China silent on Taiwanese independence referendum

[ConcernedCanuk]

. . Beijing — Following weeks of angry warnings, China had no immediate reaction Thursday after Taiwanese legislators passed a landmark measure letting their President hold a referendum on independence if the mainland tries to use force to unite with the island.

/snip/

On Wednesday, Zhang Mingqing, spokesman for the Taiwan office, warned that independence will “bring disaster to Taiwan's people.”

His words came a week after Wang Zaixi, a top mainland official who deals with the Taiwan issue, said separatists will “pay a high cost if they think we will not use force” as part of a dramatic warning, the strongest China has issued in years.

He added succinctly: “Taiwan independence means war.”

The dispute comes less than two weeks before Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is to visit Washington and meet U.S. President George W. Bush.

/snip/

Aww Geee - Junior will hafta talk about WAR, and we know how much he hates THAT !!

[J B]

1. If China tries to use force,

is there gonna be time to run a referendum?

I guess after the US stops China?