HONOLULU -- The new commander of American forces in Asia and the Pacific, Adm. William J. Fallon, has begun making subtle but distinctive changes in his command's endeavor to keep the peace between Taiwan and China, widely considered to be potentially the most explosive conflict in Asia.
Military officers who asked not to be named because of the sensitivities in Taipei, Beijing and Washington said the admiral has quietly encouraged Taiwan to strengthen its defenses with increased spending, a better command structure, and defensive missiles, mines and helicopters. He has urged Taipei to forgo high-tech weapons that could be employed in offensive operations.
The officers, noting that Fallon had recently made his first trip to China, said he sought to deter China by reminding Chinese leaders that the United States had the capability and resolve to help defend Taiwan. He tried to balance that by proposing new exchanges, inviting Chinese officers to observe U.S. military exercises and having American officers make reciprocal visits to China.