NO TIT FOR TAT: Some legislators were upset that the visit to
Kaohsiung was allowed after Singapore just recently denied similar
access to Taiwanese naval ships
By Rich Chang
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Apr 16, 2005,Page 4
Advertising Two Singaporean warship arrived at Kaohsiung's civil
port on Thursday evening amid criticism from legislators over
allowing the visit after Singapore recently refused to permit a
stop by Taiwanese naval vessels during their global tour.
"The Ministry of National Defense should be criticized," said
Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Legislator Ho Min-hao (½q)
"Singapore last month suddenly rejected Taiwanese navy vessels'
proposed stop. But the ministry let two Singaporean ships
conspicuously berth at Kaohsiung's civil port."
He added that Minister of Defense Lee Jye () previously told
the legislature that the snubbing of Taiwan's ships would have an
influence on Taiwan-Singapore relations, but that yesterday's port
stop showed that there had been few consequences.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lu Hsiu-yen (á¸G)
said "the ministry spoke tough, but acted weak. The Ministry should
have taken Taiwan's dignity into consideration."
But Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Wen-chung
(¶) said that there are two approaches to dealing with
Singapore's snub.
Two Singaporean warships anchor in Kaohsiung yesterday.
PHOTO: CHANG CHUNH-YI, TAIPEI TIMES
"One is to react, and another is to consider China's pressure on
Singapore, and treat it in a friendly manner," Lee said. "I
personally prefer the second approach."
Hu Chen-pu (ÓÁ¼), Political Warfare Department director-general,
said military exchanges with foreign countries should be keep
secret or low-profile. He declined to reveal details about the
Singaporean ships' visit and the upcoming Taiwan-Singapore joint
military drill.
The two Singaporean ships presence at Kaohsiung's civil port,
rather than Tsoying navy port nearby has attracted the attention of
local media.
A ministry of defense official who requested anonymity said
yesterday that a Taiwanese motorized infantry battalion and a
Singaporean brigade will conduct a joint drill named Operation High
Noon later this month, as part of the Han Chung No. 21 military
exercise.
According to the Liberty Times, a Singaporean civilian vessel has
sent military personal and weapons including tanks to Kaohsiung in
preparation for the military drill.
The two Singaporean vessels will also operate with the navy during
the drill, the newspaper said.
Singapore has had military ties with Taiwan for several decades.
The two countries' military co-operation program is known as
Operation Hsing Kuang (Starlight). According to the program, Taiwan
provides training venues for Singaporean artillery, armored
vehicles and infantry units.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/16/2003250673
