Posted on 03/30/2004 4:44:02 PM PST by jerseygirl
MARCH 31, 2004
Taiwan President rejects China's 'one country, two systems' formula
Chen vows to create new Constitution
TAIPEI
President Chen Shui-bian vowed to go forward with plans to write a new Constitution for Taiwan within two years, a move China has said could compel it to seize the island by force.
In his first interview since his re-election on March 20, Mr Chen also said China's 'one country, two systems' formula would never be accepted by Taiwan - a 'sovereign country' governed by a president - since it could not even work well in Hong Kong, which is only under a chief executive.
'The fundamental reason I won this presidential election is because there is a rising Taiwan identity and it has been solidified,' Mr Chen said.
'I think the Beijing authorities should take heed of this fact and accept the reality.'
Mr Chen's remarks signalled his refusal to commence cross-strait negotiations under Beijing's terms although his approach has created a deep division in Taiwanese society and caused unease in Washington.
The Chinese government claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has threatened to seize it by force if it formally declares independence. It has said a new Constitution could amount to such a declaration.
But Mr Chen said a new Constitution would have nothing to do with Taiwan's independence.
Instead, he said, it would aim to deepen democratic reforms and improve governance by lowering the voting age, adding new human rights guarantees, reducing the size of the legislature and settling other disputes that have left the island's government gridlocked.
The 54-year-old lawyer attributed the increase in his voter support to 50.1 per cent from about 39 per cent in 2000 to a growing sense among Taiwanese that they are citizens of a new nation distinct from China.
'In Taiwan, we have full democracy, and our freedom and democracy are fully protected,' he said. 'We do not wish to return to the era of authoritarianism. We don't want our freedoms to be restricted or taken away.'
'For the 23 million people of Taiwan, this is the greatest warning, and also the clearest signal. 'One country, two systems' is totally unattractive to the Taiwan people,' he added, referring to the formula under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and which Beijing says Taiwan must eventually accept.
Mr Chen said he would continue to reject Beijing's 'one China' principle in his second term because 'one China' is defined as the People's Republic of China with Taiwan relegated as a local government, 'which is totally unacceptable to our people'.
But Mr Chen also said he wanted to set aside his differences with China on Taiwan's status and begin negotiations to improve cross-strait relations, including establishing political ties, opening direct air and shipping links and reducing military tensions.
Asked how he would address China's build-up of missiles and other military capabilities aimed at Taiwan, Mr Chen said he would continue to strengthen Taiwan's military and expand its defence and 'counter-strike' forces.
But he said he would not be drawn into an expensive arms race with China.
In response, China yesterday accused Mr Chen of making 'separatist' comments.
'Once again, Chen Shui-bian has campaigned shamelessly for separatism and independence for Taiwan,' a statement by the Taiwan Affairs Office said.
'Without any shadow of a doubt, he has indicated that he will continue to promote this theory of independence, and he stubbornly defends his stance of separating Taiwan from China.' -- Washington Post, AFP
straitstimes.asia1.com.sg...9,00.html.
He'd better be careful, though, to pick his timing at a point where the US is less overextended. Not sure we have the guns to stop the Chicoms now with war in the middle east. If he forces us to choose between Iraq and Taiwan, he loses.
Not if they incite China. I do not think we would have the political and the moral authority if Taiwan goes off the reservation.
Not if they incite China. I do not think we would have the political and the moral authority if Taiwan goes off the reservation.
It's all in the definition of "incite", and who is in the Oval Office. If the ChiComs launch first, and President Bush is around, I would think we defend Taiwan. Otherwise, stick the fork in Taipei, it's BBQ.
Recent polling indicates that the trend toward independence is growing steadily.
This situation is bound to erupt soon. The numbers are beginning to bear this out, but the question is how far will we go to protect them.
Our policy is and has been "a one China" policy, but our treaties don't seem to go that far. Our treaties would be enforceable in any case.IMO
I think we would posture and get involved but how far, I don't want to speculate.
I do not think the political will is there at this time. It could be and should be of major concern however and it needs to be talked about.
We have two years to prepare if we start now. That is the warning.................
I see this as a two year warning.
We have time to develop some support.
If it were to happen right now, we would intervene but for how long and at what cost?
In two years the picture may be different if we prepare politically.
I recall other treaties made long ago with small Asian countries that cost thousands of American lives and was never enforced.
I am afraid that many would view it that way.
Let's hope we have time to prepare and that we use that time to do so if we want to save them.
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