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I don't like the implications of this one:
Do you folks think it should go on a topic where others will more likely see it?

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?