Taiwan welcomes Bush defense pledge

Taiwan's armed forces regularly stage exercises practising for a Chinese invasion

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The government of Taiwan has welcomed President Bush's reiteration of Washington's commitment to defend the island should it ever come under attack.

Foreign Minister Eugene Chien said the comments were particularly significant since they were made in Beijing where Bush was concluding a six-day tour of Asia.

"This is the first U.S. president in nearly 20 years to mention the Taiwan Relations Act for the first time on the mainland," he told reporters.

Earlier, Bush told a question-and-answer session for Chinese students: "When my country makes an agreement we stick with it."

Speaking at Beijing's Tsinghua University he said: "[T]here is [something] called the Taiwan Relations Act and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend herself if provoked."

However, he added that he preferred to see a peaceful settlement to the Taiwan issue and hoped such a solution would take place "in my lifetime."

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"The first thing that is important on the Taiwan issue is my government hopes for a peaceful dialogue, that there is a settlement for this issue, but it must be done in a peaceful way. And by the way, peaceful is intended for both parties. Neither side should provoke," Bush said.

Threats

Beijing has long regarded Taiwan as a renegade province and an indisputable part of a "one China."

It has threatened to attack the island if its government makes any move to declare formal independence.

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979 as part of the process of establishing formal diplomatic relations with Beijing without completely dropping relations with Taiwan.

It commits the United States to aid in the protection of Taiwan and pledges to sell the island whatever weapons it needs to ensure its defense.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei Foreign Minister Chien said Bush's "public explanation" of the Act was a significant step.

Previous U.S. presidents have preferred to stick to a more ambiguous line on what position the U.S. might take if Taiwan was attacked.

However, since taking office Bush has said on several occasions that the U.S. will do "whatever it takes" to defend Taiwan.