China seen unlikely to retaliate over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan: analyst

TAIPEI (AFX-ASIA) - Beijing looks unlikely to retaliate over the U.S. decision to sell a wide range of sophisticated weapons to Taiwan as economic development remains China's top priority at the moment, said Joseph Wu, deputy director of the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University.	    "For years, Taiwan and the U.S. have held talks about the island's desire for more advanced arms based on its defense needs around this time of the year.	    "Also for years, the mainland has been accustomed to lodging a protest to Washington following whatever decision it may have made on such arms sales."	    Washington's decision not to sell Aegis destroyers and more advanced Patriot missiles this year actually left Beijing in a difficult position as to whether it should come up with a response different from the past, he said.	    While the mainland is now fully devoted to developing its economy, it must fully realise its reliance on the U.S. for success, he said. 	    Among other issues, the mainland has its PNTR status in the U.S. and accession to the World Trade Organization to consider.	    "Whether Beijing will bring itself to (take steps) beyond some verbal attacks or even symbolic action is highly questionable." 

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