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Updated Thursday, December 9, 2010 11:35 am TWN, CNA

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US reaffirms commitment to Taiwan defense needs

WASHINGTON -- United States Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg reaffirmed Tuesday Washington's commitment to help Taiwan meet its defense needs while at the same time calling for continued dialogue across the Taiwan Strait.

Steinberg stressed that promoting cross-strait stability remained a policy of the United States.

“We continue to believe that appropriate defensive arms sales to Taiwan gives Taiwan the confidence to engage the mainland,” Steinbergsaid in a speech on the future of the U.S.-China relationship at the Center for American Progress.

He said Washington was encouraged by the positive steps that have been taken between Taiwan and China and urged the two sides to continue to take steps to build trust to contribute to regional stability.

In particular, he said, China's decision to support Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly was an encouraging development.

Washington believes there are other opportunities for Taipei and Beijing to work together in places where statehood is not required for membership, such as climate change issues, he added.

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