No way for `Taiwan Independence': Hong Kong Press

As Chen Shui-bian becomes the new leader of Taiwan, many newspapers in Hong Kong suggested Monday that people of Chinese origin should "listen to his words and watch his acts."

No matter who is elected in Taiwan, he must not pursue ``Taiwan Independence,'' and ``Taiwan independence'' will never be allowed by Chinese people, the papers, including Wen Hui Po, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and Ta Kung Pao, said in their main editorials.

The editorial of Wen Hui Po suggested that Taiwan ``president'' Lee Teng-hui's bias against James Soong, former secretary-general of the Kuomintang Party, led to separation of Kuomintang, and the failure in Saturday's ``presidential'' election. Lee is chairman of Kuomintang. In fact, Chen Shuibian, from the Democratic Progressive Party, got only 39 per cent of the votes.

It pointed out that election of Chen shui-bian, from the pro-independence DPP, will certainly arouse the vigilance and criticism from the Chinese mainland because of his pro-independence statements Chen made in the past as well as during the election.

The editorial stressed that Taiwan election is a provincial-level one. It will not change the fact that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Chinese government and people take a steadfast stand on this issue.

``In order to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chinese people are ready to shed blood to smash any schemes and acts of independence. Those who advocate Taiwan independence will not end well. They will make irreparable mistakes by undervaluing the resolution and power of Chinese people,'' the editorial said.

The headline of HK Commercial Daily's editorial is ``Eventual unification of the motherland, and day dream for Taiwan Independence. '' The article links Kuomintang's election loss to the voters' irritation of the Taiwan current authorities, and money-power of the local politics.

It also said Chen Shui-bian resorted to cunning strategy to win his ``presidency,'' by poking the smoke of ``seeking peace'' and developing ``water, air and mail'' communications with the mainland during election process, and concealing his intention of seeking independence.

``We have to wait and see whether Chen will carry out his slogan and live up to his promises,'' the editorial said.

It said the newly-elected leader should conform to people's wish, defend the peace and stability of Taiwan and strive for the development and prosperity of the region. ``Peace and development leave no room for indepence. Moreover, Beijing is ready to fight against any form of independence,'' it said.

Ta Kung Pao said in its commentary that just like ``when the snipe and the clam grapple, it's the fisherman who stand to benefit,'' Chen Shui-bian, the third party, benefits from the tussle.

Chen's election will certainly complicate the relations across the Taiwan Straits, it said.

Chen said he would try to improve across-Straits ties after elected and to achieve eternal peace with the mainland, the editorial said. However, improving ties must be based on the principle of ``one China.'' ``Is he willing to abandon his pro-independence stance?'' asked the commentary.

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