A Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed the
government’s "grave concern" over a joint statement by the US and
Japan that listed Taiwan as one of their "common strategic
objectives" in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kong Quan said in Beijing on Sunday that any
"irresponsible remarks" about China's national defense are
"untenable."
????
The two countries, following high-level talks in
Washington on Saturday, announced that one of their "common
strategic objectives" across the Asia-Pacific region is to urge
China to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully through dialogue and
to be more transparent about its military modernization.
Calling the US-Japan security alliance "a bilateral
scheme spawned during the Cold War period," Kong said it should not
function beyond the bilateral framework.
"The Chinese government and people firmly oppose
the US-Japan statement on the Taiwan issue, which concerns China's
sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security," Kong
said.
Kong said China hopes the US and Japan will fully
consider the interests and concerns of other countries and
contribute more to peace and stability across the Asia-Pacific
region.
"We hope the US and Japan honor their commitments
on the Taiwan issue with actions," Kong said.
Kong said that China, in line with the global trend
of seeking peace and development and enhancing cooperation, has
solidly pursued an independent foreign policy of peace and a
defensive policy on national defense.
"China has become a positive force in maintaining
world peace and boosting common development," he said. "Any
irresponsible remarks on China's efforts to enhance national
defense aimed at safeguarding its national security and territorial
integrity are untenable."
(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2005)