Official: 2 U.S. carriers to stay near Taiwan

[unhappycamper]

Nimitz eyeing smooth transition
Could be in Taiwan Strait until mid-May


Official: 2 U.S. carriers to stay near Taiwan
Kyodo News Service
Posted : Thursday Apr 10, 2008 6:39:49 EDT

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Two U.S. aircraft carriers will remain deployed in waters near Taiwan to ensure a smooth transition of government in Taipei amid heightened regional tensions, Taiwan Defense Minister Michael Tsai said Wednesday.

Tsai told a parliamentary session that the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz will stay in the “Western Pacific” near Taiwan after deploying here since shortly before the island’s March 22 presidential election.

“The deployments have their strategic significance,” Tsai told lawmakers, citing what he said was the U.S. Pacific Command’s position that “the period between March 22 and May 20 is an uncertain time for the Taiwan Strait.”

Taiwan’s President-elect Ma Ying-jeou will be inaugurated May 20.

Although Ma campaigned largely on vows to improve cross-strait ties, presidential elections and transitions of government on Taiwan are traditionally sensitive periods in the strait.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/04/kyo_taiwan_040908/