Dear Mr. Kofi A. Annan,

President Lee Teng-hui (ROC in Taiwan) yesterday (Dec. 11, 1998) reiterated that the Republic of China needs to continue its pragmatic diplomacy to sustain its survival and development, affirming that such a policy is unrelated to a drive for independence.

The President stressed while Taiwan and mainland China have been "two equal political entities" under separate rules since 1949. The ROC's effort to participate in international activities is not intended to challenge status of the mainland.

The President urged the people to show confidence in the nation, which has weathered several major crises including mainland China's military intimidation and the Asian monetary turmoil.

The other reports,...Taiwan is the least stressful country in Asia for foreigners to work in because of expatriate perceptions that the island is a rock of stability in a region torn by crisis, according to survey released yesterday (Dec 11, 1998) by Hong Kong-based think tank. The survey by the political and economic risk consultancy was based on the views of 600 expatriates, who were asked to grade the level of stress they felt in the country where they worked.

In Taiwan, the appearance of stability on the island when the rest of the region was caught up in an economic crisis helped to "fortify a mood of confidence among both the local and expatriate population". Stability is one thing, that need more security to protest this island. Taiwan is seeking to purchase more patriot missiles from the United States to strengthen the air-defense capabilities around major cities in central and southern Taiwan, a local paper reported yesterday (Dec. 11, 1998).

The reasons followed the past history of Beijing's threat. Taiwan bought its first shipment of missiles following the Taiwan-strait missile crisis of 1995-1996, which was sparked by President Lee Teng-hui's visit to his alma mater in the U.S. Cornell University to deliver a speech. The June, 1995 visit infuriated mainland Chinese authorities.

In retaliation, Beijing ordered its military to test fire several missiles at target sites in Taiwan coastal waters off Taipei and Kaohsiung. Beijing conducted several rounds of the missile test, the last coming just prior to Taiwan's first direct presidential election in March, 1996. A high-ranking Taiwan military officer said Taiwan plans to set up air defense zones around major cities on the island to cope with increasing missile threats from across the Taiwan strait.

Under the respect of political entity with Taiwan and mainland China, the MAC (Mainland Affairs Council) will continue to engage in a variety of exchanges and practical negotiations with China. "The government will continue to pursue the goal of a unified China featuring democracy freedom and equitable distribution of wealth. In accordance with the national unification guideline, China should consider Taiwan a democratic country" Mac vice chairman Sheu Ke-Sheng added.

In our view; giant country as mainland China should help Taiwan with honest that missile test lost too much confidence in Taiwan people.

On above reason; Taiwan need your support.