31.   Thus, compiling a list of companies that may still have unofficial ties with the military is difficult and time-consuming, Pentagon officials said.

32.   Washington, which recognizes Beijing, maintains close unofficial ties with Taiwan and is bound by law to give Taiwan a credible defense against China.

33.   Both the United Evening News and China Times Express earlier said Chang would visit some countries in the Middle East to consolidate unofficial ties with the region.

34.   Both the United Evening News and China Times Express said Chang would visit some countries in the Middle East to consolidate unofficial ties with the region.

35.   But Taiwan has invested heavily in gaining international recognition and because of its economic power most countries maintain strong unofficial ties.

36.   Chang said earlier Monday that unofficial ties with Russia had been upgraded and that an air agreement was to be finalized early next year.

37.   Several senior Taiwanese officials will also be making foreign visits to promote unofficial bilateral ties in coming days.

38.   Taiwan Foreign Minister John Chang said earlier Monday that unofficial ties with Russia had been upgraded and that an air agreement was to be finalized early next year.

39.   Taiwan has since been striving to step up its strong unofficial ties and getting its head of state to the summit would represent an important breakthrough.

40.   Tang Shubei, vice chairman of Chinese body that handles unofficial ties with Taiwan, made the announcement at a press conference in Beijing, Taiwanese television reported.