To: Greenpeace who wrote (17215 ) 7/22/1998 8:49:00 AM From: DMaA Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 20981
Clinton's China humiliation even worse ( if that's possible ):China conducted missile test during Clinton visit By Bill Gertz THE WASHINGTON TIMES 'China test-fired a rocket motor for its newest long-range missile during President Clinton's recent visit to China, Pentagon officials said yesterday. The July 1 motor test for the DF-31 missile was part of China's ongoing strategic weapons modernization effort, which included producing six new long-range missiles in the first four months of the year. . . . The officials said the test was unusual because it came during Mr. Clinton's June 27-July 3 visit.ÿÿÿA U.S. official who is an expert on missiles said he believes the Chinese intentionally timed the test to coincide with Mr. Clinton's visit. The official noted that Secretary of State Warren Christopher traveled to China several years ago to discuss human rights and the Chinese responded by arresting dissidents before, during and after the visit. "President Clinton said proliferation would be high on his agenda [during the summit], and by testing this key component for a new long-range missile when they did, the Chinese have made clear their lack of respect for both the president and his message," the official said. This official does not believe China has "de-targeted" its long-range missiles away from U.S. cities despite its recent pledge. The CIA reported earlier this year that 13 of 18 CSS-4 missiles are targeted on U.S. cities. . . . "This is a very serious problem," said House Majority Leader Dick Armey.ÿÿThe majority leader said he has many questions about the Chinese missile program, including why the United States did not learn earlier about Beijing's weapons proliferation efforts, which he called "frightening," and how China acquired the technology to build missiles. "We have a lot of serious, very serious, questions," he said. The biggest question: "Does my grandson have to learn to duck and cover like I did when I was a boy?" Mr. Armey asked, referring to nuclear air-raid drills common in schools during the 1960s. More legacy stuff.