Taipei, April 25 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that American arms sales to Taiwan are designed to uphold the democracy of Taiwan, rather than promoting an arms race with mainland China.
Meeting with Hong Kong-based novelist Chin Yung, Chen described the arms sales package announced by the U.S. government as the richest-ever and a new breakthrough in terms of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. He said the latest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan will help stabilize the cross-Taiwan Strait situation and promote peace in the world.
During their talks at the Presidential Office, Chen expressed disagreement with Chin Yung's views over two matters. Chin Yung had remarked at a symposium at the University of Zhejiang in October 1999 that news media should abide by the guidance of the national government and ruling political party. Chen said that he disagreed with that view, noting that the world has entered an era of democracy.
During the 1996 missile crisis, the U.S. government dispatched two aircraft carriers to waters adjacent to the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. move was labeled by Chin Yung as contrary to mainland China's unification policy, but Chen disagreed with that view as well.
Despite their different opinions on these matters, the president stressed that he still respects Chin Yung and will defend Chin Yung's right to free speech.