WASHINGTON — President Bush suspended all U.S. military sales to China on Monday to protest the Chinese army's violent suppression of the pro-democracy movement.
"It is very important the Chinese leaders know it's not going to be business as usual," Bush declared in a press conference announcing his decision.
Bush's action, which also included a suspension of visits between U.S. and Chinese military leaders, won immediate praise across the political spectrum in Congress, where it was generally viewed as a sufficient response for the current situation.
$600 Million in Arms
The sales halt will affect more than $600 million in arms ordered by China from the U.S. government, as well as commercial military sales of an undetermined value, U.S. officials said.
"The United States cannot condone the violent attacks and cannot ignore the consequences for our relationship with China, which has been built on a foundation of broad support by the American people," Bush said.
However, he added, "this is not the time for an emotional response, but for a reasoned, careful action that takes into account both our long-term interests and recognition of a complex internal situation in China."
Bush seemed to have been moved by accounts of a Chinese man who halted a column of 10 tanks and 10 armored personnel carriers Monday near Tian An Men Square. He stood in front of the lead tank, climbed up on it and talked to someone inside, then climbed down and walked away.
Overcoming Repression
Referring to the incident, the President told reporters, "I believe the forces of democracy are so powerful, and when you see them, as recently as this morning--a single student standing in front of a tank, and then, I might add, seeing the tank driver exercise restraint--I'm convinced that the forces of democracy are going to overcome these unfortunate events in Tian An Men Square."
The President's move to suspend military sales was designed to take concrete, punitive action against the Chinese government for killing hundreds--and perhaps thousands--of Chinese students in breaking up pro-democracy demonstrations, while avoiding sweeping sanctions that would wipe out the last decade's improvements in Sino-American relations.
Stronger action that might harm the Chinese people or "the relationship he has worked so long on" with the nation would be counterproductive, an Administration official said.
In addition to the punitive action, Bush pledged a "sympathetic review of requests by Chinese students in the United States to extend their stay." There are approximately 40,000 Chinese students in this country.
He offered Red Cross "humanitarian and medical assistance" to those injured in the violence over the weekend, which he said was conducted by "elements of the Chinese army . . . brutally suppressing popular and peaceful demonstrations."
Bush did not rule out taking stronger measures in the future, which could include trade sanctions or even a suspension of diplomatic relations. He said he would review "other aspects of our bilateral relationship as events in China continue to unfold."
Meets Congressional Leaders
After congressional leaders met with Bush at the White House, Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the imposition of economic sanctions "was left open depending on how the Chinese behave."
The military sales order followed a Bush statement Saturday deploring the Chinese military's use of tanks, armored personnel carriers and automatic weapons fire to rout the student demonstrators. As reports of the bloody confrontation emerged, members of Congress began pressing for immediate, concrete action to back up the rhetoric.
"I support 100% the words and the deeds of the President of the United States," said Sen. Alan Cranston (D-Calif.), a frequent critic of Bush's policies, after the announcement. "I think he's shown knowledge, judgment, firmness and appropriate restraint. . . . I don't think President Bush should do anything else immediately."
Helms Seeks Stronger Curbs
Other lawmakers echoed that assessment, but conservative Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) said he believes the Administration should go further. He announced that he would offer legislation today that would cut off all trade, investment and financial dealings between the United States and China unless the Chinese government halts its use of violence to quell the protests.
"You cannot deal with rattlesnakes, and you cannot deal with Communist governments," said Helms. "There is no such thing as a moderate Communist government. They are all rattlesnakes and they will turn around and bite you when the occasion arises."
Since 1984, when then-President Ronald Reagan agreed for the first time to allow cash sales of American military hardware to China, four transactions have been approved, according to Pentagon officials. They are:
