Taiwan gives cross-strait military talks cold shoulder

Taiwan gives cross-strait military talks cold shoulder

The time is not ripe for Taiwan and China to engage in political and military talks, according to Taiwan ’s Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liu Te-shun March 31.

“ Taiwan ’s security is key to cross-strait relations,” Liu said. “Expanding exchanges and building mutual trust can only take place if Beijing removes its missiles targeting Taiwan .”

Liu’s remarks came in response to the release of China ’s 2010 defense white paper, which stated that Taipei and Beijing could initiate talks on military issues and discuss establishing confidence-building measures.

On the issue of expanding cross-strait exchanges, Liu said Taiwan government will continue prioritizing economic and easy issues first, before moving on to political and more difficult ones later. “We expect to strengthen economic collaboration with mainland China while improving bilateral ties,” he added.

Liu also reaffirmed the government's steadfast commitment to maintaining Taiwan ’s self-defense capabilities in the face of the growing military threat from across the strait.

In related news, the Ministry of National Defense said it has no plans at present to establish a military mutual trust mechanism with mainland China .

ENDS

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