Clinton Nixes Taiwan Destroyer Sales

President Clinton, backed by his senior advisers, decided Monday against the sale of four Aegis destroyers to Taiwan but approved sale of long-range radar designed to detect missile launches, a senior U.S. official said.

Clinton, in California on a tour of impoverished communities, acted on the recommendation of top advisers who met earlier in the day at the White House, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon had recommended that the administration put off Taiwan's request to buy new weapons, including the destroyers, submarines and anti-submarine aircraft, in order to avoid angering China, which views Taiwan as a rebellious province.

The decision could touch off a fight with Congress, where support for Taiwan and its growing democratic trends is strong, especially in light of menacing gestures by Beijing toward the island.

Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., said the Pentagon was succumbing to pressure from the State Department and the White House "to sacrifice Taiwan's security in order to appease the dictators in Beijing."

Helms, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement: "There is, quite simply, no military justification to deny Taiwan these crucial defensive items. These denials are driven by knee-jerk appeasement on the part of the White House and State Department."

A showdown between the White House and Congress could develop over legislation backed by Taiwan supporters to strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese military ties.

"The politicized handling of Taiwan's defense request and the utter failure of this administration to consult with Congress is a clear demonstration why the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act is so urgently needed," Helms said.

Administration officials have said they would recommend a presidential veto if Congress tries to force the sale of arms to Taiwan.

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., took steps last week to push the bill to a floor vote by the end of the month.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., immediately imposed a "hold" on the measure that could block Lott's efforts.

Baucus is a leader in a drive to grant China permanent trade benefits.