Chinese Reactions to Taiwan Arms Sales
June 10
Taiwan Premier Sun Yun-suan rebuts China’s unification proposals, arguing that differences between Taiwan and China on political, economic, social, and cultural standards are a hindrance to unification.
July 16
The Reagan administration says that it has notified China that the U.S. will proceed with co-production of F-5E fighter aircraft with Taiwan.
July 16
China protests the U.S.-Taiwan co-production of F-5E fighters.
August 17
After 10 months of secret negotiations, the U.S. and China sign a Joint Communiqué governing both nations’ relations with Taiwan. China pledges to seek reunification with Taiwan only by peaceful means, while the U.S. promises not to exceed – and gradually to reduce – the 1982 level of arms sales. Taiwan expresses its “profound regret” over the U.S.PRC agreement. This agreement is referred to as the “1982 Joint Communiqué.”
September 6-11
Former President Richard M. Nixon visits China to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Shanghai Communiqué. He urges the U.S. and PRC to “seize the hour” and expand mutual relations.
1983 February
U.S. announces the sale of 66 F-104G fighters to Taiwan.
February 25
China charges the U.S. with violating the spirit of the 1982 Joint Communiqué.
February 26
U.S. denies the accusation, stresses commitment to strong U.S.-China relations.
July 15
U.S. announces plans to sell US$530 million in new arms to Taiwan, including Chaparral missiles, SM-1 Standard missiles, AIM-7F Sparrow missiles, conversion kits for M-4 tanks, tank-recovery vehicles, and aircraft spare parts.
July 22
China denounces the Taiwan arms sales, charging the U.S. with violating the 1982 Joint Communiqué.
September 25-29
U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger visits China, marking increased U.S.-Chinese military cooperation. Preliminary meetings held with China’s Commission for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND).
1984 January 12
During a visit to the U.S. by Chinese Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang, the U.S. and China sign agreements extending its current scientific exchanges and initiating new cooperation in industry and trade.
June
Congressional notification for 12 C-130H to Taiwan, estimated value at US$325 million.
2012 US-Taiwan Business Council | Project 2049 Institute www.us-taiwan.org | www.project2049.net
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