'Each Side Is a Country' Theory Will Push Cross-Strait Relations to Crisis

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, August 09, 2002

'Each Side Is a Country' Theory Will Push Cross-Strait Relations to Crisis

A signed article published in the September issue of the "Cross-Strait Relation" magazine refutes Chen Shui-bian's recent words and deeds intended for "Taiwan independence", pointing out that this theory will once again push cross-Strait relations to the crisis of tension and confrontation.

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A String of Clumsy Farces Intended for "Taiwan Independence"

This signed article entitled "He Who Plays with Fire Is Sure to Get Burned" says that recently, Chen Shui-bian, the leader of Taiwan authorities, has staged a series of clumsy farces intended for splitting the motherland by pursuing "Taiwan independence".

The farce reached a climax on August 3. At the "29th annual meeting of the World Taiwan Fellow Townsmen Federation" held in Tokyo, Japan, Chen Shui-bian delivered a televised speech, flagrantly dishing out his absurdity " 'each side (of the Taiwan Straits) is a country", advertising the need to decide "Taiwan's future, fate and status quo" by the method of "referendum".

This is the first time Chen Shui-bian formally, openly and clearly distorted cross-Strait relations into "each side is a country" since he took office two years ago. Chen finally tore off the veil that hides his statement "Si bu's and yi meiyou" (I will not declare independence, I will not change the national title, I will not push forth the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state" description in the constitution, and I will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regard to the question of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of the National Reunification Council or the National Reunification Guidelines will not be an issue), thus laying bare his political features of plotting to split the motherland by pursuing "Taiwan independence".

The article points out that as we review Chen's words and deeds made since he came to power two years ago, we can see more clearly that on the major question concerning cross-Strait relations, he has not for a moment given up his soft tactic and stiff resistance toward the mainland, carried out in the process from obstinately clinging to the allegation-- "Taiwan is a sovereign independent state" and refusing to acknowledge that "the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China", to his denial of the "consensus reached in 1992", thus undermining the existing foundation for cross-Strait consultations; from vigorously pushing his "transit diplomacy" and echoing foreign anti-China forces' "China threat theory", to deliberately sabotaging the Asia-Pacific economic cooperation meeting in Shanghai and making troubles; and from scheming "gradual Taiwan independence" to his brazen expression of support for the extreme "Taiwan independence" forces.

Numerous facts have proved that he has no mood for negotiation, but sets his mind on confrontation; and that he has no intention for relaxation, but is bent on separation. After he served concurrently as DDP chairman, he thought himself to be full-fledged, misjudged the international situation and the general trend of cross-Strait relations, jumped out in haste as Lee Teng-hui did years ago, he shouted himself hoarse in trumpeting "taking his own road, following the Taiwan road leading to Taiwan's future", he asserted that "each side (of the Taiwan Straits) is a country" and incited "thinking of the importance and urgency of referendum and legislation", thus pushing cross-Strait relations once again to the crisis of tension and confrontation.

"Sincerity" and "Good Will" Are Lies

The article says that since he assumed office, Chen Shui-bian has professed everywhere and on many occasions that he had "good will" toward the mainland and "sincerity" in developing cross-Strait relations, but now the farce he staged has completely belied the "sincerity" and "good will" he paraded and has drawn out his "Taiwan independence" machete hidden under the "peace olive branch", revealing his ferocious features, diehard "Taiwan independence" elements have therefore flocked to cheer him.

We can see the confrontation with the mainland provoked by Chen Shui-bian is a more naked and more serious divisive act taken by the leader of Taiwan authorities following the so-called "two states" theory published by Lee Teng-hui in 1999 to split the motherland. Facts have again proved that the separatist activities carried out by "Taiwan independence" forces pose the greatest threat to peace and stability of cross-Strait relations, as well as a destructive factor affecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The article stresses the need to point out that the "popular will" signboard put up by Chen Shui-bian, with the "popular will" as the fig leaf of the farce designed to split the motherland, still has certain duplicity. This political trickery exposes from another aspect that the "Taiwan independence" divisive forces, in order to meet their private interests, unscrupulously take Taiwan people's wellbeing as the stake of their political life.

As everybody knows that the desire for peace, stability and development and hope for improving and developing cross-Strait relations are the mainstream popular will of Taiwan. When Chen Shui-bian, disregarding popular will, advocates "Taiwan independence" and imposes the plot of a tiny handful of diehard "Taiwan independence" elements upon the broad masses of the Taiwan people, what is affected is the Taiwan economy and what is harmed are the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots.

This point can be proved by the sharp drop of Taiwan's stock market on August 4, a repetition of the phenomenon during the period of Lee Teng-hui's "two states" theory, which led to a market value loss of nearly 500 billion new Taiwan dollars. We believe that the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots can discern these facts, reject "Taiwan independence" forces' incitement, agitation and demagogy, will not be used by "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and will see through Chen Shui-bian's separatist features and oppose his splittist actions.

"Taiwan independence" Can Only Lead Taiwan to Disaster

This signed article says it is necessary to point out that after Chen Shui-bian took office, the Chinese mainland has made a series of practical efforts in order to stabilize and improve cross-Strait relations, and has displayed a high degree of sincerity and good intention to strengthen cross-Strait economic cooperation, folk interchange and promotion of realization of "three direct links" of mail, trade and air and shipping services. The Chinese mainland's actions have fully indicated its adherence to the principle of peaceful reunification and its principled stand on safeguarding the fundamental interests of the compatriots between the two sides of the Straits.

Meanwhile, precisely because there is the existence of the "Taiwan independence" splitting forces, the increasingly rampant "Taiwan independence" activities, the Chinese mainland must firmly and unshakably adhere to the one-China principle, defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity from being divided and cannot promise to renounce the use of forces.

We do not want confrontation, but we fear no provocation. Our struggle waged against separation and against "Taiwan independence" in 1995 and our struggle against the "two states" theory in 1999 fully show that the Chinese mainland absolutely will not sit by idly and remain indifferent to any provocation by "Taiwan independence" forces and absolutely will not allow anybody to separate Taiwan from China by any means.

If Taiwan splitting forces should dare to take further "Taiwan independence" separatist action, it could only lead Taiwan to disaster. We believe that in the face of the staunch will of the 1.3 billion sons and daughters of China to defend State sovereignty and territorial integrity and in the face of the 23 million Taiwan compatriots' desire for peace, stability and development, any words and deeds designed to split the country and nation will not succeed.

Finally, the article says He who plays with fire is sure to get burned. Of course, there is a way for Chen to extricate himself from predicament, and that is retracting the "each side is a country" separatist fallacy as soon as possible and stopping all sorts of acts that boost so-called "referendum".

By People's Daily Online

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