Dear Mr. Vice President Al Gore,
The Chinese mainland vice Premier Qian Qichen's warning on Thursday
(Jan. 28, 1999) that "the Taiwan question cannot be delayed
indefinitely" now that the mainland has retrieved sovereignty
over Hong Kong and is set to restore rule over Macao by the end
of 1999.
Qian's statement was considered an attempt to dictate a timable
for unification between Taiwan and the mainland. Qian called Taiwan's
effort to develop foreign relations an attempt to prompt "the
separatist movement" internationally, which he
said is threatening the stability of Cross-Strait relations.
He urged Taipei to make arrangements immediately for Cross-Strait
dialogue on political and economic issues, laying the groundwork
for political negotiations to end Cross-Strait hostilities. He further
criticized Taiwan's pro-independence activists as "playing
with fire" by attempting to seek independence
for the island by way of a public referendum. To say again, the
mainland has announced that threatened to launch military action
against Taiwan if Taiwan declares independence.
Taipei yesterday (Jan. 29, 1999) called for peace,
equality and reciprocity in Cross-Strait relations,
denouncing Beijing's unilateral claim that resolving the "Taiwan
question" is a crucial step to accomplishing China's unification.
Mainland Affairs Council chairman Chang King-yuh told a news conference
there isn't any so-called "Taiwan question" across the
strait. Taipei insists the unification of China should
be achieved on the basis of democracy, freedom and prosperity,
Chang reiterated. "We hope the mainland side will fully consider
the well-being of the entire Chinese nation and the safety and dignity
of the people from both sides" he said.
He suggested that Beijing discard its "party-centric"
and "power-centric" doctrines and adopt a "people-centric"
perspective in policy making.
In our views; Taipei's participation in international activities
will help the development of Cross-Strait relations and magnify
the international influence of both Taiwan and the mainland.
We urge Beijing not to regard it as a threat to unification.
Taiwan always needs your support.
