Campbell why taiwan matters

Proper methods for solving problems will be found as long as the two organizations observe the spirit of mutual respect, consult on equal footing, seek truth from facts, and seek common ground while reserving differences. Taiwan Koo Chen-fu : There exist not only the same geographical, historical, and cultural origins between the two sides, but also a "blood is thicker than water" sentiment shared by our people.

President Lee Teng-hui's proclamation that: " Taiwan 's relationship with the entire Chinese people cannot be severed" could not have said it more clearly. Taiwan: The subjects discussed in the Koo-Wang Talks were planned by the government in accord with the goals of the short-term phase in the Guidelines for National Unification The Koo-Wang Talks were obviously in no way political During the talks, SEF delegates steadfastly upheld the principle of parity in such matters as meeting procedures, conference site, seating, as well as the topics and scope of discussion.

This made it impossible for the other side to slight the fact that the ROC is an equal political entity. Both the ROC government and the Chinese communists exercise political authority in the areas under their de facto control.

Each is entitled to represent the residents of the territory under its de facto control and to participate in the activities of the international community It is now the fixed policy and goal of the government and the opposition parties in the ROC to participate in the United Nations There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China , and the seat of China 's central government is in Beijing.

This is a universally recognized fact as well as the premise for a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question. The Chinese government is firmly against any words or deeds designed to split China 's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It opposes "two Chinas," "one China , one Taiwan ," "one country, two governments," or any attempt or act that could lead to "independence of Taiwan. Taiwan 's status as an inalienable part of China has been determined and cannot be changed.

Peaceful unification is a set policy of the Chinese Government. However, any sovereign state is entitled to use any means it deems necessary, including military ones, to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese Government is under no obligation to undertake any commitment to any foreign power or people intending to split China as to what means it might use to handle its own domestic affairs. It should be pointed out that the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China and bears no analogy to the cases of Germany and Korea which were brought about as a result of international accords at the end of the Second World War.

It is an incontrovertible historical fact that the ROC has always been an independent sovereign state in the international community since its founding in However, relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not those between two separate countries, neither are they purely domestic in nature. In order to ensure that cross-strait relations develop toward benign interaction, the ROC government has formulated the concept of a "political entity" to serve as the basis of interaction between the two sides.

The term "political entity" has extensive meaning, it can refer to a country, a government, or a political organization. At the current stage of cross-Strait interaction, only when we set aside the "sovereignty dispute" will we untie the knots that have bound us for more than the past 40 years and progress smoothly toward unification As for their relationship with each other, it is that of two separate areas of one China and is therefore "domestic" or "Chinese" in nature The ROC Government takes "one China , two equal political entities" as the structure for handling cross-strait relations and hopes that cross-strait relations will develop in the direction of being peaceful, pragmatic, and sensible.

What the CPC authorities should give urgent consideration to is how, given the fact that the country is divided under two separate governments, we can actively create favorable conditions for unification and gradually bring the two different "political entities" together to form "one China. At the same time, the Chinese people cannot strive for unification just for the sake of unification; instead, unification should be realized under a reasonable and benign political, economic, and social system and way of living.

Therefore, we hold that the two sides of the strait should go all out to build a democratic, free, equally wealthy, and united China Three communiques with the People's Republic of China the Shanghai Communique of , the Normalization Communique of , and the Joint Communique of also constitute part of the foundation.

Since , each Administration has reaffirmed this policy. The policy has been essential in maintaining peace, stability, and economic development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region We have made absolutely clear our expectation that cross-strait relations will evolve in a peaceful manner.

We neither interfere in nor mediate this process. But we welcome any evolution in relations between Taipei and Beijing that is mutually agreed upon and peacefully reached In the end, it is only the two parties themselves, Taiwan and the PRC, that will be able to resolve the issues between them. In this regard, the United States applauds the continuing progress in cross-strait dialogue We will continue to provide material and training to Taiwan to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, as mandated by the Taiwan Relations Act Within this framework, the President has decided to enhance our unofficial ties with Taiwan Recognizing Taiwan 's important role in transnational issues, we will support its membership in organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite, and will support opportunities for Taiwan 's voice to be heard in organizations where its membership is not possible.

We do not seek and cannot impose a resolution of differences between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Nor should we permit one to manipulate us against the other. We must firmly oppose any words or actions aimed at creating an "independent Taiwan " and the propositions "split the country and rule under separate regimes," two Chinas over a certain period of time," etc.

We do not challenge the development of non-governmental economic and cultural ties by Taiwan with other countries However, we oppose Taiwan's activities in "expanding its living space internationally," which are aimed at creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan.

It has been our consistent stand to hold negotiations with the Taiwan authorities on the peaceful unification of the motherland I suggest that, as the first step, negotiations should be held and an agreement reached on officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides in accordance with the principle that there is only one China We should strive for the peaceful unification of the motherland, since Chinese should not fight fellow Chinese. Our not undertaking to give up the use of force is not directed against our compatriots in Taiwan but against the schemes of foreign forces to interfere with China's unification and to bring about the "independence of Taiwan.

Great efforts should be made to expand the economic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of Chinese culture. The 21 million compatriots in Taiwan, whether born there or in other provinces, are all Chinese We also hope that all political parties in Taiwan will adopt a sensible, forward-looking, and constructive attitude and promote the expansion of relations between the two sides Leaders of Taiwan authorities are welcome to pay visits in appropriate capacities.

We are also ready to accept invitations from the Taiwan side to visit Taiwan The affairs of the Chinese people should be handled by ourselves, something that does not take an international occasion to accomplish The fact that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have been ruled by two political entities in no way subordinate to each other had led to a state of division between the two sides and separate governmental jurisdictions, hence, the issue of national unification Only by facing up to this reality can both sides build greater consensus on the "one China " issue and at the earliest possible date.

In Taiwan, we have long taken upon ourselves the responsibility for safeguarding and furthering traditional Chinese culture, and advocate that culture be the basis for exchanges between both sides to help promote the nationalistic sentiment for living together in prosperity and to foster a strong sense of brotherliness We will continue to assist the mainland in developing its economy and upgrading the living standards of its people based upon our existing investments and trade relations.

As for trade and transportation links with the mainland, the agencies concerned have to make in-depth evaluations as well as careful plans since these are very complicated issues I have indicated on several occasions that if leaders on both sides could meet with each other on international occasions in a natural manner, this would alleviate the political confrontation between both sides and foster a harmonious atmosphere for developing future relations It is our firm belief that the more international organizations both sides join on an equal footing, the more favorable the environment will become for the growth of bilateral relations and for the process of peaceful unification We believe the mainland authorities should demonstrate their goodwill by publicly renouncing the use of force and refrain from making any military move that might arouse anxiety or suspicion on this side of the Taiwan Strait, thus paving the way for formal negotiations between both sides to put an end to the state of hostility Hong Kong and Macau are integral parts of the Chinese nation Post Hong Kong and post Macau are naturally a matter of great concern to us.

In this regard, the ROC government has reiterated its determination to maintain normal contact with Hong Kong and Macau, further participate in affairs related to Hong Kong and Macau, and provide better services to our compatriots there President Clinton has decided to permit Lee Teng-hui to make a private visit to the United States in June for the express purpose of participating in an alumni reunion event at Cornell University , as a distinguished alumnus. The action follows a revision of Administration guidelines to permit occasional private visits by senior leaders of Taiwan , including President Lee.

President Lee will visit the U. It is important to reiterate that this is not an official visit. The granting of a visa in this case is consistent with U. It does not convey any change in our relations with or policies towards the People's Republic of China , with which we maintain official relations and recognize as the sole legal government of China.

We will continue to abide by the three communiques that form the basis of our relations with China. In the letter, which has not been made public, Clinton is said to have assured Jiang that the United States would 1 "oppose" Taiwan independence; 2 would not support "two Chinas," or one China and one Taiwan; and 3 would not support Taiwan's admission to the United Nations.

Our fundamental interest on the Taiwan question is that peace and stability be maintained and that the PRC and Taiwan work out their differences peacefully. At the same time, we will strictly avoid interfering as the two sides pursue peaceful resolution of differences. However serious, the present situation does not constitute a threat to Taiwan of the magnitude contemplated by the drafters of the Taiwan Relations Act.

The PRC pressure against Taiwan to date does not add up to a "threat to the security or the social or economic system" of Taiwan We will continue to work closely with you, and if warranted by circumstances, we will act under Section 3 c of the TRA, in close consultation with the Congress.

Overall U. China policy, including the Taiwan question, is expressed in the three joint communiques with the PRC as follows:. Clinton: Yes, we discussed Taiwan and China extensively, as well as the recent tension in the strait.

It is obvious that our partnership is designed to try to preserve the peace for all peoples in this region. And I believe that I can say we both agree that, while the United States clearly observes the so-called one China policy, we also observe the other aspects of the agreement we made many years ago, which include a commitment on the part of both parties to resolve all their differences in a peaceable manner.

And we have encouraged them to pursue that. Therefore, we were concerned about those actions in the Taiwan Strait. Since , the foundation for deepening engagement between our nations has been the "one China " policy that is embodied in the three joint communiques between the United States and the People's Republic of China We were gravely concerned when China 's military exercises two months ago raised tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Our deployment of naval forces to the region was meant to avert any dangerous miscalculations. We are encouraged that both sides have now taken steps to reduce tensions. On the eve of the inauguration next Monday of Taiwan 's first democratically elected President, it is timely to reflect on the enduring value of our "one China " policy for both the PRC and Taiwan and on our common interest and responsibility to uphold it.

I want to tell you publicly today what we have been saying privately to the leaders in Beijing and Taipei in recent weeks. To the leadership in Beijing , we have reiterated our consistent position that the future relationship between Taiwan and the PRC must be resolved directly between them. But we have reaffirmed that we have a strong interest in the region's continued peace and stability and that our "one China " policy is predicated on the PRC's pursuit of a peaceful resolution of issues between Taipei and Beijing.

To the leadership in Taiwan , we have reiterated our commitment to robust unofficial relations, including helping Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capacity under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act.

We have stressed that Taiwan has prospered under the "one China " policy. And we have made clear our view that as Taiwan seeks an international role, it should pursue that objective in a way that is consistent with a "one China " policy. We have emphasized to both sides the importance of avoiding provocative actions or unilateral measures that would alter the status quo or pose a threat to peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

And we have strongly urged both sides to resume the cross-strait dialogue that was interrupted last summer. The Republic of China has always been a sovereign state. Disputes across the Strait center around system and lifestyle; they have nothing to do with ethnic or cultural identity. Here in this country, it is totally unnecessary or impossible to adopt the so-called course of " Taiwan independence. The Republic of China has been a sovereign state since Following the establishment of the Chinese communist regime in , both sides of the Taiwan Strait became co-equal political entities The development of relations with the mainland must be based on safeguarding the survival and development of the Republic of China The Republic of China is a sovereign state that must actively promote foreign relations and raise its profile at international activities in its pursuit of national survival and development.

Taiwan is not a part of the "People's Republic of China ," and the ROC government opposes dealing with the cross-strait issue through the "one country, two systems" scheme. The government should reduce the possibility of confrontation with the mainland by establishing sound mainland policies, and should actively make use of regional and global security and cooperation mechanisms to assure the security of Taiwan.

ROC admission to the United Nations should be actively pursued as a long-term objective through flexible responses to changes in the international situation. A key to Asia's stability is a peaceful and prosperous relationship between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan.

I reiterated America 's longstanding commitment to a one China policy. I told President Jiang that we hope the People's Republic and Taiwan would resume a constructive cross-strait dialogue and expand cross-strait exchanges. Ultimately, the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan is for the Chinese themselves to determine—peacefully. First of all, I think the most important thing the United States can do to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the differences is to adhere strictly to the one China policy we have agreed on, to make it clear that within the context of that one China policy, as articulated in the communiques and our own laws, we will maintain friendly, open relations with the people of Taiwan and China; but that we understand that this issue has to be resolved and resolved peacefully, and that if it is resolved in a satisfactory way, consistent with statements made in the past, then Asia will be stronger and more stable and more prosperous.

That is good for the United States. And our own relations with China will move on to another stage of success. I think the more we can encourage that, the better off we are. But I think in the end, since so much investment and contact has gone on in the last few years between Taiwan and China, I think the Chinese people know how to resolve this when the time is right, and we just have to keep saying we hope the time will be right as soon as possible.

Sooner is better than later. China stresses that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive central question in China-U. The United States reiterates that it adheres to its "one China " policy and the principles set forth in the three U.

We certainly made clear that we have a one-China policy; that we don't support a one-China, one-Taiwan policy. We certainly made that very clear to the Chinese. President Jiang: The Taiwan question is the most important and the most sensitive issue at the core of China-U.

We hope that the U. President Clinton: I reaffirmed our longstanding one China policy to President Jiang and urged the pursuit of cross-strait discussions recently resumed as the best path to a peaceful resolution. In a similar vein, I urged President Jiang to assume a dialogue with the Dalai Lama in return for the recognition that Tibet is a part of China and in recognition of the unique cultural and religious heritage of that region.

I had a chance to reiterate our Taiwan policy, which is that we don't support independence for Taiwan , or two Chinas, or one Taiwan-one China. So I think we have a consistent policy. Our only policy has been that we think it has to be done peacefully. That is what our law says, and we have encouraged the cross-strait dialogue.

And I think eventually it will bear fruit if everyone is patient and works hard. The path to a democratic China must begin with a recognition of the present reality by both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

And that reality is that China is divided, just as Germany and Vietnam were in the past and as Korea is today.

Hence, there is no "one China" now. We hope for this outcome in the future, but presently it does not exist. Today, there is only "one divided China," with Taiwan and the mainland each being part of China. Because neither has jurisdiction over the other, neither can represent the other, much less all of China. Taiwan: It has been nearly 50 years since the two sides of the Taiwan Strait became two equal entities under divided rule and not subordinate to each other.

A "divided China " is not only a historical fact, but also a political reality. Taiwan: China 's unification hinges upon the democratization of the Chinese mainland. Only when the Chinese mainland has achieved democracy can the two sides of the Taiwan Strait talk about unification. PRC: Mr. Wang said that Taiwan 's political status can be discussed under the one China principle. On this point, both Mr. Jiang Zemin and Mr.

Qian Qichen had similar comments to the effect that anything can be put on the table under the one China principle. Therefore, on the question of one China, this will be our consistent stand before the two sides across the strait are reunified: there is only one China across the strait, Taiwan is part of China, and Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity are indivisible Now, the Government of the People's Republic of China is universally acknowledged internationally as the only legitimate government representing China.

In spite of this, the two sides should still negotiate on equal footing under the principle that there is but one China. The issue of whether the talks are between central or local authorities can be left aside. Our belief, which we have stated repeatedly, is that dialogue between the PRC and Taiwan fosters an atmosphere in which tensions are reduced, misperceptions can be clarified, and common ground can be explored.

Clearly, this will not be easy, but this Administration has great confidence in the creativity of the people of Taiwan and the people of the mainland, working together, to identify the necessary human contacts and the most comfortable processes to give the dialogue real meaning.

Using a phrase that has garnered much favor in Washington of late, I could imagine that "out of the box" thinking within this dialogue might contribute to interim agreements, perhaps in combination with specific confidence building measures, on any number of difficult topics. But, as the U. The fact that disregarding the reality that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are under separate administrations of different governments, the Chinese communist authorities have been threatening us with force is actually the main reason why cross-strait ties cannot be improved thoroughly Since our constitutional reform in , we have designated cross-strait ties as nation-to-nation, or at least as special state-to-state ties, rather than internal ties within "one China " between a legitimate government and a rebellion group, or between central and local governments Clinton [on whether the United States is obligated to defend Taiwan militarily if it abandons the one China policy and would continue to provide military aid if Taiwan pursues separatism]: Well, let me say first of all, a lot of those questions are governed by the Taiwan Relations Act, which we intend to honor.

Our policy is clear: We favor the one China policy; we favor the cross-strait dialogues. The understanding we have had all along with both China and Taiwan is that the differences between them would be resolved peacefully.

If that were not to be the case, under the Taiwan Relations Act we would be required to view it with the gravest concern Clinton [on delaying a Pentagon delegation's visit to Taiwan]: I didn't think this was the best time to do something which might excite either one side or the other and imply that a military solution is an acceptable alternative.

If you really think about what's at stake here, it would be unthinkable. And I want—I don't want to depart from any of the three pillars. I think we need to stay with one China ; I think we need to stay with the dialogue; and I think that no one should contemplate force here. President Lee's remarks concerning the nature of the cross-strait relationship were based on the necessity of protecting national interests and dignity. From the political, historical, and legal perspectives, he merely clarified an existing fact.

He by no means twisted or exaggerated the truth, nor did he exclude the goal of unifying both sides of the Strait as a new, democratic China Taiwan and the Chinese mainland have always differed in their definition of "one China. However, Beijing has unilaterally abandoned this agreement in recent years In the framework of the agreement, whereby each side is entitled to its respective interpretation, we have always maintained that the "one China " concept refers to the future rather than the present.

The two sides are not yet unified, but are equals, ruled separately. We both exist concurrently. Therefore, the two sides can be defined as sharing a "special state-to-state relationship," prior to unification Clinton [on his message concerning Taiwan]: My message is that our policy has not and will not change.

We favor one China. We favor a peaceful approach to working out the differences. We favor the cross-strait dialogue. Our policy has not changed and it will not change.

Jiang [on whether the PRC will maintain its threat to use military force against Taiwan]: Our policy on Taiwan is a consistent one. That is, one, peaceful unification, one country-two systems. However, if there were to be any foreign intervention, or if there were to be Taiwan independence, then we would not undertake to renounce the use of force.

On October 1, , the Central People's Government of the PRC was proclaimed, replacing the government of the Republic of China to become the only legal government of the whole of China and its sole legal representative in the international arena, thereby bringing the historical status of the Republic of China to an end The Chinese government is actively and sincerely striving for peaceful unification.

To achieve peaceful unification, the Chinese government has appealed time and again for cross-strait negotiations on the basis of equality and the One China principle The Chinese government has also proposed that dialogue that includes political dialogue may start first, which may gradually move on to procedural consultations for political negotiation to resolve issues for formal negotiation, such as the name, topics for discussion, and format , then political negotiation may begin.

Political negotiation may be carried out step-by-step However, since the early s, Lee Teng-hui has gradually deviated from the One China principle In military affairs, the Taiwan authorities have bought large quantities of advanced weapons from foreign countries and sought to join the TMD system, attempting to covertly establish certain forms of military alliance with the United States and Japan Facts prove that a serious crisis still exists in the situation of the Taiwan Strait.

However, if a grave turn of events occurs leading to the separation of Taiwan from China in any name, or if there is foreign invasion and occupation of Taiwan, or if Taiwan authorities indefinitely refuse to peacefully resolve the cross-strait unification problem through negotiations, then the Chinese government will only be forced to adopt all possible drastic measures, including the use of force, to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fulfill the great cause of China's unification Countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China must not sell arms to Taiwan or enter into any forms of military alliance with Taiwan We'll continue to reject the use of force as a means to resolve the Taiwan question.

We'll also continue to make absolutely clear that the issues between Beijing and Taiwan must be resolved peacefully and with the assent of the people of Taiwan. Today, as the Cold War has ended, it is time for the two sides to cast aside the hostilities left from the old era.

We do not need to wait further because now is a new opportunity for the two sides to create an era of reconciliation together. The people across the Taiwan Strait share the same ancestral, cultural, and historical background.

While upholding the principles of democracy and parity, building upon the existing foundations, and constructing conditions for cooperation through goodwill, we believe that the leaders on both sides possess enough wisdom and creativity to jointly deal with the question of a future "one China. I fully understand that as the popularly elected 10 th -term President of the Republic of China , I must abide by the Constitution, maintain the sovereignty, dignity, and security of our country, and ensure the well-being of all citizens.

Therefore, as long as the CCP regime has no intention to use military force against Taiwan, I pledge that during my term in office, 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 regards to the question of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of the National Unification Council or the Guidelines for National Unification will not be an issue.

With regard to cross-strait relations, the one China principle we stand for is that there is only one China in the world; the mainland and Taiwan all belong to one China; and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are indivisible. I have always felt that the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait came from the same family and that they all pursue the same goals of peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity.

Since both sides with to live under the same roof, we should be more understanding and helpful rather than harming or destroying each other The integration of our economies, trade, and culture can be a starting point for gradually building faith and confidence in each other. This, in turn, can be the basis for a new framework of permanent peace and political integration.

On CNN: Well, I think that the Chinese must hear that ours is an administration, like other administrations, that is willing to uphold the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act.

And I'll do so. However, I think it's important for people to also note that mine is an administration that strongly supports the one China policy, that we expect any dispute to be resolved peacefully. And that's the message I really want people to hear. But as people have seen, that I'm willing to help Taiwan defend herself, and that nothing has really changed in policy, as far as I'm concerned.

This is what other presidents have said, and I will continue to say so I have said that I will do what it takes to help Taiwan defend herself, and the Chinese must understand that.

Secondly, I certainly hope Taiwan adheres to the one China policy. And a declaration of independence is not the one China policy, and we will work with Taiwan to make sure that that doesn't happen. We need a peaceful resolution of this issue. The refusal to accept the principle of one China and recognize the " consensus" by the leader of the Taiwan authorities is the crucial reason leading to a deadlock in cross-strait relations and also the root cause of instability of the situation and possible danger in the Taiwan Strait We hold that political differences must not interfere with economic and trade exchanges between the two sides of the strait We are willing to hear opinions from people in Taiwan on the establishment of a mechanism for economic cooperation and the promotion of economic relations between the two sides The Democratic Progressive Party should think more about the welfare of the people in Taiwan , thoroughly discard its " Taiwan independence party platform," and develop cross-strait relations with a sincere attitude.

We believe that the broad masses of the DPP are different from the minority of stubborn " Taiwan independence" elements. We welcome them to come, in appropriate capacities, to sightsee, visit, and increase their understanding. Bush: As [President Jiang] mentioned, we talked about Taiwan. The position of my government has not changed over the years. We believe in the peaceful settlement of this issue.

We will urge there be no provocation. I would like to take a moment here to make a few calls for your consideration: 1 During these past few days, I have said that we must seriously consider going down Taiwan 's own road What does " Taiwan 's own road" mean?

Taiwan's own road is Taiwan's road of democracy, Taiwan's road of freedom, Taiwan's road of human rights, and Taiwan 's road of peace. Taiwan does not belong to someone else, nor is it someone else's local government or province.

Taiwan also cannot become a second Hong Kong or Macau, because Taiwan is a sovereign independent country. Simply put, it must be clear that Taiwan and China are each one country on each side [yibian yiguo] of the strait. China's so-called "one China principle" or "one country, two systems" would change Taiwan 's status quo. We cannot accept this, because whether Taiwan 's future or status quo should be changed cannot be decided for us by any one country, any one government, any one political party, or any one person.

Only the 23 million great people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan 's future, fate, and status. If the need arises, how should this decision be made? It is our long-sought ideal and goal, and our common idea: a referendum I sincerely call upon and encourage everyone to seriously consider the importance and urgency of legislation for holding referendums.

Bush: On Taiwan , I emphasized to the President that our one China policy, based on the three communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act, remains unchanged. I stressed the need for dialogue between China and Taiwan that leads to a peaceful resolution of their differences The one China policy means that the issue ought to be resolved peacefully. We've got influence with some in the region; we intend to make sure that the issue is resolved peacefully and that includes making it clear that we do not support independence.

Jiang: We have had a frank exchange of views on the Taiwan question, which is of concern to the Chinese side. I have elaborated my government's basic policy of peaceful unification and one country, two systems, for the settlement of the Taiwan question.

President Bush has reiterated his clear-cut position, that the U. The Chinese basically accepted that, and said, okay, that's positive. They did say that they have concerns about forces on Taiwan moving towards independence. The President said, we don't support independence. Bush said that the U. If we consider the direct presidential election as the most significant symbol of Taiwan becoming a sovereign, democratic country, then, in , this "complete" country will be 10 years old.

Going through 10 years of practical experience, we must consider what we should seek next as a sovereign, democratic country. I must say that, in the next phase, we should further seek the deepening of democracy and a more efficient constitutional system, in order to lead Taiwan 's people to face the rigorous challenges of the new century. Full Terms and Conditions apply to all Subscriptions. Or, if you are already a subscriber Sign in.

Other options. Close drawer menu Financial Times International Edition. Search the FT Search. World Show more World. US Show more US. Companies Show more Companies. At that time, it's anticipated that China will recall its ambassador to the US and it is likely the "lowest diplomatic reaction. Due to US incitement and instigation, some Western countries are itching to play the "Taiwan card. Safeguarding the bottom line of the one-China principle means we have to deter the US attempt to cross the line.

Otherwise, we will have to face the possibility of more "Taiwan Representative Offices" emerging in a batch of capital cities. Diplomatic measures alone are obviously not enough. If the US and the Taiwan island change the names, they are suspected of touching the red line of China's Anti-Secession Law, and the Chinese mainland will have to take severe economic and military measures to combat the arrogance of the US and the island of Taiwan.

At that time, the mainland should impose severe economic sanctions on the island and even carry out an economic blockade on the island, depending on the circumstances. Militarily, Chinese mainland's fighter jets should fly over the island of Taiwan and place the island's airspace into the patrol area of the PLA.

This is a step that the mainland must take sooner or later. The name change provides the Chinese mainland with sufficient reason to strengthen our sovereign claim over the island of Taiwan. It is anticipated that the Taiwan army will not dare to stop the PLA fighter jets from flying over the island. If the Taiwan side dares open fire, the Chinese mainland will not hesitate to give "Taiwan independence" forces a decisive and destructive blow.

More importantly, if the Chinese mainland turns a blind eye to the US and the Taiwan island this time, they will definitely go further in the next step. According to reports, Joseph Wu, leader of the external affairs of the Taiwan island, participated in the talks between senior security officials from the US and the island in Annapolis on Friday.