U.S. to drop annual review of Taiwan's defence needs: Bush

WASHINGTON (AFX-ASIA) - The United States will scrap the annual review of arms sales to Taiwan, begun in 1982 to provide the island with the means to defend itself from China, President George W Bush told the Washington Post in an interview.          Bush, who described this week's arms sale to Taiwan as "the right package for this moment," said "we have made it clear to the Taiwanese that we will not have this so-called annual review -- that we will meet on an as-needed basis."          He also reiterated his belief that China is a "strategic competitor" with whom the United States has areas of agreement and disagreement.          Bush said he did not view China as an enemy and "felt like the China relationship is maturing."          Earlier, however, in an interview with ABC television, Bush defended the weapons sale to Taiwan, saying the United States would do "whatever it took" to help Taiwan defend itself.          Bush was asked if he believed the United States has an obligation to defend Taiwan, and replied: "Yes, we do. And the Chinese must understand that.

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