Tensions Between China and the U.S. Over Taiwan Heats Up

Admiral Thomas Fargo, Commander of the Pacific, was warned by the Chinese that selling of arms to Taiwan could harm Sino-U.S. relations.

China is opposed to Taiwan remaining independent. Taiwan wants to purchase $18 billion in weapons from the U.S., including Patriot anti-missile systems, submarines, and anti-submarine aircraft.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Thomas Fargo that selling advanced weapons to Taiwan does not benefit joint efforts to peacefully resolve the Taiwan issue.

President Bush has said that the U.S. will adhere to the "One China Policy," but that the Taiwan issue is serious and sensitive, and that the U.S. must halt its sell of arms to Taiwan.

Admiral Fargo met with Chinese officials last week and exchanged views over international and regional issues, including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula.

The U.S. hopes the East Asian region, will maintain its stability and prosperity, said Fargo.

Taiwan is the sore thumb of the region as far as China is concerned.