U.S. and Taiwan (2009)

U.S. Department of State

Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary

Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC
August 17, 2009

2:37p.m. EDT

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QUESTION: U.S. military is sending helicopter and plane to Taiwan to help with typhoon. So did you get any reaction from Chinese partner with that?

MR. CROWLEY: I'm not aware that we've had a particular reaction from the Chinese Government, but you are quite right that as we signaled on Friday that we were prepared to offer additional assistance to Taiwan in light of Typhoon Morako. In fact, the United States has delivered plastic sheeting for use in temporary shelters. That delivery happened yesterday. And today, there was a shipment of water purification supplies. U.S. helicopters, including heavy-lift helicopters, have arrived in Taiwan and will be supporting these relief efforts. And just to be clear, these are U.S. helicopters and they are piloted by U.S. crew.

David.

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QUESTION: A quick follow-up on Taiwan. I mean, was China informed or be consulted with before sending U.S. troop into Taiwan? Was Chinese Government informed of or been consulted with before sending U.S. troop into Taiwan?

MR. CROWLEY: I don't believe that we felt it was necessary to inform China in advance. Obviously, this is a serious humanitarian situation that Taiwan is facing. We've provided this kind of support in the past and are happy to be able to do it this time as well.

Yes.

QUESTION: Chinese Six-Party Talks envoy Wu Dawei visited North Korea on Monday. Did China inform you about his visiting? Do you have any comment on that?

MR. CROWLEY: I'm not aware of that.

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(The briefing was concluded at 3:08)