*EPF403 07/15/2004
White House Report, July 15: Philippines, China, Olympics
(Philippine troop withdrawal from Iraq, U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, U.S. delegation to Olympics) (570)

PHILIPPINE TROOP WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ DISAPPOINTING

"Despite the Philippines' early removal of troops from Iraq, the United States will continue to work together with them on shared priorities," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters July 15.

"There are a lot of issues that we work closely with the Philippines on, and we will continue to work together on our shared priorities," he said, "We certainly have worked together in the war on terrorism in a number of areas."

McClellan expressed disappointment over the Philippine decision, saying it is "a decision that sends the wrong signal to terrorists. You cannot negotiate with terrorists or make a separate peace with terrorists."

According to news reports, the Philippines began withdrawal of its troops July 14 by removing eight members from Iraq after the terrorist group extended a deadline for Philippine action on the group's demands.

Many countries have been faced with similar kidnapping threats, but the Philippines is the first nation to remove troops based on these terrorist demands.

"The international community by and large recognizes the importance of confronting and defeating these terrorists," McClellan said.

The spokesman said that the United States appreciates "commitment from many of the coalition partners who have troops in Iraq and are helping the Iraqi people to strengthen their security forces."

McClellan called attention to the unanimously approved U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed Iraq's interim government, as well as NATO's commitment to help train Iraqi security forces.

U.S. TO CONTINUE WEAPONS SALES TO TAIWAN

McClellan told reporters that there has been no change in U.S. policy regarding China and Taiwan, despite recent complaints by Chinese leaders about U.S. military assistance to Taiwan.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice met with Chinese officials July 8. At that time, the officials urged the United States to discontinue the sale of advanced weapons to Taiwan.

According to reports, China has said that the only way for Chinese-U.S. relations to improve is for the United States to halt military aid to Taiwan.

U.S. officials have rejected the recent Chinese request, saying that the United States is adhering to the procedures outlined by the Taiwan Relations Act. Under the act, the United States acknowledges that Taiwan is part of China but also promises to provide weapons to help Taiwan defend itself if its security is threatened.

"In terms of our policy and our position, it remains what it has been," he said, "We continue to support the one China policy, we continue to support the three communiqués, and we continue to support the Taiwan Relations Act. We have said that we do not support an independence for Taiwan, and our position remains the same on these issues."

BUSH ANNOUNCES DELEGATION TO OLYMPIC GAMES

President Bush announced July 15 the U.S. presidential delegation to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Former President George H. W. Bush will lead the delegation to the games, scheduled to begin August 13. Members of the delegation will include former first lady Barbara Bush, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller, NFL San Diego Chargers owner Alex Spanos and his wife Faye Spanos, tennis champion Chris Evert, and President Bush's daughters, Barbara and Jenna Bush.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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