Senate conservatives call Reagan Taiwan deal illegal

September 28, 1982

The State Department Monday disputed charges President Reagan acted illegally in promising China a reduction in US arms sales to Taiwan.

Responding to the charges by Senate conservatives, State Department legal adviser Davis Robinson said Mr. Reagan had ''full constitutional authority'' for the agreement last month. The Senate conservatives said the agreement appeared to violate previous congressional commitments to Taiwan's security, such as the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.