Published by: World Tibet Network News, Monday, February 26, 1996

By: David Swan

Washington, Feb. 23, (VOA)

intro: An influential U-S senator is calling for better relations with China -- and a peaceful end to Beijing's dispute with Taiwan. V-O-A's David Swan reports, Democrat Sam Nunn visited China last month.

Text: In a long speech on the Senate floor (Friday), Mr. Nunn urged the United States and China to stop delivering diatribes and start a new, high-level dialogue.

// Nunn //

It would be irresponsible and dangerous for the United States and China to continue on our present course.

Mr. Nunn, a leader on defense and foreign affairs, says taiwan is the most dangerous of several disagreements between washington and beijing. He warns the united states is sure to respond if china makes good on its threat to use force against the island. At the same time, he says taipei must not provoke the chinese by moving toward greater independence.

// Nunn //

Neither America nor Taiwan should take lightly this Chinese position. Beijing has drawn a firm line on this question.

China is said to be planning a major military exercise, to be held soon after taiwan's presidential election. U-s officials do not expect an actual attack but say the maneuvers will not help the atmosphere in the region.