US Pacific Command Nominee Issues Warning To China

"In dealing with the People's Republic of China and with the government of Taiwan, we would emphasize that China has to be very careful in the development of offensive weapons," said Admiral Keating. "We want to sustain Taiwan's notion of a defensive front from their military capabilities. We would encourage increased dialogue between those two countries on an informal basis. And we're not unaware of the burgeoning economic engine that is trade across the Straits of Taiwan." Admiral Keating said both China and Taiwan need to understand that the U.S. military is watching closely for any change in relations across the Straits. The United States has promised to help Taiwan defend itself against attack by China. Some members of Congress have expressed concerns that moves by some politicians in Taiwan to declare independence could unnecessarily provoke a conflict. At the same time, Admiral Keating expressed some concern about China's rapid military buildup. The country announced an 18 percent increase in its defense budget this year, the latest in a 15-year string of double digit increases. On Wednesday, the outgoing U.S. Pacific Commander, Admiral William Fallon, said some of that buildup is aimed at countering U.S. capabilities in case of a war over Taiwan. http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-08-voa49.cfm

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