Gates moots possible US-China clash over Taiwan

US President George Bush’s choice to replace Donald Rumsfeld as defence secretary says China wants to peacefully take over rival Taiwan, but is boosting its military force in case of a war with the island.

Robert Gates, a former CIA director, said in written testimony submitted to the US Congress that the US must monitor China’s huge military growth, stand ready “to resist China’s use of force or coercion against Taiwan and assist Taipei in maintaining its self-defense.”