A top Chinese diplomat (Liu Xiaoming) said Jan. 5, 2000 ---

He criticized Americans who can’t get rid of “the old war mentality” and describe China as a threat when it has no aggressive or expansionist ambitions.

He warned that independence for Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, “really means a war of great consequences.”

He was also critical of American politicians who embrace the Falun Gong meditation group, which he described as “an evil cult” that Beijing had banned because it committed many crimes.

“This is not only damaging the image of American politicians in the eyes of the Chinese public but is also harmful to the (US-China) relationship,” he said.

In Taiwan, independence presidential candidate James Soong unveiled his long-awaited policy on Cross-Strait relations, Jan. 5, 2000.

Conduct relations between Taiwan and China on an equal basis, as two sovereign states.

Sign a 30-year, non-aggression peace accord with China to be witnessed by the United States, Japan and Southeastern Asian nations.

Set up an impartial Cross-Strait peace development committee.

Seek cooperation with China through a system similar to the European Union.

Open direct communications links immediately, direct trade links after WTO entry, and negotiate on direct transportation links.

Promote cultural exchanges between the two sides, and promote human rights on the mainland.

Enhance the Cross-Strait relationship and rebuild mutual trust between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

“We do not fear negotiation with China,” Soong said, “But we also do not want to negotiate under fear” ( Beijing’s military threat ). Soong reiterated that Taiwan is not Hong Kong or Macau and that what Taiwanese people want is peace with dignity, human rights and security. “One country, two systems” is out of the Taiwanese people’s will. The feeling is that these are very hard issue, that you cannot have a fully scripted procedure in a discussion that is complex.

On the other hand, if the Chinese government and people can by no means tolerate the separation or independence of Taiwan, it should make a decision to learn how to let Chinese people in democratic system, that whole Chinese people is in the dream of urgently need.

In fact, over 70% of the public in Taiwan supported theory ( special state-to-state ) as it was pronounced. This demonstrates that the theory indeed reveals the will of the Taiwan people.

After suffering 40 years of martial law, it would be impossible for the people of Taiwan to accept the dictatorial rule from the PRC. The “one China, two systems” formula would definitely be the most awful nightmare for them.

Taiwan is a model of success under the American promoted version of democracy. At the same time, Taiwan is also a vital strategic location for the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific. The protection of Taiwan by the U.S. may partly be the protection of democracy in Taiwan, but largely is the protection of American interests.