Taiwan’s New Leader Calls U.S. Arms Deal Key to Peace

President-elect Chen Shui-bian on Friday defended a plan to push for a U.S. weapons deal that would likely raise tensions with rival China, saying the arms were essential for preserving peace.

Since his election two weeks ago, Chen has tried not to rile Beijing. But the former Taipei mayor was not ready to placate Chinese leaders by suggesting that Washington postpone an annual decision expected later this month about selling weaponry to Taiwan.

“The weapons are needed for Taiwan’s security and peace,” Chen said in an interview. “They are not for war, but for peace.”

China fiercely protests arms sales between Taiwan and the U.S., one of the few nations willing to risk Beijing’s ire by selling the island defensive weapons.

Analysts and lawmakers have said Taipei’s wish list includes upgraded Patriot missiles, advanced radar systems and guided-missile destroyers equipped with the sophisticated Aegis battle management system. China considers the ships part of an emerging regional antimissile shield.

Since the Communists took over China in 1949, Taiwan has refused to be ruled by the mainland. China wants the two sides to reunify and has repeatedly threatened to attack if Taiwan tries to split permanently.

During the presidential campaign, China’s leaders made it clear that Chen, 49, was their least favorite candidate. Beijing distrusts him because he was once a vocal supporter of Taiwan independence.

Since his upset victory, Chen has expressed his goodwill by offering to travel to China and discuss any topic, and he has invited Chinese leaders to visit Taiwan. In recent months, he also has softened his position concerning independence, saying Taiwanese should vote on the issue only if China attacks.

“Time will prove that the government under my direction will be prudent, responsible, rational, pragmatic and flexible,” Chen said.

Some have speculated that in the coming months Chen might call for a one-year moratorium on arms purchases from the U.S. Others have said he might send a high-profile delegation of lobbyists to Washington to help China push for permanent normal trade relations with the United States. Chen said he has no plans to do either.

But Chen said he hopes that U.S.-China trade relations will improve because that would further open up the mainland and help its leaders become more liberal on political issues.

“It would be helpful to China’s democratization,” Chen said. “A democratic China, just like a democratic Taiwan, must help foster peace in Asia and the Pacific.”