Taiwan's Chen Urged to Take "Substantial Steps"Vice Premier Qian Qichen has called on the new leader of Taiwan region to take substantial steps, instead of merely making gestures, to win trust from others.Qian made the call in Beijing on April 6 while delivering a report to a group of officials from central departments of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC municipal committee of Beijing, and the General Political Department of the People's Liberation Army. In his speech, Qian analyzed the current situation in Taiwan and cross-Straits relations, criticized the impact of Lee Teng-hui 's "two-state" remarks, exposed the nature and plots of the separatist forces in Taiwan, and reiterated the consistent principles and positions of the CPC and the central government on the Taiwan issue. After Taiwan elected its new leader, the Taiwan affairs offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued an announcement spelling out the basic stance of the central government, and stressing the need to watch how Taiwan's new leader will act and hear what he will say, in order to see what he will do on the issue of cross-Straits relations, the vice premier said. President Jiang Zemin said not long ago that whoever is in power in Taiwan is welcome to visit the mainland, and that central government leaders could also visit Taiwan, according to Qian. But there must be a premise for talks, namely recognition of the One-China Principle, he said, emphasizing that under this premise, everything can be negotiable. "We would like to get a complete response to the issue," Qian said, "as a complete response is very important, and other things are less important." Qian reiterated that the change of leadership in Taiwan region will by no means bring any change to the status of Taiwan as part of China. Currently, he noted, the majority of countries in the world adhere to the One-China Principle and have promised to handle their relations with Taiwan within the framework of one China. "Taiwan independence" has no room in the world and most Taiwan compatriots do not accept the prospect of "Taiwan independence" and a turbulent cross-Straits relationship, Qian said. He reiterated the central government's positions of adhering to the One-China Principle, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence", and making no promise to renounce the use of force. "Taiwan independence" forces will come to no good, he stressed. The central government will absolutely make no compromise on important issues concerning adherence to the One-China Principle and safeguarding state sovereignty and territorial integrity, Qian said, adding, "We are determined to, and confident and capable of reaching a final resolution on the Taiwan issue, to realize the complete reunification of the motherland." |
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