Taken Questions
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 17, 2001
Question taken at the April 17, 2001 Press Briefing

Taiwan - Interagency Process On Arms Sales

QUESTION: Is there a date set for Secretary Powell to send a recommendation to the White House regarding the Taiwan arms issue?

ANSWER: Pursuant to our obligations under the Taiwan relations act, we "make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability."

Our decisions regarding arms sales to Taiwan are the result of an extensive process of interagency consultations as well as consultations with Taiwan and the congress.

We do not discuss the details of this process, except to note that the consultations are ongoing and are taking place at a high level.

There are no legally mandated dates for this process.

[end]

Released on April 17, 2001

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