Singapore warns Taiwan of war
2004-08-22 17:44
Singapore - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned Taiwan on Sunday against provoking China by pushing for independence, saying a "miscalculation" could trigger war between Beijing and Taipei.
Lee, in his first policy speech since being sworn into office on August 12, defended his controversial visit to Taiwan in July, saying it was necessary for him to assess the situation there before becoming prime minister.
Beijing reacted angrily to Lee's visit despite Singapore's insistence that it was a private and unofficial trip and that its "One China" policy remained unchanged, a position the prime minister reiterated on Sunday.
"The cross-straits situation is potentially the most dangerous problem in the region," said Lee, a former Singapore Armed Forces brigadier-general.
"My assessment after visiting Taiwan is that there is a real risk of miscalculation and mishap.
"The Taiwanese know well our position, that we are opposed to Taiwan independence ... if the conflict is provoked by Taiwan, Singapore will not support Taiwan," Lee said.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory waiting to be reunified by force if necessary, and opposes any visit by officials of its diplomatic partners to Taipei. The two sides split at the end of a civil war in 1949.
Largely ethnic Chinese, Singapore has positioned itself as a neutral friend to both Beijing and Taipei, investing heavily in the mainland while maintaining economic and military training links with Taiwan.
But Lee made it clear on Sunday that Taiwan must know its limits in the international arena.
"If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognise it. In fact no Asian country will recognise it. Nor will European countries. China will fight. Win or lose, Taiwan will be devastated," Lee said.
Chinese state media said earlier this month that talks with Singapore on a free-trade deal may be delayed as a result of Lee's Taiwan visit, but Lee said both sides would lose if the trip was allowed to affect bilateral relations.
But there have been signs of a thaw.
Chinese ambassador to Singapore Zhang Yun said last week that bilateral relations were expected to strengthen as more Chinese businessmen set up operations in Singapore.
- SAPA