Dear Mr. Trent Lott,
        Mr. Denny Hastert,

Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui yesterday (Jan. 19, 1999) welcomed a planned visit by China's top Taiwan-affairs negotiator, saying it provided a good chance to facilitate mutual understanding.

Beijing Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait reiterated last week that its chairman Wang Daohan would visit Taiwan at an unspecified "appropriate time" this year following a landmark visit to the mainland last October by Wang's Taiwan counterpart senior statesman Koo Cheng-fu. "Although the time has yet to be set, we welcome his visit" Lee told a visiting U.S. congressman. "I always hope mainland leaders can visit Taiwan". "Mainland leaders can further understand the condition of Taiwan's democracy and the thinking of its people through such visits" the President said.

Taiwan resists any terms of Beijing's announcement, saying union is possible only after China adopts multiparty democracy.

In our view; that's "one China, one democratic system" is whole Chinese wishes. On the other hand; China has consistently pushed for talks of a "political" nature, but Taiwan insist that any contact between them is what it terms "constructive dialogue" as it considers referring to contact with Beijing as "political dialogue" one step towards unification.

In our opinions; building up mutual trust is critical to developing Cross-Strait relations because the two sides have been separated for nearly half a century.

Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party Lin Yi-hsiung yesterday (Jan. 18, 1999) said Beijing has no say on the island's possible participation in the U.S.-Japan joint antimissile defense project. Dismissing Beijing's strong objections to Taipei's possible membership in the TMD (Theater Missile Defense) project, Lin pointed out the island has de(facto authority over its national defense. "It's not unusual that Taiwan should has sufficient defense to protect its population. And this principle shall remain unchanged regardless of other opposing views" Lin said at a meeting with U.S. congressman Douglas Bereuter. Lin told the U.S. visitor the party believes the decision on the island's national status is up to the people themselves, adding any changes to the status quo shall be determined in a referendum.

We have the rights to decide our future either independence or reunification. What's Beijing speak of both side is only unilateral self-talking.

Taiwan needs your help. God blesses you.