51.   Since last fall, North Korea has been observing a moratorium on long-range missile tests.

52.   Some observers said the missile tests were an effort by President Jiang Zemin to prove that China is not making empty threats about its intentions if Taiwan declares independence.

53.   South Korea remains committed to improving relations with the North and sees the missile test as underlining the dangers of keeping North Korea isolated.

54.   Taiwan stocks fell for the second day after China yesterday said it will conduct missile tests near the island starting Friday.

55.   Such efforts would be stopped short by a missile test.

56.   Taiwan stocks are likely to fall after China said it will begin a week of missile tests on Thursday.

57.   Taiwan stocks fell after China said it will begin a week of missile tests on Friday.

58.   Taiwan shares rose after four days of declines, as government buying of shares offset investor fears China is scheduled to start missile tests tomorrow.

59.   Taiwan stocks fell after China yesterday said it will conduct missile tests near the island starting Friday.

60.   That leaves open the possibility for Bush to amend the ABM treaty to allow missile tests instead of abrogating it entirely.