Chen's 'Taiwan Road' a Dead End

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, August 06, 2002

Chen's 'Taiwan Road' a Dead End

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While speaking on Saturday at the annual meeting of the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations, known as a group of pro-Taiwan-Independence activists, Taiwan "president" Chen Shui-bian reiterated his thoughts about going down a so-called "Taiwan road."

He denied Taiwan was part of China, preaching that the two sides of the Straits were two equal sovereign states, with "one country on each side" of the Taiwan Straits.

He also called for legislation on a referendum to decide the future of the island in an effort to separate China.

Chen's remarks followed his recent rhetoric about considering "whether to walk down our own road, our Taiwan road, towards our own future" if Taiwan was not able to obtain Beijing's "corresponding response" to its so-called "good will and sincerity."

Chen first made such remarks during his inaugural speech on July 21 when he assumed the chairmanship of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). He broached the issue again on July 29 while speaking to a group of entrepreneurs.

Obviously, what Chen hinted in his vague expression of "Taiwan road" was actually a path towards "Taiwan independence."

This can be further identified by his August 3 remarks, which are also regarded by many observers as a breakthrough from adopting a covert independence policy to an overt one.

Chen's remarks, though welcomed by Taiwan's separatists as another version of his predecessor Lee Teng-hui's "two states" theory, were slammed by Taiwan's main opposition parties as well as experts and people on both sides of the Straits.

It was irresponsible and outright defiance to all Chinese people, including the Taiwan compatriots, and against the internationally acknowledged one-China principle.

It will seriously sabotage the cross-Straits relations and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chen's suggestion of a referendum also drew criticism as it turned his back on an election promise.

Before becoming Taiwan's leader Chen pledged not to declare independence, not to change the name of Taiwan, not to push for inclusion of the "two states" description in the constitution, not to promote a referendum about independence or reunification and not to abolish the National Unification Council and the Guidelines for National Unification.

In fact, since taking office in 2000, Chen has been leading Taiwan towards gradual independence by promoting the "de-sinification" movement, which has greatly harmed the cross-Straits relations.

However, Chen has also realized that the majority of Taiwan's public would not support Taiwan independence as it would have a negative impact on their interests by provoking a strong reaction from the mainland.

He is under pressure from Taiwan's public and business circles who are demanding immediate realization of three direct links.

Considering the coming mayoral election in Taiwan, Chen had to stage a political show by saying a lifting of the half-century ban on the three direct links was inevitable.

The mainland has often expressed its sincerity to improve cross-Straits relations.

On the issue of three direct links, considering the immediate interests of the people of both sides, Beijing even said the political meaning of "one-China" could be put aside as long as the opening of three direct links was treated as an internal affair.

The mainland side, having made full preparations, has been very clear that the three links were purely an economic issue - it is closely related to the immediate interests of the people across the Straits and should not be disturbed by political factors.

It could be realized in a short period of time through non-governmental negotiations.

Nevertheless, Chen only paid lip service to the three direct links issue and turned a blind eye to Beijing's positive response.

He even attempts to cheat the Taiwan public by deliberately distorting the facts and reproaching the mainland for "failing" to respond to his "sincerity."

Chen's threat of going down a "Taiwan road" shows he has not deviated from his fundamental stance of seeking "Taiwan independence." His August 3 remarks further disclosed his determination to lead Taiwan on a road towards "independence."

At a time when the issue of three direct links became a heated topic in cross-Straits relations, fearing economic integration with the mainland could undermine his political ambition of separating Taiwan from the motherland, Chen scuttled the process by advocating "south-bound policy," which urged Taiwanese businessmen to diversify their investments and consider Southeast Asia as a market.

Therefore, there is no doubt the current Taiwan leadership is not acting in the interests of the Taiwan public because of its political ambition.

As James Soong, chairman of Taiwan's opposition People First Party, said, Chen's strong pro-independence remarks would bring instability to the Taiwan people and make them feel worried about Taiwan's future.

Since it is against the fundamental interests of the whole of China, in particular the people in Taiwan, the "Taiwan road" is doomed to be a dead end which would only affect the economy of Taiwan, harm the fundamental interests of its residents and lead its 23 million people into the abyss of disaster instead of stability and prosperity.

According to the Taiwan Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, China's consistent policy is to oppose Taiwan independence and fulfil the goal of China's reunification.

None is allowed to separate Taiwan from China in any form. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of China cannot be separated.

Splinter forces in Taiwan should not misjudge the situation - it is time for them to stop playing with fire.

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