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Dear
Mr. George W. Bush, Our
foundation wants to tell something about Taiwan … Dec.
6, 2000 --- Jan.
1, 2001 --- On the eve of the opening, the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen called on Beijing to provide necessary assistance to facilitate smooth proceeding of the landmark “mini three links.” “I hope that the mainland will offer necessary assistance and protection for our ships in its territory,” Tsai said. “We will also communicate with ship owners to reduce possible risks of their cross-strait sailing,” she said. A commercial ship, “Haian,” is expected to embark on the first cross-strait voyage today. As of today, direct trade, transport and postal services will be authorized between selected mainland centers and the Taiwan controlled islets of Kinmen and Matsu which lie just opposite the southern coast of mainland China. The voyage, which has obtained a permission from the ROC government, is expected to be launched at 9:30 a.m. from Kinmen to mainland’s Xiamen port with about 50 tourists on board, even though mainland authorities have declined to give the trip an official endorsement. But Ho Chin-liang, owner of the ship, said he was confident that the scheduled sailing will succeed. “I have obtained an agreement on the matter during private talks earlier with Xiamen’s harbor authorities,” he said. If everything goes smoothly, the tourists will arrive at Xiamen at noon today and return on Jan. 3 via the same ship, he said. Ho said he had planned to set sail on Jan. 8, but later decided to alter the schedule because he believes it is a bad omen if there is no ship heading for the mainland on the first day of the opening of the “mini three links.” Demilitarizing the situation for both sides that “mini three links” is a very good start in mutual cross-strait restraint. But, we are trying to convince the international community that they are doing something about democratic Taiwan. The final resolution of cross-strait political issues must be based on the gradual promotion of exchanges and dialogue to increase bilateral interaction and understanding in an environment of mutual stability and peace. Thereby normalizing cross-strait relations and paving the way for a joint, handling of the “one China” issue in the future. Under WTO’s pressure, that both sides must do something in reducing tension. PRC leaders should understand Taiwan democratic situation. How to let Taiwanese people accept the “one country, two systems’ formula” under which Hong Kong and Macau returned to China’s rule, that only government could decide it, but also whole people’s will. Following the “1992 consensus” the concept that Taiwan is part of China and the mainland is part of China. So, “special state-to-state” is expressed by former President Lee that paved the way for “one China, two governments”. We don’t understand that Beijing insists under its “one China” policy with Taiwan, despite 51 years of de facto independent rule, is an inalienable part of its territory and must be brought back under mainland rule. In our view, China’s reluctance to communicate with Taiwan on the matter was because the mainland leadership does not want to appear to be softening its stance on the “one China” issues. However, Taiwan, playing a key role in U.S., defense in the Pacific Ocean, not only has developed a long profound friendship with the United States but also has accomplished astonishing progress in democracy and economics. Because of the different approaches to cross-strait issues and difference in opinion regarding “one China”, the two sides are facing a dilemma. “Any changes to Taiwan’s present status quo must have the assent of the people of Taiwan.” “My administration is now working hard on how to respond to Beijing’s ‘one China principle’ and to forge a new framework for bilateral engagement,” President Chen said (Dec. 12, 2000). Beijing must express its good gesture to Taiwanese people and give a hand to “pro-independent party” in Taiwan. Taiwan always needs your help.
Yours Sincerely,
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