1998 , 1999 , Jan - Jun 2000 , Jul - Dec 2000
2001
Chen
Inaugurates Taiwan Thinktank
(Taiwan News, Dec. 31, 2001) Top leaders in the political, business, and
academic circles gathered for a "tea party" to officially launch the
Taiwan Thinktank, serving as a high-level advisory body and a forum to
promote reform and formulate public policy for the government.
China Slams Report
on Weapons Sales to Taliban
(Xinhua News, Dec. 25, 2001) The Washington Times report about China
providing weapons to al-Qaida after the September 11 terror attacks is
"groundless", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said
in Beijing on Monday. The report is groundless and with ulterior motives,
Zhang said, and the Chinese side has made serious representations to the US
side on the matter.
Chinese Media
Raise Alarm on Japan's Weak Yen
(Reuters, Dec. 24, 2001) Japan's weak yen could set off a round of Asian
currency devaluations not seen since the regional economic crisis of 1997,
the official People's Daily said in a commentary on Monday. Calling the
Japanese government "irresponsible", state media urged it to arrest
the slide, but Chinese officials have been more muted.
Taiwan to Probe
Rise of CCP in Factories
(South China Morning Post, Dec. 20, 2001) The Taiwan Government would examine
potential security threats posed by the formation of Chinese Communist Party
units in Taiwan-owned factories on the mainland. The event was seen as
significant because President Jiang Zemin recently invited capitalists to
join the CCP and also because Foxconn is among the largest Taiwan-owned
mainland factories.
China Warns Israel
over Radar Deal
(CNN.com, Dec. 19, 2001) China has urged Israel to come up with a
"satisfactory solution" after it bowed to U.S. pressure and
canceled the sale of an advanced airborne radar system. The two countries
held their first round of talks this week in a bid to resolve the dispute,
but made little headway.
Taipei to Add
'Taiwan' to Passport Cover Next Year
(AFP, Dec. 16, 2001, 2001) Taiwan's Foreign Ministry has decided to add the
word 'Taiwan' on the cover of the island's passport next year in a move
cautiously aimed at distinguishing itself from the Chinese mainland. The
passport, which currently refers in English to the island as 'the Republic of
China', would have the word 'Taiwan' added to the front to avoid the island
being mistaken for China.
KMT, PFP Rule Out
Chen Alliance
(Taiwan News, Dec. 7, 2001) Less than a week after a historic election shook
up Taiwan's Legislature, the island's two largest opposition parties, the
Kuomintang and the People First Party ruled out accepting the president's
invitation to join the island's first coalition government. Chairman Soong
says both parties will play classic role of opposition.
Lee Says 'R.O.C.'
Title No Longer Exists
(Taiwan News, Nov. 30, 2001) Former President Lee Teng-hui put in a
last-minute effort to stump for the Taiwan Solidarity Union, saying that
safeguarding Taiwan's sovereignty is the nation's utmost responsibility and
that the name of the "Republic of China" does not exist any longer.
Beijing's Free
Trade Area Proposal Gets Cool Response
(Taiwan Economic News, Nov. 29, 2001) Government officials express
reservations about a possible plan of establishing a free trade area (FTA) by
combining the four regions of Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
US Carrier's Port
Call Signals China's Support for Terrorist War
(AFP, Nov. 24, 2001) Beijing has given approval for a US aircraft carrier to
make a port call in Hong Kong on its way to the Arabian Sea, in what analysts
say is the clearest sign yet of China's support for the US-led war on
terrorism.
China Plans Moon
Landing
(CNN.com, Nov. 23, 2001) China is planning to send a man to the moon as part
of its developing space program. China has yet to send a manned craft into
space but plans to do so by 2005. China first launched a satellite in 1970.
In 1999 and January 2001 it successfully launched the "Shenzou"
unmanned spacecraft.
Taiwan Hits
Recession with GDP Drop
(CNN.com, Nov. 17, 2001) Taiwan's gross domestic product shrank 4.2 percent
in the third quarter to September, the government reported. That worsens the
2.35 percent decline for the second quarter. It is the steepest dropoff in 26
years for Taiwan, which was already suffering badly from the United States
slowdown before September 11.
Chen Dreams of
Reconciliation
(CNN.com, Nov. 16, 2001) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has tried to
defuse cross-Straits tension by offering to go to Fujian province to
"seek his roots." It is unlikely, however, that Beijing will modify
its policy of avoiding direct contact with Chen or members of his Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) administration.
Taiwan President
Barred from Europe
(BBC, Nov. 15, 2001) European governments have blocked Taiwan's President
Chen Shui-bian from collecting an international prize for freedom and
democracy in France. Responding to pressure from the Chinese Government, they
refused to grant a visa to allow President Chen to attend the ceremony.
Taiwanese Fear
Nation's Status Is Declining: Poll
(Taipei Times, Nov. 14, 2001) Despite euphoria over Taiwan's accession to the
WTO, 46.4 percent of respondents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' latest
survey said they believe Taiwan's international status is declining, up 5.2
percentage points from five months ago.
Complaints That
Chinese Companies Supply Rogue Nations
(WP, Nov. 12, 201) China's high technology industry finds itself treading on
geopolitical fault lines these days, as Chinese companies have become
suppliers of advanced communications equipment to nations that Western
companies avoid, or are barred from doing business with.
Japan, China, South
Korea Agree to Ministerial Meetings
(Japan Times, Nov. 7, 2001) Japan, China and South Korea agreed to launch
separate regular meetings of their economic, foreign and finance ministers to
foster closer cooperation. The three also agreed to work together in
combating terrorism and on issues that affect the region, such as piracy and
the environment.
US Says Arms Sales to
Taiwan Won't Change Relations
(Taipei Times, Nov. 3, 2001) Announcements of weapons sales to Taiwan had no
particular political importance to the US position on cross-strait relations.
"The sales represent the way the long, convoluted process of US overseas
arms sales go through the US bureaucratic process rather than the timing of
the latest announcements," said James Kelly.
China
Again Censoring Web
(WP, Oct. 23, 2001) Hours after the conclusion of a high-profile meeting of
Pacific Rim leaders in Shanghai, China's rulers resumed blocking access to
the Web sites of foreign news organizations, including CNN, the BBC, Reuters
and The Washington Post.
It's Time to Look
Again at Attack Precautions By Yuan I
(Taipei Times, Oct. 17, 2001) In the light of the Sept. 11 terrorist
incidents, international cooperation against terrorist activities will
necessarily increase. Taiwan must revise its strategy of taking economic
security as the primary consideration. The government should re-evaluate
threats to national security on the basis of the attacks.
China and Taiwan
Feud over Envoy for Shanghai Summit
(Reuters, Oct. 15, 2001) China said Taiwan should submit an acceptable name
to attend a weekend summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Shanghai, but the
island stood by its decision to send former vice president Li Yuan-zu. But
Taiwan stood by its decision to send Li to the October 20-21 Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation summit in Shanghai.
KMT Accuses Lee
Teng-hui of Betrayal
(Straits Times, Oct. 9, 2001) In a strongly worded open letter to its
members, the Kuomintang (KMT) explained why it had expelled Mr Lee - the party's
chairman for 12 years until it lost the presidential election last year.
Taiwan Backs US
Strikes
(Taiwan Headlines, Oct. 8, 2001 President Chen Shui-bian, on behalf of the
people of the Republic of China, denounced terrorism and expressed the
nation's full support of the U.S. strikes against targets in Afghanistan.
Powell Pledges
Continued Arms Aid to Taipei
(AFP, Oct. 5, 2001) Secretary of State Colin Powell said that Chinese
assistance in a US-led anti-terrorism coalition would in no way affect US
policy towards Taiwan, including arms sales to the island. Mr Powell told a
small group of reporters at the State Department that Taiwan had nothing to
fear from closer US-Chinese cooperation on the anti-terrorism front.
'Self-Defence
First' for US
(BBC, Oct. 2, 2001) The United States plans to shift its priority to
defending itself according to a strategic review document. The Quadrennial
Defence Review also recommends that the requirement that US forces be capable
of simultaneously fighting two regional wars be amended. Instead, it suggests
that they be able to win one conflict decisively while holding their
positions in another.
New Blueprint for
Military Shifts Priority to U.S. Soil, Revising 2-War Strategy
(NYT, Oct. 2, 2001) The Defense Department sent Congress a sweeping review of
strategy that was strikingly prescient in warning of new terrorist threats on
American soil, even as many of its specific findings have been overtaken by
the Sept. 11 attacks.
Taiwan's KMT Expels
Former President
(BBC, Sep. 22, 2001) Former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui has been expelled
by the Kuomintang (KMT) Party which he led for more than 12 years. The party's
disciplinary committee said Mr Lee had maliciously harmed the party by
campaigning for a rival political grouping.
KMT Breaks It Off with
Lee Teng-hui
(Taipei Times, Sep. 22, 2001) After months of hemming and hawing, the KMT
officially called it quits with its estranged former chairman, Lee Teng-hui.
The party revoked Lee's membership, saying he violated party rules. KMT
members have been upset with Lee's carousing with the Taiwan Solidarity
Union, a rival political group. They're also infuriated with his criticism of
the party.
China Also Wants U.S.
Help Against 'Separatists'
(WP, Sep. 19, 2001) China sought to link its backing for a U.S.-led
anti-terrorism campaign to a demand that the United States support China's
own fight against separatists in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang province. Foreign
Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said China is willing to discuss proposals to
combat terrorism around the world, but in the context of the U.N. Security
Council.
Taiwan Stands with
US Against Terrorism: FM
(CNA, Sep. 14, 2001) Foreign Minister Tien Hung-mao said that the Republic of
China will stand firmly with the United States in fighting terrorism. Tien
said the United States has come to the aid of Taiwan in times of emergency in
the past, and now is the time for Taiwan to show its support for the United
States.
KMT Plan to Open
China Office
(Reuters, Sep. 11, 2001) Taiwan's biggest opposition group, the KMT Party,
said it planned to open an office in China for the first time in more than 50
years, but played down its political significance. "We want to open a
service centre for Taiwan businessmen there, but not for general party
affairs."
Firms Risk China's
Wrath Over Taiwan Deals
(WP, Sept. 5, 2001) Beijing has issued a veiled warning that foreign firms
risk losing out on business opportunities in China if they interact directly
with government officials from Taiwan. Zhu Bangzhao, spokesman for China's
Foreign Ministry, said Beijing is opposed to "any official exchanges or
contacts" with representatives of the Taiwanese government.
Beijing Out to
Destroy Us, Says Chen
(South China Morning Post, Sep. 4, 2001) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and
the island's top military commander yesterday issued separate warnings on
Beijing's continued military threat just days after the President gave his
ringing endorsement to expanding cross-strait trade and investment.
Banks Shun Roadshow
to Avoid Upsetting China
(Financial Times, Sep. 1, 2001) Global investment banks including Goldman
Sachs and Merrill Lynch backed away from helping Taiwan hold an investment
promotional tour in the US for fear of upsetting Beijing. China was believed
to be punishing Credit Suisse First Boston for playing a major role in a
Taiwan government-backed investment promotional tour to Europe and a
conference in Hong Kong.
Army Shifting
Equipment to Asia
(AP, Aug. 31, 2001) The Army intends to move some of its weapons and other
war-fighting equipment from Europe to Asia, reflecting a shift in strategic
focus by the Bush administration. No troops are moving yet, but Army
Secretary Thomas White left open the possibility the service might expand or
reconfigure its presence in the Asia-Pacific region while maintaining its
basic commitments in Europe.
Cross-Strait
Relations Begin New Era: Chen
(China Post, Aug. 30, 2001) President Chen Shui-bian said that Taiwan's
commercial relations with mainland China entered a new era when the Economic
Development Advisory Conference (EDAC) decided to scrap the "no haste,
be patient" policy. "I believe that the best way to normalize the
cross-strait ties is to first try normalizing the two sides' trading and
commercial relations."
Taiwan to Turn
'Aggressive' on China Trade
(AP, Aug. 26, 2001) A group of influential advisers has urged Taiwan's
president to relax limits on commercial ties with mainland China, a historic
move business leaders say would boost Taiwan's economy and create a powerful
trading zone. For years, Taiwanese have been arguing about expanding trade
relations with China.
Hyde Urges Strong
Support for Taiwan
(WP, Aug. 24, 2001) Rep. Henry J. Hyde, chairman of the House International
Relations Committee, plans to call today for the United States to embrace
Taiwan as a means of countering Chinese policies aimed at "undermining
U.S. interests around the world."
U.S. Navy Plays in
China's Backyard
(AP, Aug. 18, 2001) The U.S. Navy has held an unusually large exercise in the
South China Sea. The USS Constellation and the USS Carl Vinson conducted the
one-day training exercise. 14 vessels, at least 130 naval aircraft, more than
20 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and more than 15,000 personnel joined forces in
the exercise.
Taiwan's Economy Goes
Into Recession
(Taipei Times, Aug. 18, 2001) It's official. The nation's economy has now met
the textbook definition of a recession: little or no growth for two or more
consecutive quarters. The government's official number-cruncher reported
yesterday that the economy shrank by 2.35 percent in the second quarter. The
poor performance follows sluggish GDP growth of just 1.1 percent in the first
quarter.
US Slowdown Buffets
Taiwan
(Financial Times, Aug. 17, 2001) The damaging effects of the US downturn on
the global economy were starkly illustrated on Friday when Taiwan, a
bellwether of Asian exporting countries, reported its worst fall in gross
domestic product in 25 years.
Taiwan's Chen
Shui-bian Says He's Entitled To Go To APEC
(Reuters, Aug. 10, 2001) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on Friday he
was entitled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in
Shanghai in October and would like to do so in his official capacity. Chen
has repeatedly said he hopes to attend the APEC summit in October and hold
talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
NSC
Says Beijing May Yet Talk to DPP
(Taipei Times, Aug. 6, 2001) The National Security Council (NSC) recently
predicted that China will seriously consider reopening dialogue with Taiwan
if the ruling DPP can successfully create a majority alliance in the Legislative
Yuan after the year-end legislative elections .
China Marks
Army Day with Threat Against Taiwan
(Reuters, Aug. 1, 2001) Minister of Defense Chi Haotian marked the 74th
anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) by repeating China's threat
to use force against Taiwan if it sought independence. The military sought a
peaceful solution but would not renounce the use of force, he told a
reception late on Monday for the founding of the PLA.
China Feud Has New
Risks for Taiwan
(New York Times, July 28, 2001) In a sign that Taiwan's political
standoff with China is starting to alienate its corporate customers, Dell Computer
has criticized the reluctance of the authorities on Taiwan to establish
direct trade and transportation ties with the Chinese mainland.
Pro-Lee Party Reveals
Name, Logo
(Taipei Times, July 25, 2001) Politicians with close ties to former President
Lee Teng-hui Tuesday formally announced the formation of a new political
party that hopes to win as many as 40 seats in the year-end legislative
elections. Former Minister of the Interior Huang Chu-wen unveiled the party's
name, the Taiwan Solidarity Union.
2008 Olympic in
Beijing: Mixed Response from Taiwan
(CNN.com, July 14, 2001) In a mixed mood reflecting both expectation and
fear, Taiwan on Friday offered a guarded welcome to Beijing winning the right
to host the 2008 Olympics. Expectation in a sense that there could be peace
between the two in the lead up to the Games, and fear that the Chinese
victory might deepen the already growing nationalism on the mainland, thus
fueling their determination to take Taiwan back to its fold.
DPP Members Banned
from Private Links with Mainland
(South China Morning Post, July 13, 2001) Taiwan's ruling Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) has prohibited its members from engaging in any
dialogue with mainland officials in a private capacity. Yan Jiann-fa,
director of the party's Chinese Affairs Department, said the party leadership
reached a consensus on the issue about two weeks ago.
Jiang Places Himself
Next to Mao, Deng, Vows to Strengthen Party
(AFP, July 1, 2001) Chinese President Jiang Zemin put his leadership on par
with the late Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping by vowing to build a strong and
modern Communist Party (CCP) capable of leading China well into the next
century. The president and party boss further reiterated Beijing's refusal to
renounce the use of force in reunifying the province of Taiwan and in an
implicit jab at the United States, vowed to fight "global hegemonism and
power politics."
China Embraces
Capitalism at 80th Bash
(CNN.com, July 1, 2001) President Jiang Zemin has thrown open the doors of
the Chinese Communist Party to the "new classes" of private
entrepreneurs and professionals. In an address marking the 80th birthday of
the CCP, Jiang also pointed out the major goal of the party was to raise
economic productivity and boost the population's standard of living.
Lee Ends US
Visit with Beijing Jab
(Reuters, June 29, 2001) Former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui ended a
visit to Cornell University as he began it: with criticism of Beijing that is
sure to raise the hackles of mainland officials. On the final day of the
three-day visit to his alma mater, Mr Lee said Taipei and Beijing must make
efforts to improve ties, but China also had to improve its record on human
rights and democracy.
Lee Teng-hui to
Visit Cornell University
(AFP, June 24, 2001) Former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui left for the
United States late Sunday on a visit. Lee and his wife were due to make a
stopover in Los Angeles before flying to New York for the inauguration of a
science research center in Lee's honor at his alma mater, Cornell University.
Lee will also take advantage of the trip to visit his granddaughter, a
sophomore at the university
U.S. Official
Supports Cross-Strait Dialogue with No Preconditions
(CNA, June 22, 2001) Echoing the position taken by the Republic of China
government, a senior U.S. official said Thursday that Taiwan and mainland
China should resume dialogue without preconditions. Torkel Patterson, senior
director of Asian affairs at the National Security Council, said "I
don't think there needs to be any preconditions for dialogue between the two
sides."
Tycoon Slams Gov't
for Upholding 'Go Slow' Policy
(China Post, June 20, 2001) Formosa Plastics tycoon Wang Yung-ching yesterday
renewed his attack on the "go slow" mainland policy, saying Taiwan
must accept the "one China" principle, and completely lift the
cross-strait investment ban. The government dismissed Wang's criticisms, but
the opposition parties gave Wang a thumbs-up.
Lee, Chen
Appearances Hint at Political Alliance
(China Post, June 17, 2001) Former president Lee Teng-hui appeared at the
inauguration of a pro-independence academic group close to Lee's successor
Chen Shui-bian, calling for the formation of a "new Taiwan." Lee is
believed to favor Chen, for his 50-year-old successor has inherited his
approach to cross-strait relations and shares with him the passion for
Taiwanese nationalism.
Most Taiwan People
Unconcerned about Beijing's Military Exercises: Poll
(CNA, June 10, 2001) Most people in Taiwan do not believe that Beijing will
invade Taiwan in the next one or two years despite the frequent military
exercises by mainland China. The poll found that people asked about China's
military exercises on the southeastern coast of the mainland mostly felt that
there was nothing to worry about. Sixty-five percent said the war games would
not impact the future of Taiwan.
No Backing for Chen
to Attend APEC: US
(CNA, June 8, 2001) The United States favors the existing arrangement whereby
Taiwan is represented only by economic leaders at Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings, the U.S. State Department. The statement
indicates no change in the U.S. stance on Taiwan's representation at the 21-nation
forum. "The issue of Taiwan's representation has been worked out
successfully for past ministerial and summit meetings," State Department
spokesman Richard Boucher said.
U.S. Carrier Moves
Dismissed as 'No News'
(CNA, June 3, 2001) Seasoned defense officials dismissed as "no
news" reports that the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson is sailing
toward the Taiwan Strait in the light of the mainland's upcoming war games
against Taiwan. The officials said the fleet was only carrying out a routine
patrol mission. Tthe media speculated that the vessel's voyage "toward
the Taiwan Strait" might be related to mainland China's current massive
exercises on its offshore Dongshan Island near Taiwan.
US Aircraft Carrier
Group Steams Toward Taiwan
(Taipei Times, June 3, 2001) A US aircraft carrier battle group is now
approaching Taiwan, having moved into seas around 350 nautical miles off
Taiwan's eastern coast by Friday night. The approach of the Carl Vinson
aircraft carrier battle group is related to a large-scale military exercise
currently being conducted by China on Dongshan island off Fujian Province
across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan to Beef Up
Security Cooperation with US, Japan: Official
(CNA, May 27, 2001) Taiwan will seek to strengthen security cooperation with
the United States and Japan while endeavoring to defuse tension with mainland
China through confidence-building measures, a senior official said. Vice
Minister of National Defense Chen Pi-chao made the remarks at a seminar on
the U.S. review of its national defense strategy and future security in the
Taiwan Strait.
Lu says Taiwan Should
be More Like `Hello Kitty'
(Taipei Times, May 24, 2001) In the face of constant threats from China,
Taiwan must behave like "Hello Kitty," becoming a cuddly country
adored by the international community and dealing with threats of violence
with "soft means," Vice President Annette Lu told military
officials. "Taiwan's soft powers lie in its respect for human rights,
democracy, love for peace, love for mankind and its high-tech industry,"
the vice president said. "People in China do not have any of these
powers yet. This is their weakness, but for us it is where we are
strong."
Taiwan's Chen Eyes Power-Sharing
Deal
(CNN.com, May 18, 2001) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has proposed to end
political feuding in Taiwan by forming its first coalition government after
legislative elections in December. A gridlock between the opposition
Nationalist Party and Chen's minority ruling party has stalled policy reforms
and the economy since he assumed office last May. "Regardless of the
election results, we will form a coalition government and a majority alliance
of lawmakers to restructure the legislature and stabilize politics,"
Chen said in a televised address
China Charges American
With Spying for Taiwan
(WP, May 18, 2001) Chinese authorities have formally arrested a Chinese
American business professor held since Feb. 25 and charged him with spying
for Taiwan, making him one of the few U.S. citizens ever to face espionage
charges here. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman declined to discuss the
case against the detained man, Li Shaomin, 44, a marketing professor at the
City University of Hong Kong and the son of a prominent Chinese dissident.
The formal espionage charge against an American, the first in six years,
follows a crackdown on overseas Chinese visitors with ties to the United States.
China: The Best
Value for Money?
(CNN.com, May 8, 2001) In his 30-minute speech, Jiang made no mention of the
recent difficulties in diplomatic and military ties with the U.S. The speech
dwelt on the importance of peace as a prerequisite for development. Jiang
said despite overall peaceful conditions worldwide, "conflicts and even
local wars … have kept cropping up." Moreover, he bent over backwards to
show U.S. and Western businessmen in the audience that Beijing could separate
economics from politics.
Taiwan Ex-PM to
Sell Common Market Idea to China
(Reuters, May 8, 2001) Former Taiwan premier Vincent Siew flew to China on
Tuesday to try to win Chinese leaders over to his idea of establishing a
regional common market as part of reconciliation efforts. "I feel we
need to let economic and trade ties between the two sides build a long-term,
stable mechanism. This mechanism is a common market." "There still
exists too many unnecessary risks and uncertainties." said Siew.
Former President's
Visa Caught in Political Wrangling
(Taipei Times, Apr. 12, 2001) Whether former President Lee Teng-hui will be
granted a visa to visit Japan was still unclear Wednesday evening as internal
discord over the issue within the Japanese government saw no clear sign of
coming to an end. Officials
at the ROC Foreign Ministry reiterated yesterday that Lee applied on Tuesday
morning for a visa to visit Japan so that he could receive treatment for
heart problems. Hideo Tarumi, secretary-general of the Interchange
Association in Taipei, Tokyo's de facto embassy to Taiwan, said that nothing
was finalized yet.
Arms Sales Talks to
Go Ahead as Planned
(China Times, Apr. 11, 2001) U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher
Monday elaborated upon statements by Secretary of State Colin Powell, saying
that if the crew of the U.S. Navy EP-3 surveillance aircraft downed on April
1 cannot return home at an early date, Congress is certain to call for
increased weapons sales by the U.S. to Taiwan, and it will be difficult not
to link the two issues . The White House also commented that meetings between
the United States and Taiwan over military sales will be held as scheduled at
the end of April.
Qian to Urge Bush
Not to Sell Arms to Taiwan
(NYT, Mar. 12, 2001) Deputy Premier Qian Qichen, the highest- ranking Chinese
official to visit Washington in two years, is expected to urge President Bush
next week not to sell more advanced weapons to Taiwan. "What we adhere
to is one China that embraces the mainland and Taiwan," China Daily
quoted him as saying on Friday. "We understand the aspirations of Taiwan
compatriots to maintain the status quo."
China Raises Defense
Budget
(CNN, Mar. 6, 2001) China has raised its defense budget by 17.7 percent for
2001 in a bid to improve its 2.5 million-strong People's Liberation Army. The
hike, to a spending of 140 billion yuan ($17 billion), was revealed in the
National People's Congress (NPC) budget report delivered by Finance Minister
Xiang Huaicheng. The military has spoken out in defense of the boost, saying
it should not cause alarm among neighboring countries. "China's military
outlay is smaller than those of the United States, the United Kingdom and
Japan," said General Song Qingwei.
Beijing Ratifies
Rights Treaty, but Has Qualifications
(Washington Post, Mar. 1, 2001) China ratified a U.N.-sponsored human rights
treaty today that requires it to ensure its citizens have access to food,
medical care, housing and education, but appeared to back away from a key
provision that would guarantee workers the right to strike and form
independent labor unions. The qualified endorsement of the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was the latest in a series
of ambiguous signals that China has sent on human rights questions as it
pursues a bid to hold the 2008 Summer Olympics and prepares to fight a
U.S.-led motion against it at a U.N. rights conference in March.
China Aids
Pakistani, 'Rogue' Missile Programs, CIA Says
(Washington Times, Feb. 28, 2001) China continued to send "substantial"
assistance to Pakistan's missile program during the first half of 2000 and
also aided missile programs in Iran, North Korea and Libya, according to a
CIA report. "Chinese missile-related technical assistance to Pakistan
continued to be substantial during this reporting period," the CIA said
in its semiannual report to Congress on arms proliferation.
China Tells
Germany the World Should Be a "Multi-Polar" One
(AFP, Feb. 20, 2001) Chinese President Jiang Zemin told visiting German
Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping Tuesday that China advocates building a
multi-polar world and was strongly against a world dominated by the United
States. China is using the visit to reiterate to Germany its strong
opposition against Washington's plans to build a system to protect itself
against missile attacks, the national defence system (NMD). Beijing hopes
Germany will back its opposition to the US plan.
Chen Sees Benefit in
'Interim Agreement'
(Taipei Times, Feb. 16, 2001) Signing any "interim agreement"
between Beijing and Taipei could help improve cross-strait ties, although
such a deal was not the ultimate solution to the standoff between the two
sides, President Chen Shui-bian told visiting former US state department
official Stanley Roth yesterday. "If during the first phase of contact,
both sides work out an agreement or arrangement, then during the second phase
we should respect the people's choice [here in Taiwan]. Any deal should have
the consent or acceptance of the people because Taiwan is a democratic
country. The future [of Taiwan] should not be jointly determined by the
people of the two sides," Chen said.
ROC Navy Barred from
Marshall Islands
(CNA, Feb. 16, 2001) United States veto of a visit to the Marshall Islands by
a fleet of ROC Navy vessels has angered officials here who said Thursday the
U.S. was violating the Pacific nation's sovereignty. Invoking its defense
veto power under the Compact of Free Association for the first time since it
was implemented in 1986, the U.S. State Department informed Marshall Islands
officials that the visit of three ROC cadet-training vessels scheduled for
May would not be permitted.
Poll Shows Americans
Would Oppose Using Troops to Defend Taiwan
(CNA, Feb. 14, 2001) A new survey shows that 51 percent of Americans would
oppose U.S. military intervention in the event of an invasion of Taiwan by
mainland China, while 37 percent would support such an intervention. The
results suggest that most Americans see it as in the U.S. national interest
not to go to war with mainland China over Taiwan, says the Foreign Policy
Association (FPA), the organization that conducted the opinion poll.
Chen Appeals to
Beijing to Stop Threats of Force
(Taipei Times, Feb. 13, 2001) President Chen Shui-bian told Taiwan's military
leadership that he will push for the country's economic and political
integration with China if it renounces the use of force against Taiwan. Chen
cautioned at the same time against a potential outbreak of war in the Taiwan
Strait because of miscalculations by the Chinese leadership. "We can not
ignore the fact that we are feeling greater pressure from China because of
its growing ballistic missile forces, state-of-the-art weapons and overall
arms build-up. They are still likely to miscalculate the situation and launch
a war in the Strait."
Taiwan to Resume
Work on Nuclear Power Plant
(AFP, Feb. 13, 2001) Taiwan's government on Tuesday agreed to resume work on
a controversial nuclear power plant project, seeking to end months of
political crisis sparked by the issue. Premier Chang Chun-hsiung forged the
accord with parliamentary speaker Wang Jin-pyng, who was authorised by the
opposition coalition to do so. "For the country's political stability
and economic development ... we have decided to sign the agreement,"
Chang said. The four-point accord states that the 5.6 billion-US-dollar project
should be reinstated immediately and that its budget decided through related
regulations.
Former Premier
Promotes Cross-Strait Common Market
(CNA, Feb. 12, 2001) Former Premier Vincent Siew said Monday he will form a
special fund within a month to promote the formation of a "common
market" between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The ex-premier said
his idea of promoting a cross-strait common market stems out of his worry
about Taiwan's deteriorating economic situation. "We must rely on market
economy principles, rather than government policies, to cope with this
adverse situation."
Taiwan, Singapore
Step up Military Cooperation: Report
(AFP, Feb. 12, 2001) Taiwan and Singapore plan to renew military cooperation
later this month despite China's efforts to woo the city state away from
Taipei. The planned agreement, based on an existing programme known as
"Operation Hsing Kuang" (Starlight), would continue to provide
training venues for Singapore artillery, armoured vehicles and infantry
units. Taiwan would also offer logistic support to Singapore units including
maintenance of tanks and air defence missiles.
CIA Director Warns of
Chinese Military
(Taipei Times, Feb. 9, 2001) China's military build-up could make relations
across the Taiwan Strait more volatile in the future -- especially as
Sino-Russian relations improve, the director of the CIA, George Tenet, said
on Wednesday. In testimony to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence,
Tenet said that political divisions within Taiwan were also complicating the
cross-strait situation. He called Taiwan "the toughest issue"
facing Sino-US relations.
Military to Build
Arms, Reduce Forces
(Taipei Times, Feb. 8, 2001) National Defense Minister Wu Shih-wen announced
an arms build-up program yesterday that will take place over the next five
years. He also said that armed forces personnel will be downsized during the
same period. "By 2006, we will further slim down the force number to
350,000. It is to be achieved through the yet-to-be implemented Chingching
project, which is a follow-up of the Chingshih project," he said. Wu
explained the program focuses on air and sea control and anti-amphibious
landing attack capability.
Chinese Boat Sets
off on First Official Trip to Taiwan in 50 Years
(AFP, Feb. 6, 2001) A Chinese ferry set off Tuesday on the first official
trip to Taiwan-controlled territory since the end of a bloody civil war more
than 50 years ago. Carrying 91 passengers, the Gulangyu left from the port of
Xiamen in the southeastern province of Fujian for the tiny Taiwanese island
of Quemoy [Kinmen] just a few kilometers (miles) off the coast of mainland
China. Two Taiwanese vessels made the pioneering voyage from Quemoy to Xiamen
on January 2, but Beijing has since prevaricated over whether to allow
Chinese ships to make the return trip.
China Adding
Missiles Aimed Toward Taiwan
(Washington Times, Feb. 5, 2001) China is continuing a destabilizing buildup
of short-range missiles opposite Taiwan and now has up to 300 missiles
deployed, according to a senior military official. The senior official, who
spoke to The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity, also said Russia
is supplying China with advanced ballistic-missile technology and strategic
nuclear warhead know-how. "The candy store appears to be open," the
official said. "The Russians will sell anything to the Chinese that the
Chinese want to buy, and that's what bothers me."
U.S. Says It Will
Continue to Back Human Rights in China, Help Taiwan Defend Itself
(AFP, Feb. 5, 2001) The United States reiterated Sunday that it remained
committed to supporting human rights in China as well as to ensuring that
Taiwan can defend itself. On Taiwan's anticipated request for U.S. guided
missile destroyers fitted with Aegis combat weapons systems, Powell noted
that "decisions on individual weapons systems (are made) in accordance
with the Taiwan Relations Act" "We have an obligation to Taiwan to
make sure their ability to defend itself remains constant."
Taiwan to Test-Fire
Supersonic Ship-to-Ship Missile: Report
(AFP, Feb. 4, 2001) Taiwan's weapons researchers plan to test-fire their
supersonic Hsiungfeng III anti-ship missiles at a military exercise in April.
The test, to coincide with the island's biggest annual military exercise
codenamed "Hankuang 17 (Han Glory)," would be conducted at the
military base of Chiupeng in the southern-most county of Pingtung, the China
Times Express evening newspaper said. It said the missile was designed to cruise
at twice the speed of sound, allowing it to match that of SS-N-22 Sunburn
ship-to-ship missiles now armed on China's two Russia-built Sovremenney
(Modern) class destroyer.
New Anti-Ship Missile
to be Tested in April
(Taipei Times, Feb. 2, 2001) The military plans to test-fire the domestically
developed Hsiung Feng-III anti-ship missile in April as part of the final
trials of the new weapon system before putting it into service, according to
defense sources. The test-firing is to take place off the east coast to
coincide with the Hankuang No. 17 joint-force exercise, which will be
launched around the same time in southern Taiwan.
Air Force
Plans Reforms
to Tackle Pilot
Shortage
(Taipei Times, Jan. 31, 2001) Taiwan's air force announced yesterday its
decision to launch a series of major systematic reforms including the
extension of minimum service for pilots from eight to 14 years. The move was
made to help combat a growing shortage of fighter pilots. At the same time
the air force plans to widen pilot recruitment channels, said Colonel Shen
Chen-yu, a section chief of the personnel department with the Air Force
General Headquarters.
Cross-Strait Data
Up 27pc as Bans Ease
(South China Morning Post, Jan. 30, 2001) Taiwan's trade with the mainland
surged 27.2 per cent to US$29.77 billion in the first 11 months of last year,
compared with the period a year earlier. Taiwan's trade surplus with the
mainland rose 20 per cent year on year to US$18.28 billion in the 11-month
period, as exports to China totalled US$24.03 billion, up 24.3 per cent,
while imports from the mainland rose 40.5 per cent to US$5.75 billion,
according to Taiwan's Board of Foreign Trade.
Space Is Playing Field
For Newest War Game
(Washington Post, Jan. 29, 2001) Spurred by the increased reliance of the
U.S. military and the U.S. economy on satellites, and facing a new secretary
of defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld, who is more focused on space than his
predecessors were, the Air Force's Space Warfare Center here staged the
military's first major war game to focus on space as the primary theater of
operations, rather than just a supporting arena for combat on earth. The
scenario was growing tension between the United States and China in 2017.
US Helps Taiwan
Upgrade Intelligence Network: Report
(AFP, Jan. 29, 2001) The United States has helped Taiwan improve its ability
to collect and process military intelligence despite a lack of diplomatic
ties between Taipei and Washington. The London-based Jane's Defense Weekly
said in its latest issue that the US National Security Agency (NSA) had
completed a five-year upgrade of, and a training program at, a data
processing centre at a Taiwan military compound. The centre was also
named as the Taiwan headquarters for a US telecommunications company based in
Maryland, which is a commercial front for the NSA.
Japan Asked to Curb
Taipei-Beijing Conflict
(CNA, Jan. 28, 2001) U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged his visiting
Japanese counterpart Yohei Kono in a meeting to help jointly check mutual
provocation between Taipei and Beijing, a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry
official said here Friday. At a briefing held for Japanese reporters after
the working lunch between Powell and Kono, the official, who asked not to be
named, quoted Powell as saying that the United States and Japan should hold
close discussions if they are to be successful in urging Taiwan and mainland
China to refrain from provoking each other.
Powell, Japanese
Foreign Minister Discuss Asian Security
(CNN, Jan. 27, 2001) Asian security issues were the main topic as U.S.
Secretary of State Colin Powell met with Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei
Kono. China's growth, North Korea's missiles and a possible treaty between
Japan and Russia were topics touched on during the 45-minute-long meeting,
one of the first high-level diplomatic contacts Powell has made since taking
his new post. "It was no accident that Japan was one of the first
meetings," one State Department official told CNN. "Japan is the
cornerstone of our Asia policy."
U.S. Insists China
Policy is Unchanged
(AFP, Jan. 26, 2001) The new U.S. administration of George W. Bush has not
changed policy toward China, a spokesman said Thursday as a row raged with
Beijing over its crackdown on the Falun Gong spiritual group. Hours after
China told Washington to stop interfering in its internal affairs, State
Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. attitude to China remained
consistent under new Secretary of State Colin Powell.
China Fights Losing
Battle to Censor Cyberspace
(Straits Times, Jan. 22, 2001) As more Internet-savvy Chinese become
increasingly adept at surfing through cyberspace, China may find itself
fighting a losing battle to impose a news blockade on sensitive issues. The
debate that is now raging online, following the release of the Tiananmen
Papers, shows that growing numbers of people are turning to the Internet to
discuss, in particular, sensitive political issues.
Ship's Trip Through
the Strait Confirmed
(Taipei Times, Jan. 19, 2001) The second Sovremenny-class guided-missile
destroyer bought by China from Russia passed through the Taiwan Strait last
week under the watchful eye of Taiwan's military, Minister of National
Defense Wu Shih-wen confirmed yesterday. The final destination of the new
destroyer is reported to be Qingdao in Shandong province, where it will serve
as part of the North Sea fleet of the Chinese navy.
China Warns US to
Keep Taiwan Out of Any Missile Defense
(AFP, Jan. 18, 2001) "China's government and people are strongly opposed
to the inclusion of Taiwan into the US Theatre Missile Defense system,"
foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said. "If the United States is
bent on its plan to include Taiwan in its TMD system, it will constitute a
wanton interference and threat to Chinese sovereignty and security."
Zhu's statements came only hours after Secretary of State-designate Colin
Powell said the Bush administration would move ahead with TMD technology.
Powell Reiterates
Support for Peace in Strait
(United Daily News, Jan. 18, 2001) During his confirmation hearing on Capitol
Hill, U.S. Secretary of State-designate Colin Powell stated that Taiwan is a
part of "China," and that, apart from resorting to armed conflict,
how Taipei and Beijing choose to resolve their differences is up to the two
sides to decide. Powell said: "We (the United States) expect and demand
a peaceful settlement (to the mainland China-Taiwan conflict), one that is
acceptable to people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
Vice President
Annette Lu Seeks to Cool "China Fever"
(Reuters, Jan. 18, 2001) Taiwan's outspoken Vice President Annette Lu tried
to cool enthusiasm among local firms to invest in rival China on Thursday,
saying they could blindly expose themselves to great risk. "Blindly
following the mainland fever without knowing the risk is not something a wise
man does," Lu told an economic forum. However, Lu said fear over any
military conflicts in the Taiwan Strait may be overdone and Beijing would not
start a war "without any reason".
Taiwan's Patriots To
Be Test-Fired
(CNA, Jan. 17, 2001) Ministry of National Defense official confirmed
yesterday that the military has completed deployment of the Patriot
anti-missile defense systems and will test-fire the new defensive weapon
later this year. Taiwan has purchased three sets of U.S.-made modified air
defense systems (MADS), also known as "Patriot PAC-2 plus," and
deployed them in Nankang, Wanli and Linkou to protect the heavily populated
greater Taipei area. The ministry has designated 2001 as the "year of
training" aimed at upgrading the training efficacy and overall combat
capabilities.
Government Won't
Resume Nuclear Plant Construction: DPP
(CNA, Jan. 17, 2001) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and anti-nuclear
groups yesterday rallied behind the government's decision to scrap
construction of the island's fourth nuclear plant. One day after the Council
of Grand Justices ruled that the Executive Yuan failed to consult the
Legislature before announcing the abolishment of the nuclear plant, the
ruling DPP said that there is no question of restoring the construction of
the power plant before Premier Chang Chun-hsiung reports to the Legislative
Yuan as demanded by the grand justices.
China's
Unmanned Spacecraft Returns Safely
(Reuters, Jan. 16, 2001) China's unmanned Shenzhou II spacecraft returned
safely to earth Tuesday after a seven-day mission, part of a program to put
astronauts into space in the next five years. The spacecraft carried animals
and microbial cells for experiments on the impact of space on various life
forms to ensure it could carry humans into space safely, the report said.
Taiwan Plans Army
Exercises in Face of Chinese Military Threat
(AFP, Jan. 16, 2001) Taiwan's defense ministry said Tuesday it had scheduled
a series of exercises to beef up its combat readiness in the face of China's
military threats. The island's annual Han Kung (Han Glory) 17 exercise, the
largest of its kind, will be held between March and April to test Taiwan's
combat capability. The exercise would also test Taiwan's weaponary system as
the ministry had scheduled to complete a restructure plan likely to trim
troop numbers to between 400,000 and 380,000 by June 2001
Presidential Office,
Cabinet Accept Ruling
(China Post, Jan. 16, 2001) Both the Executive Yuan and the Presidential
Office yesterday expressed full respect for the Council of Grand Justices'
ruling on the constitutionality of the Cabinet's decision to halt work on the
Fourth Nuclear Power Plant. The Cabinet stressed that the justices' verdict
does not clearly specify that the executive branch violated the constitution,
while the Presidential Office lauded the constitutional interpretation as
setting an excellent example for settling policy disputes between the
executive and legislative branches.
Scrapping of Nuke
Plant Need Legislative Approval: Grand Justices
(CNA, Jan. 15, 2001) Taiwan's Council of Grand Justices ruled that the
Executive Yuan did not follow due process of law in abolishing the island's
fourth nuclear plant. Stopping
short of branding the decision unconstitutional, the ruling calls for the
Executive Yuan to follow the correct procedure "as soon as
possible" by reporting to the legislature and seeking its approval.
China Builds New
Missile Base Across Taiwan, Report Says
(AFP, Jan. 15, 2001) China is building a base in a southeastern city for
advanced long-range ground-to-air missiles, a move feared to weaken Taiwan's
air defense capabilities. The base, built in Zhangzhou of Fujian province,
would be used for deployment of Russia-made S-300MPU missiles which have a
minimum range of 90 kilometers (56 miles), the United Daily News quoted
intelligence information as saying.
Taiwan Ill-prepared
for China's Any "First Strike"
(AFP, Jan. 14, 2001) Taiwan is ill-prepared for a military first strike by
rival China despite continuous efforts by the island to build up its
defenses, it was reported Sunday. "Taiwan's air and naval bases, radar
stations, and other major military facilities were weak in the capability of
resisting bombing," the Taipei-based China Times quoted a military
source as saying.
Jesse Helms Vows a
Fresh Push for TSEA This Year
(Taipei Times, Jan. 13, 2001) US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman
Jesse Helms said that passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA)
will be one of his committee's top priorities in this year's congressional
session. Helms blasted outgoing President Bill Clinton for having
"repeatedly let down our friends in Taiwan" by going to China and
enunciating his so-called "three no's" policy while there, and by
failing to supply Taipei with sufficient arms under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Taiwan Urges US to
Be More Active in Cross-Strait Issues
(AFP, Jan. 12, 2001) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian Friday urged Washington
to play a more active role in cross-Strait affairs, a statement said.
"We are prepared to reopen dialogue (with China) for negotiations. The
United States can play a more aggressive role as a peace envoy, a balancer or
a stabilizer between the two sides of the strait."
Outgoing
U.S. Officials Criticize Beijing and Taipei
(Reuters, Jan. 12, 2001) The United States said on Thursday that Beijing and the
new Taiwan government have failed to understand each other, damaging
prospects for the cross-strait dialogue which Washington advocates. Assistant
Secretary of State Stanley Roth put most of the blame on Beijing, saying it
had "essentially embarked upon a very clumsy united front strategy"
by trying to court Taiwanese opposition parties and ignore the Taiwanese
government.
Beijing
Calls on Washington to Scrap Missile Shield Plan
(Reuters, Jan. 12, 2001) China called on the United States on Friday
to abandon as soon as possible plans to build a system to protect it against
missile attacks. ''We hope the United States will
seriously heed the wise appeals of the international community and abandon as
soon as possible the NMD plan,'' the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a
statement, referring to the US proposal to build a National Missile Defence.
China/Taiwan Policy
Same Under Bush, U.S. Admiral Says
(Reuters, Jan. 11, 2001) U.S. policy on the China/Taiwan issue would be
unchanged when George W. Bush becomes president, U.S. Pacific Command chief
Admiral Dennis Blair said on Thursday. "The U.S. policy towards China
has been pretty consistent through about six administrations, of both
parties, and that's that we recognize one China and we say that the Taiwan
issue should be resolved by peaceful means," Blair told a news
conference.
China Slams
"Irresponsible" Pentagon Weapons Report
(AFP, Jan. 11, 2001) China Thursday flatly rejected a Pentagon report
accusing Chinese "entities" of selling ballistic missile or nuclear
technology in defiance of non-proliferation agreements. The Pentagon report
entitled "Proliferation: Threat and Response," said around a dozen
countries were pursuing offensive biological and chemical weapons programs,
mainly with help emanating from Russia and China.
Despite Softening
Tone, China Sticks to Taiwan Hard Line
(AFP, Jan. 10, 2001) China
has made some encouraging noises about Taiwan, but analysts believe it is
merely playing to the incoming U.S. administration and has not altered its
uncompromising stance on reunification. China fears the new US administration
will provide more active support to Taiwan, especially in the area of arms
sales, which could end up freezing the current military equilibrium between
Beijing and Taiwan and prevent reunification by force.
Shanghai Deputy
Mayor Arrives in Taiwan for 10-Day Visit
(AFP, Jan. 9, 2001) Shanghai's deputy mayor Feng Guoqin arrived in Taiwan
Tuesday and pledged to help improve exchanges and links between the island
and mainland China. Feng said he would inform Taiwan about business
conditions and developments in science and technology within Shanghai during
the trip, in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties.
Taiwan Is Likely to
Ask the U.S. to Sell It 4 Destroyers
(New York Times, Jan. 8, 2001) Taiwan has signaled that it may ask the Bush
administration to sell it four Kidd-class guided-missile destroyers to
counter China's recently purchased Russian-made destroyers, the second of
which is now steaming toward the Taiwan Strait. The request, likely to be
made before the United States and Taiwan hold annual talks on arms sales in
April, would present George W. Bush with his first major challenge in
managing the delicate balance of relations between China and Taiwan.
'Political
Integration' in Line with DPP Policy: Hsieh
(China Post, Jan. 8, 2001) Talk of "political integration" by
President Chen Shui-bian during his New Year address is right in step with
his party's basic platform, Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Frank Hsieh
said over the weekend. Hsieh said that this idea was perfectly consistent
with the DPP's stance of maintaining the status quo in cross-strait
relations.
China Seen Warming to
Direct Links
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2001) China's Minister of Communications Hong
Shanxiang said Beijing will define cross-strait shipping as "domestic
routes under special management" after direct shipping is opened up
between China and Taiwan. Under this principle, cross-strait shipping routes
would be reserved for Taiwanese and Chinese ships only after both sides have
entered into the WTO, Hong added.
Mainland Thinks
'Big' Rather Than 'Mini' Links
(South China Morning Post, Jan. 6, 2001) Senior Chinese officials sat down
with Taiwanese opposition lawmakers yesterday, vowing to push for the opening
of direct cross-strait links. Representatives of Taiwan's main opposition
Kuomintang party quoted Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen as saying that
politics should not get in the way of the establishment of direct trade,
transport and postal ties, known as the "three links".
Beijing Signals New
Flexibility on Taiwan
(Washington Post, Jan. 5, 2001) China's top foreign policy official, Deputy
Prime Minister Qian Qichen, signaled today that his country is willing to be
more flexible on Taiwan and urged the incoming Bush administration not to
view Beijing as a "strategic competitor." Asked if China would be
willing to accept a loose confederation with the island of 23 million people,
something Chinese officials ruled out years ago, Qian said: "Anything
can be discussed." He went on to say that China has adopted a
"pragmatic and more inclusive" version of its long-standing
one-China policy, which holds there is only one China and Taiwan is part of
it.
Kuomintang Chairman
Proposes Cross-Strait Confederation
(CNA, Jan. 4, 2001) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Lien Chan proposed a
cross-strait commonwealth or confederation as a useful method of seeking
political integration across the Taiwan Strait. At a press conference to
introduce his new book "New Blueprint, New Dynamic", Lien said the
idea of a confederation is worthy of consideration, because he said it would
help uphold the mutual goal of reunification of Taiwan and mainland China,
while at the same time retaining room for both sides to develop under separate
political systems.
China Accuses Chen
of Playing Politics Over Links
(AFP, Jan. 4, 2001) China Thursday accused Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian
of trying to dupe public opinion by opening limited direct links with the
mainland and warned the measure would not lead to dialogue. A commentary in
the People's Daily said Chen was trying to force a dialogue without accepting
Beijing's condition for talks.
China Grudgingly
Supports New Taiwan Links
(Reuters, Jan. 3, 2001) Chinese state media gave sparse coverage on Wednesday
to the first legal voyage by Taiwanese ships to the Chinese mainland in 51
years, but one newspaper said Beijing would support the new transport links.
Taiwan permitted three vessels from its frontline islands of Quemoy and Matsu
to sail directly to the Chinese mainland on Tuesday, marking a small but
symbolic step towards establishing full trade, transport and postal links
between the rivals.
New Rules on
Cross-Straits Trade
(People's Daily, Jan. 2, 2001) China issued a set of rules governing trade
across the Taiwan Straits, which trade officials say will "enable
cross-Straits trade and economic cooperation to grow in a sound, orderly
manner." The rules, in 15 provisions, specify the guiding principles,
ways of management and disputes settlement concerning cross-Straits trade.
MOFTEC Assistant Minister An Min said that drafting of the new rules were
based on three principles: the principle of "one China,two
systems," the principle of the market economy, and the principle of
consistency with existing rules.
Taiwanese Ships Arrive
in China
(AP, Jan. 2, 2001) Three Taiwanese ships made the first direct legal voyages
to mainland China in 51 years on Tuesday, carrying government officials and
religious pilgrims, and raising hopes for better relations. Taiwan lifted a
ban on crossings from Kinmen and Matsu on New Year's Day, legalizing a trade
carried on for years by smugglers. The lifting of some travel restrictions
could lead eventually to direct transportation across the 100-mile-wide
Taiwan Strait between China and the main island of Taiwan – which remains
banned.
Taiwanese Boat Heads
Back to Taiwan
(AP, Jan. 1, 2001) A Taiwanese tourist boat that had set sail for China to
end a five-decade ban on direct travel between the longtime rivals turned
back to Taiwan later Monday. The reason for scrapping the voyage was not
immediately clear. Taiwanese officials blamed bad weather in the narrow
straits between the tiny islet of Kinmen and China's southeastern port of
Xiamen. But a port official in Xiamen, who refused to be named, said he
believed the trip was canceled for political reasons, saying neither Taiwan
nor China wanted to have direct links inaugurated by a private group.
Chen Extends Olive
Branch to Beijing: 'One-China'
principle 'no problem for Taiwan's constitution'
(South China Morning Post, Jan. 1, 2001) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian
ushered in the New Year yesterday by extending another olive branch to
Beijing. In a 15-minute televised speech, Mr Chen indirectly embraced a
proposal by a top advisory body that Taiwan should look to its constitution
to find a way to accommodate Beijing's insistence on the "one
China" principle as a prerequisite for talks. "According to the
constitution of the Republic of China, 'one China' is originally not a
problem," Mr Chen said in the videotaped speech aired at 6pm.
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