In a highly-anticipated speech yesterday, President Chen Shui-bian (
Stating that the governments and people on both sides of the Strait hold different views on many issues, some of which is due to a lack of communication, Chen said he is willing to take the initiative.
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
He proposed both sides use the basis of a 1992 meeting in Hong Kong, to seek possible formats that are "not necessarily perfect but acceptable," as a step toward resuming the long-stalled negotiations.
In the address, which was delivered at the Double Ten National Day rally in front of the Presidential Office, the president also proposed that both sides seriously consider the issue of "arms control" and adopt concrete actions to reduce tension and military threats across the Taiwan Strait.
"In the long term, both sides should formally end the state of hostility across the Taiwan Strait and establish confidence-building measures through consultations and dialogues," Chen told his audience.
"Furthermore, we should review the armament policies of both sides and seek to establish a Code of Conduct across the Taiwan Strait (
Response to China
Chen had previously said that his National Day speech would be a response to a May 17 statement issued by the Chinese Communist Party and the Beijing government's Taiwan Affairs Office.
Beijing's May 17 statement included points on a resumption of cross-strait dialogue, realizing direct and "three links" to facilitate exchanges in commerce, trade and transportation, and establishing a mechanism of mutual trust in the military field.
Reiterating that he would honor commitments and principles set forth in his second-term inaugural speech on May 20, Chen yesterday also called on leaders from both sides of the Strait to adopt a new frame of mind and approach in addressing future cross-strait issues.
"If both sides are willing, on the basis of goodwill, to create an environment engendered upon `peaceful development and freedom of choice,' then in the future, the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China -- or Taiwan and China -- can seek to establish political relations in any form whatsoever ? so long as there is the consent of the 23 million people of Taiwan," Chen said.
He added that cross-strait relations are not necessarily a zero-sum game and there will never be a winner unless it's a win-win situation for both sides.
Chen also pledged to invite leaders from all political parties -- after the legislative elections are complete -- to collaborate on establishing a Committee for Cross-strait Peace and Development (
On cross-strait economic and trade issues, Chen said the government is formulating a plan that provides a "convenient and efficient means to facilitate chartered flights for passengers and cargo."
"It is our earnest hope that cross-strait consultations can begin as soon as possible, so as to seek further progress in the Three Links policy," he said.
Self defense
While extending goodwill toward Beijing, Chen, however, also stressed the necessity for the nation to maintain a self-defense capacity, pointing to the increasing number of missiles China is aiming at Taiwan.
"As an old adage goes, `One shall be famished if one awaits indolently for the merciful provisions of nature; and one shall be defeated if one relies on others to fight his battles.' Only if we remain resolute in our determination to defend ourselves and build up sufficient defense capabilities can we ensure peace across the Taiwan Strait and security for Taiwan," Chen said. He branded China's threat of military force as being "the greatest `shadow of terror' and `force of darkness' across the Taiwan Strait."
According to Chen, there are at the present more than 600 ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan with the number to grow by 50 to 75 missiles each year.
"The `shadows of terror' and `forces of darkness' not only directly threaten the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait but also undermine regional stability and global security," Chen said.
Stating that it is indisputable that the Republic of China is Taiwan and Taiwan is the Republic of China, and that the sovereignty of the Republic of China is vested with the 23 million people of Taiwan, Chen yesterday also spoke of Taiwan's unfair treatment in the international arena and Taiwan's exclusion from the UN.
BAIL APPEALS: The former vice premier was ordered to be held incommunicado despite twice being granted bail and paying a total of NT$12 million in bond The Taoyuan District Court yesterday ordered the detention of former vice premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦), who is being investigated for alleged corruption while serving as Taoyuan mayor from December 2014 to December 2022, and that he be held incommunicado. The court made the ruling during a bail hearing after prosecutors appealed its bail ruling twice. Cheng on Saturday was released after posting bail of NT$5 million (US$153,818). However, after prosecutors lodged an appeal, the High Court on Monday revoked the original ruling and ordered the Taoyuan District Court to hold another bail hearing. On Tuesday, the district court granted bail to Cheng a second
The Thai government on Friday announced that Taiwanese would be allowed to stay in the country for up to 60 days per entry, under the Southeast Asian country’s visa-free program starting from today. Taiwan is among 93 countries included in the Thai visa-waiver program, which has been expanded from 57 countries, with the visa-exempt entry extended from 30 to 60 days. After taking office last year, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vowed to grant more visa waivers to foreign travelers as part of efforts to stimulate tourism. The expanded visa-waiver program was on Friday signed by Thai Minister of the Interior Anutin
PEACE AND SECURITY: China’s military ambitions present ‘the greatest strategic challenge to Japan and the world, Japan’s annual defense white paper said yesterday Japan yesterday warned that China risked escalating tensions with Taiwan with an increase in military exercises that appeared aimed in part at readying Beijing’s forces for a possible invasion. Japan’s annual assessment of security threats, including those posed by China, North Korea and Russia, comes as Taiwan closely monitors Chinese People’s Liberation Army air and sea exercises, including one with the Shandong aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean. The drills are the latest in a series including maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait last year that a senior US general said would be key to any invasion. “Because of that increase in military activity,
HAN KUANG: The exercises, which are to run from July 22 to 26, will feature unscripted war games and a decentralized command and control structure, military officers said The armed forces would for the first time test new rules of engagement (ROE) at this month’s annual Han Kuang exercises, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said yesterday. The exercises, which are to run from July 22 to 26, will feature unscripted war games, and a decentralized command and control structure, military officers told a news conference in Taipei. ROE cards would be issued to select combat troops to test their ability to function without tight control, they said. The most recent edition of the rules was published last year, they said. One of the cards’ two templates identifies enemy targets that soldiers