Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

Australia not to support US over Taiwan

AUSTRALIA-US SUPPORT IN DOUBT OVER TAIWAN
18.8.2004. 17:35:25



The Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has indicated the United States should not assume it will have Australia's support if China launches an attack against Taiwan.

Beijing has recently warned Taiwan against attempting any more moves towards independence.

The U-S is obligated under its Taiwan Relations Act to defend Taiwan, but Mr Downer says the ANZUS alliance for mutual defence between Australia and the U-S would only be invoked by an attack on either country.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing Mr Downer explained he believes Australia is moving into a more strategic relationship China.

"Diplomatic relations between countries evolve, rather than change by gigantic steps and what we are seeing is a significant development in that I think China has seen Australia in years gone by as an important economic partner and a less important political and strategic partner and I think now there is a recognition by the Chinese leadership of the significant role that Australia plays in the region."



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