenable."
The complaint, issued by the Foreign Ministry, reflected deep concern in the Beijing government over Japan's evolving decision to lean toward closer security cooperation with the United States in East Asia, including Taiwan. Although Japan has not spelled out what military assistance it might provide, to Chinese ears the accord sounded like a promise to help the United States defend Taiwan in the event of war.
"The statement included the Taiwan issue, which relates to China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security," said Kong Quan, the chief ministry spokesman. "The Chinese government and people strongly oppose this statement."
By Edward Cody
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, February 20, 2005; 10:10 AM
BEIJING, Feb. 20 -- China issued a stiff protest Sunday over an updated U.S.-Japanese strategic agreement, saying its reference to Taiwan violates China's national sovereignty and its criticism of China's military buildup is "untenable."
The complaint, issued by the Foreign Ministry, reflected deep concern in the Beijing government over Japan's evolving decision to lean toward closer security cooperation with the United States in East Asia, including Taiwan. Although Japan has not spelled out what military assistance it might provide, to Chinese ears the accord sounded like a promise to help the United States defend Taiwan in the event of war.
"The statement included the Taiwan issue, which relates to China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security," said Kong Quan, the chief ministry spokesman. "The Chinese government and people strongly oppose this statement."