Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Lin I-hsiung said that DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian will not declare independence for Taiwan if he is elected.

Lin made the statement when meeting with Chen’s supporters in Taichung.

Lin presided over a morning meeting of the Taichung chapter of the DPP election committee to evaluate the current election situation there, and then called on Chen’s supporters in the afternoon.

Lin told DPP supporters that although Chen is likely to win the upcoming presidential election, the party should not be too optimistic about the campaign situation. “We (the DPP) should conduct the election drive with care,” Lin said.

On independence for Taiwan, Lin stressed that Chen will not unilaterally declare independence, as the issue concerning the destiny of 23 million Taiwanese should be decided through a national referendum.

Candidates on a total of five tickets are vying for the seats of Republic of China president and vice president in the election on March 18.

While stressing peace and stability, presidential candidate Soong assured his audience he would defend the island’s sovereignty, freedom and human rights and fight for its return to the international community.

Independent presidential candidate James Soong, at his Taipei campaign rally, apologized Sunday (Jan. 10, 2000) night to supporters for wrongdoings when he was serving in the Kuomintang. “I was so touched when a volunteer told me that I owed my supporters an apology and he believed that my supporters would forgive me for my misconduct as he did because of my devotion to the Taiwan people when I was Taiwan governor,” said Soong.

President Lee Teng-hui yesterday (Jan. 10, 2000) asked the people of Taiwan to loudly declare that Taiwan is a state, saying he has the most disdain for those who do not identify with Taiwan’s identity.

“Every one of you should have a consensus on Taiwan’s identity. If you don’t dare speak out loudly that Taiwan is a state, this is the most disdainful thing,” Lee said in his address at an academic seminar held by the Ministry of Examination.

The President, who is due to retire after May, said only such a national identification would ensure that Taiwan can have an influence over the mainland in her future.

The difficult past year in U.S.-mainland China relations should serve as a much-needed reminder that we cannot simply return to business as usual with Beijing. Such as arms control and human rights issues should link up trade negotiations.