Referendum Issue

Major Clauses of Taiwan's Referendum Bill

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Cabinet Rescinds DPP Amendment to Referendum Law
(Taipei Times, Oct. 3, 2008) The Cabinet yesterday remove an amendment to the Referendum Law implemented by the former Democratic Progressive Party government that lowered the threshold to initiate a referendum and to determine its validity.

Revising Referendum Law Is Necessary, DPP Claims
(CNA, July 1, 2005) The Executive Yuan's approval to amend the Referendum Law will greatly improve the government's policy-making quality and its competitiveness, a Democratic Progressive Party official said.

Cabinet OKs Referendum Law Overhaul
(Taiwan News, June 30, 2005) The Cabinet approved a package of revisions to the Referendum Law that would lower the thresholds for citizen initiatives and the passage of referendums that do not impinge on the Constitution or the definition of the national territory.

Cabinet OKs Referendum Law Changes
(Taipei Times, Jan. 6, 2005) The revisions will mandate a plebiscite on any change to the nation's boundaries, but the Taipei mayor says the measure is unconstitutional.

Chen Warns of Future Referendum
(Taiwan News, Nov. 21, 2004)  President Chen Shui-bian declared that if China put excessive pressure on Taiwan to accept Beijing's "one China" principle or its " one country, two systems" unification formula, he "would not exclude" holding citizen referendums on those topics.

Chen Proposes Two New Referendums
(Taipei Times, Apr. 12, 2004) The president blasted the pan-blue camp and called for year-end referendums on shrinking the Legislative Yuan and reviewing the KMT's assets.

China: Referendum a Tool to 'Kidnap People's Will'
(Straits Times, Mar. 24, 2004) China issued its strongest response yet on Taiwan when national newspapers accused President Chen Shui-bian of 'kidnapping the people's will' and committing 'political fraud'.

China Accuses Taiwan of Threatening Stability
(Reuters, Mar. 14, 2004) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao accused Taiwan's leaders of using democracy as a pretext to push for a referendum aimed at independence and threatening stability in the region.

Germany Urges Taiwan to Rethink on Referendum
(Reuters, Mar. 14, 2004) The German government urged Taiwan to think again about holding a referendum next week on boosting anti-missile defenses against mainland China.

China Urges U.S. Congress to Stay Out of Taiwan Row
(Reuters, Mar. 13, 2004) Beijing urged members of the U.S. Congress not to sign a statement supporting a controversial Taiwan referendum.

Debate on March 20 Referendum Goes On, and On
(China Post, Mar. 8, 2004) Debaters representing the opposition camp continued criticizing the legality of holding a national referendum on March 20, while those of the government strongly defended Chen's stand.

South Korea Concerned over Taiwan's Referendum Plan
(AP, Feb. 28, 2004) "Our government has concerns over the recent moves by Taiwan that can cause tensions,'' the Foreign Ministry said.

Powell Stresses US Opposition to Taiwan Changing Status Quo
(AFP, Feb. 24, 2004) US Secretary of State Colin Powell told Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in a phone call that Washington's position on any plans by Taiwan to alter the status quo remained "firm and unchanged.”

Chinese President Takes Part in War Plans
(Straits Times, Feb. 22, 2004) Chinese President Hu Jintao has recently set up office at the military command headquarters at Yuquanshan, on Beijing's western outskirts, to familiarise himself with war command operations.

Lien Vows Not to Vote in March 'Illegal' Referendum
(Taiwan News, Feb. 22, 2004) Lien Chan declared that he would not vote in the referendum to be held in tandem with the March 20 presidential election.

Taiwan's Chen Says Ballot Won't Affect Missile Deal
(Reuters, Feb. 19, 2004) Taiwan will press ahead with plans to buy advanced weaponry from the United States even if a referendum on boosting anti-missile capabilities is rejected next month, President Chen Shui-bian said.

PFP Tells Backers to Boycott Referendum
(Taiwan News, Feb. 19, 2004) The uproar over the March 20 referendum continued unabated as more opposition officials urged voters to abstain from the ballot they branded illegitimate and unnecessary.

Powell Sees No Need for Taiwan to Hold Referenda
(China Post, Feb. 13, 2004) U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell told a U.S. Congressional committee that he sees no need for Taiwan to hold a referendum. As a democracy, though, Taiwan has every right to hold a referendum, according to Powell.

U.S. Asks China to Trim Threat to Taiwan
(NYT, Feb. 12, 2004) A senior Pentagon official told Chinese leaders this week that they should withdraw missiles aimed at Taiwan, stressing that the burden of reducing tensions across the Taiwan Strait falls heavily on Beijing.

China Warns Taiwan Referendum Will Endanger Peace
(WP, Feb. 11, 2004) China dismissed a recent Taiwanese proposal to establish a demilitarized buffer zone as "deceitful" and warned the island's government that going ahead with a planned referendum will "endanger peace" and "provoke confrontation."

China 'Won't Meddle' with Taiwan
(CNN.com, Feb. 11, 2004) China has denounced plans by Taiwan's president to push ahead with a poll next month but says it won't interfere.

Cabinet Passes Motion for Vote Despite Ma's Dissent
(Taiwan News, Feb. 5, 2004) The DPP-led Cabinet approved two topics proposed by President Chen Shui-bian for a "peace referendum" to be held in tandem with the March 20 presidential election despite objections from Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou.

Chen's Peace Plan Labeled Trite and Empty by Opposition
(Taiwan News, Feb. 4, 2004) The opposition parties dismissed President Chen's cross-strait peace plan as both trite and empty and reiterated that holding the March 20 referendum is bound to strain rather than improve Taiwan's relations with China.

Taiwan's Leader Proposes DMZ With China
(WP, Feb. 4, 2004) President Chen offered to exchange envoys with China and establish a demilitarized zone across the Taiwan Strait, a proposal apparently aimed at appeasing the Bush administration and other critics.

Taiwan Brushes Aside Referendum Doubts
(Taiwan News, Feb. 1, 2004) Taiwan sought to play down the latest remarks by a U.S. official about the upcoming referendum, disputing claims by overseas and local media that characterized the comments as critical of the government's referendum plan.

U.S. Official, in Beijing, Questions Taiwan's Referendum Plan
(NYT, January 31, 2004) "As much as we respect Taiwan's democracy, the referendum in question does raise questions," Richard L. Armitage, the deputy secretary of state, said. “I think this raises questions about the motives of those who want to put it forward."

Taiwan Accuses Chirac of Meddling
(AP, Jan. 29, 2004) Taiwan's leader accused French President Chirac of meddling in the island's affairs after he criticized Taiwanese plans to hold a referendum, and two Cabinet-level visits to France were canceled in protest.

French Stance Ups Heat on Taiwan
(CNN.com, Jan. 28, 2004) Chen responded to Chirac's statement by stressing the right to hold referendums is a "universally accepted basic right of a democratic people." The Taiwan president alleged Paris had misunderstood Taipei's position, which had nothing to do with disturbing the status quo.

France Backs China Against Taiwan as It Eyes Trade Deals
(AFP, Jan. 27, 2004) Chirac, speaking late Monday at a state banquet in honour of Hu who was starting a four-day visit to France, called the March 20 plebiscite "a grave mistake" that would destabilise Asia.

Opposition Backs Down from Boycott
(Taiwan News, Jan. 27, 2004) Opposition "pan-blue" leaders backed down from threats to boycott the "peace referendum" but decided to continue questioning the referendum's legality.

Arms, Taiwan Top France-China Meet
(CNN.com, Jan. 26, 2004) Chinese President Hu Jintao is set to arrive in Paris to lobby for sales of weapons to China and French opposition to "referendum politics" in Taiwan.

Opposition Plans Meeting on Referendum Boycott
(China Post, Jan. 25, 2004) President Chen's plan of holding a referendum alongside the presidential election remains a hot campaign issue as the opposition "pan-blue" alliance plans to take concrete boycott steps.

Chen Urges Citizens to Write History with Referendum
(Taiwan News, Jan 21, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian declared that citizens will write a new chapter in Taiwan's history March 20 when they cast ballots in both the election for the president and the first nationwide referendum. 

China Still Rejects Taiwan Referendum
(WP, Jan. 19, 2004) A senior Chinese official rejected the new wording of a referendum that Taiwan is planning to hold in March and warned that it would push cross-strait tensions "to the brink of danger."

Taiwan Divided over Chen's Controversial Referendum Plan
(AFP, Jan. 18, 2004) The Taiwanese public is split over whether to go ahead with a March referendum on bolstering its defence amid fears it would create further rifts with China.

Opposition Criticizes Referendum as Illegal
(Taiwan News, Jan. 18, 2004) Opposition parties expressed their objections to President Chen Shui-bian's proposed "peace referendum," saying the recently passed Referendum Law did not empower him to call a ballot on issues unrelated to security crises.

Taiwan Alters Arms Referendum Language
(WP, Jan. 17, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan changed the wording of a proposed referendum that has angered both the United States and China, offering to ask voters whether the island should buy more U.S.-made weapons and try to open talks with Beijing.

Taiwan's Leader Tones Down Referendum Opposed by Beijing
(New York Times, Jan. 17, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan toned down the questions he plans to pose in a referendum on March 20 after criticism from Washington that he was being too confrontational with Beijing.

Taiwan's Chen Chalks Out Questions for Referendum
(Reuters, Jan. 16, 2004) In a televised address, Chen said the first question would be: "If China does not remove missiles aimed at Taiwan and does not give up the use of force against Taiwan, do you support the government to increase the purchase of anti-missile equipment to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capability?"

Chen Says Referendum in March His No. 1 Concern
(Taipei Times, Jan. 16, 2004) The president said that he was prepared to lose the election in his quest to promote democracy in the country, calling the goal a matter of faith.

Chen Says Referendum About Stability
(Taipei Times, Jan 13, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian assured the international community yesterday that he will be cautious and steady in carrying out the March 20 referendum, which he described as a democratic achievement to stabilize the Asia-Pacific region and bring a lasting peace.

Majority Worried Over Cross-Strait Tension, Poll Says
(CNA, Jan. 12, 2004) More than half of the respondents to a recent public opinion poll said they are worried about the possibility of a military conflict across the Taiwan Strait due to Taiwan's referendum plan.

U.S. Referendum Delegation Postponed
(China Post, Jan. 10, 2004) The Presidential Office abruptly postponed the trip of an "explanation delegation" to the United States.

Taiwan Suspends Plan to Send Teams to US to Discuss Referendum Plans (AFP, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwan's government has anounced the delaying of a plan to send delegations to the United States to explain its referendum plan.

Chen 'Hearing' US, Says Powell
(Reuters, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwanese leader knows about strong US opposition, says Secretary of State.

Taiwan Tries to Pacify US over China Plebiscite
(Financial Times, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwan's March referendum will ask whether China should be offered closer links to the island in exchange for renouncing military force.

Referendum Not Just an Appeal to China
(TT, Jan. 8, 2004) Secretary General to the president Chiou I-jen said that the content of President Shui-bian's defensive referendum will not just be a simple "appeal" to protest China's military threats, but will propose "concrete" suggestions to allow the government making policy in the future.

China Warns Taiwan Against 'Playing with Fire'
(Reuters, Jan. 7, 2003) Wang Zaixi, vice-minister of the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the moves by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian posed a great threat.

Chen Tells US Delegation He Will Not Sway
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian said that Chinese interference will not stop him from going ahead with a planned national referendum.

Chen Affirms Goal of Enacting New Constitution
(Taiwan News, Jan. 7, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian affirmed the intention of his Democratic Progressive Party government to promote the enactment of a new Constitution with ratification by citizen referendum.

Taiwan Moves to Ease Fears over China Tensions
(Financial Times, Jan 6, 2004) "We will not conduct a referendum on March 20 without having reached an understanding with the US."

'Pan-Blue' Alliance Decides to Abandon Referendum Plans
(China Post, Jan. 6, 2003) The opposition "pan-blue" alliance decided not to hold any referendum alongside the presidential poll at such a sensitive time.

Taiwan to Send Delegations Abroad Over Referendum
(Reuters, Jan. 5, 2003) Taiwan will send delegations to the United States, Europe and Japan to try to assure them a controversial referendum would not change the island's political status quo with China.

US Says Chen Admin Inconsistent
(Taipei Times, Jan. 4, 2003) A US State Department official says the referendum that has been discussed seems to change every day, which makes comment impossible.

Taiwan's President Ignores US Pleas over Referendum on China
(Financial Times, Jan. 2, 2004) Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's president, restated his determination to hold a referendum in March demanding that China withdraw its threat of military force against Taiwan.

US Sends New Warning to Taiwan over Referendum
(AFP, Jan. 1, 2004) Deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli reacted to Chen's move in signing the bill by stressing that Washington opposed any unilateral measures by either China or Taiwan that change the status quo in their relationship, "including this referendum."

Taiwan's President Chen Signs Landmark Bill on Referendum
(AFP, Dec. 31, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has signed a historic bill that allows him to stage the referendum. "This is a historic moment...it enables us to fulfill our dream," Chen was quoted by an official.

Taiwan Resists Pressure over Referendum
(Financial Times, Dec. 31, 2003) Taiwan is defying increasing international pressure to revise its contentious plans to hold a "defensive" referendum in March. Japan's unofficial envoy to Taipei expressed concern over the planned vote in a meeting with Taiwan government officials.

Penghu Voters Uninspired by Referendum
(Taiwan News, Dec. 28, 2003) Residents in the outlying Penghu County gave a cold shoulder to an advisory referendum. Less than 25 percent of the county's eligible voters turned out for the disputed vote on whether tourist casinos should be allowed to boost local economy.

PRC's Shortcut to Taiwan
(Editorial, China Post, Dec. 24, 2003) The asymmetric triangle between Taipei, Washington and Beijing seems to have tilted to Taiwan's disadvantage as a result of President Chen Shui-bian's China-baiting tactics for re-election.

China Thanks Bush for Taiwan Stance
(Washington Post, Dec. 22, 2003) China's president, Hu Jintao, thanked President Bush in a telephone call for opposing any "words and actions" by Taiwan to alter its status.

Opposition Pushes DPP on Nuclear Referendum
(Taiwan News, Dec. 21, 2003) Opposition lawmakers pressed the government to prepare for a vote on the half-built nuclear power project. Ruling party downplays likelihood of vote before March 20 poll.

Referendum Law: Setback for Ruling Party
(AP, Dec. 20, 2003) Taiwanese lawmakers rejected a government move to repeal several provisions of a historic new law that legalises islandwide referendums.

Chen Accuses Bush of Double-Standards
(Taipei Times, Dec. 15, 2003) "The US waged a war in Iraq in order to give the Iraqi people democracy. Why can't the Taiwanese people vote to ask China to dismantle its missiles?" Chen asked at a campaign rally. "Why does the US restrict our rights to pursue democracy?" he said.

Wen: Chen a Risk to Taiwan Peace
(CNN.com, Dec. 12, 2003) Wen Jiabao has accused Taiwan's president of using democracy to disguise a push for independence, which threatens to undermine the peaceful status quo between Taipei and Beijing.

China Lauds Bush for Comments On Taiwan
(WP, Dec. 12, 2003) China issued a rare thank you to the United States on Thursday when it applauded President Bush's strongest statement yet opposing any moves by Taiwan toward independence.

Chen Still Defiant After Bush Rebuke
(Taipei Times, Dec. 11, 2003) A defiant President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed his resolution to carry out a "defensive referendum" on the day of the presidential election -- March 20, next year.

Taiwan Moves to Reassure U.S.
(AP, Dec. 11, 2003) Taiwan’s leader assured Washington he has no plans to provoke China by seeking a permanent split with the communist giant.

President Warns Taiwan On Independence Efforts
(WP, Dec. 10, 2003) Bush raised no objection when Wen said Bush had expressed his "opposition to Taiwan independence," but declared that "the comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally to change the status quo, which we oppose."

Taiwan Says Vote Still on Despite Bush Warning
(Reuters, Dec. 10, 2003) Taiwan's president reiterated his plan to hold a referendum alongside elections next March, but said neither independence nor the status quo with China would be at issue.

Taiwan Defends Plans for Referendum
(Financial Times, Dec. 10, 2003) Taiwan has defended its controversial referendum plans against strong criticism from US president George W. Bush and called on the US to recognise China as the one threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan strait.

U.S. Asks Taiwan to Avoid a Vote Provoking China
(New York Times, Dec. 9, 2003) The Bush administration issued an unusually strong warning to Taiwan not to hold a referendum that could fuel the island's independence movement. But Taiwan rejected the move hours later.

Cabinet to Reject 12 Provisions in Referendum Law
(Taiwan News, Dec. 9, 2003) The Cabinet resolved to veto 12 articles of the Referendum Bill by the Legislative Yuan, saying that the existing bill was difficult to implement and infringed on executive powers.

China's Wen Warns Taiwan Not to Misuse Democracy
(Reuters, Dec. 8, 2003) China's Premier Wen Jiabao, at the start of a four-day visit to the United States, said Beijing would never allow rival Taiwan to use aspirations for democracy as a cover for separatism.

Chen to Hold Referendum on China's Missiles
(AFP, Dec. 7, 2003) Taiwan will hold a referendum next March to demand that China withdraw ballistic missiles targeting the island and promise not to use force against it, President Chen Shui-bian said.

Taiwan's Chen Says Referendum to Protect Status Quo
(Reuters, Dec. 5, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, under pressure from Washington to ease rising tensions with Beijing, promised U.S. officials that he would not hold a referendum on independence from China.

Opposition Alliance to Demand Missile Withdrawal
(China Post, Dec. 5, 2003) The opposition alliance is proposing a Legislative Yuan resolution demanding the People's Republic of China to withdraw 496 missiles targeted at Taiwan.

China's Military Warns Taiwan
(WP, Dec. 4, 2003) China's military warned Taiwan that any decision to attack the island of 23 million would not be affected by concerns about China's economic development or that it might prompt a boycott of the 2008 Olympics.

Taiwan Not to Hold Referendum on Sovereignty Change
(Central News Agency, Dec. 4, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian's administration will not hold any referendum that would involve a change to Taiwan's sovereign status, a Presidential Office spokesman said.

Beijing Warns That Taiwan Referendum Could Lead to War
(NYT, Dec. 3, 2003) Chinese military officers said that Taiwan's leadership had pushed the island toward the "abyss of war" with its independence drive.

US Official 'Urging Referendum Caution on Taiwan'
(Financial Times, Dec. 3, 2003) The US has sent a senior official on a quiet mission to Taiwan to urge President Chen Shui-bian not to take any action through a referendum that could provoke China.

Chen Mulls National Security Poll
(Taiwan News, Dec. 3, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian may call "national security" referendums on topics that may include a vote on China's proposed "one country, two systems" unification formula or a demand for China to remove missiles deployed against Taiwan.

U.S. Urges Taiwan Leader to Drop Referendum Plan
(Reuters, Dec. 2, 2003) The United States urged Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to stick to a previous pledge not to change the status of the island and to drop moves to hold a referendum on its sovereignty.

Chen: China Threat Justifies Referendum
(AP, Dec. 1, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian cited the hundreds of missiles China has aimed at this island as justification for a possible independence referendum.

Chen Touts March 'Defensive' Vote
(Taipei Times, Nov 30, 2003) The president said that even though the DPP's legislation was watered down by the pan-blues, he was still entitled to hold a 'defensive referendum.'

Taiwan's Chen Promises to Hold "Security" Referendum on Election Day (AFP, Nov. 29, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was referring to a clause in the law on the so-called "defensive referendum", which empowers the president to put to a popular vote "issues of national security concern" in the case of foreign threats.

Taiwan Vote Met With Caution
(WP, Nov. 29, 2003) China said that it was "gravely concerned" about legislation passed by Taiwan's parliament allowing referendums and that it was watching closely for any sign the measure might lead to a vote on independence.

China Holds Off On "Strong Response" to Taiwan Bill
(Reuters, Nov. 28, 2003) China held off on its threatened "strong response" to arch rival Taiwan after the island's parliament passed a watered-down referendum bill that fell short of allowing a vote on independence.

Taiwan Acts to Ease Tensions With China
(Washington Post, Nov. 28, 2003) Taiwan's legislature stepped back from a confrontation with China, approving a carefully worded referendum bill that would make it difficult, but not impossible, to call a vote on the island's independence.

Taiwan Puts Limits in Referendum Bill
(New York Times, Nov. 27, 2003) Taiwan's legislature took a half-step back from an immediate confrontation with China, passing a bill that would allow national referendums on constitutional and sovereignty issues only under very narrow circumstances.

China Warns Taiwan Again On Issue of Independence
(WP, Nov. 27, 2003) China warned Taiwan that it would deliver a "strong reaction" if the island passed a law allowing its citizens to vote on proposals that could lead to independence.

China Warns Taiwan Again, But Backs Off War Talk
(Reuters, Nov. 26, 2003) China warned Taiwan it would respond strongly if the island moved closer to a popular vote on independence.

'Pan-Blue' Aims for Bolder Constitutional Reforms
(China Post, Nov. 24, 2003) The opposition "pan-blue" alliance is taking bolder action to "overhaul" the Constitution by adopting a three-branch governmental system, making the president the de facto administrative chief.

Taiwan to China: Stop Interfering
(CNN.com, Nov. 20, 2003) Taiwan has hit back at threats by China to use force against its pro-independence moves, telling Beijing to "mind its own business".

China Threatens Taiwan Anew With Force
(AP, Nov. 19, 2003) Raising the stakes in an already tense situation, China threatened in remarks published Wednesday that ``the use of force may become unavoidable'' if Taiwan pursues independence.

Chen Shui-bian Warned Not to Fuel Separatism
(People’s Daily, Nov. 18, 2003) The Chinese government strongly warned that Chen's risky activities are gradually dragging 23 million Taiwan compatriots into a dangerous abyss.

Taiwan's Opposition Embraces New Constitution Plan
(Reuters, Nov. 17, 2003) The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party has embraced President Chen Shui-bian's call for a controversial new constitution but with a more aggressive timetable.

Lien Trumpets KMT Constitutional Plan
(Taipei Times, Nov. 16, 2003) KMT Chairman Lien Chan mapped out a three-step plan toward constitutional reform, claiming it was more radical than proposals set down by the Democratic Progress Party.

Beijing Warns Taiwan Against Independence Bid
(Straits Times, Nov. 13, 2003) China condemned Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and warned the island that any separatist activity would only lead to 'grave disaster'.

Pan-Blue Turns Around on Referendum Measure
(Taiwan News, Nov. 13, 2003) In a dramatic turnabout, pan-blue opposition lawmakers said they would no longer insist on a referendum measure with restrictions on the issues to be voted on.

Chen Drafts Timetable on Constitution
(Taipei Times, Nov. 12, 2003) The president said the only way to fix the problems with the old constitution was to write a new one and put it to the public in a referendum.

Chen Wants New Taiwan Constitution by 2008
(Straits Times, Nov. 12, 2003) President Chen made it clear he was seeking a brand new Constitution for Taiwan, not just revisions to the present one. He also spelt out the time-line for the new charter - a referendum on it on Dec 10, World Human Rights Day, in 2006 and enactment on May 20, 2008.

Taiwan Leader Pushes Constitution in NYC
(AP, Nov. 2, 2003) Taiwan's leader took his campaign for a new constitution to New York. President Chen Shui-bian described his campaign for a new constitution as an effort to increase government efficiency.

100,000 March in Taiwan for Chen's Referendum Call
(Reuters, Oct. 26, 2003) Over 100,000 marched in Taiwan on Saturday to demand the right to hold referendums. The rally in the southern city of Kaohsiung was a strong show of support for President Chen Shui-bian.

Chen Vows to Maintain Equilibrium
(Taipei Times, Oct. 21, 2003) Chen said that his recent campaign promises -- legislating a referendum law and writing a new constitution -- "should not be narrowed to become a conflict between independence and reunification, and they do not contradict 'five noes.'

DPP Lawmakers Feel Excluded from Chen's Constitution Drive
(Taiwan News, Oct. 16, 2003) DPP lawmakers voiced their dissatisfaction with President Chen Shui-bian for bypassing the party's 80-odd legislators in his attempt to revamp the nation's political system.

Pushing Referendums 'Immoral', Says China
(Taiwan News, Oct. 9, 2003) A fresh cross-strait war of words intensified yesterday when China criticized President Chen Shui-bian as "immoral" for promoting referendums and amending the Constitution.

US Envoy to Visit Taipei as Concerns Mount over Talk of New Charter (AFP, Oct. 9, 2003) Top US envoy to Taiwan Therese Shaheen is to arrive here next week amid concern over controversial statements by President Chen Shui-bian about a new Constitution.

Lee, Chen Make Firm Commitment to Constitution
(TT, Oct. 5, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian and former President Lee Teng-hui yesterday joined together pray for turning the nation into a "normal and complete" state.

Taiwan Reassures US Over Plan for New Constitution
(Taipei Times, Oct. 03, 2003) Taiwanese officials in Taipei and Washington appear to have allayed fears among US officials over President Chen Shui-bian's weekend announcement that he would plan to write a new constitution for Taiwan in 2006.

New Constitution Crucial for Democracy, Chen Says
(Taiwan News, Oct. 1, 2003) Taiwan must comprehensively re-engineer its Constitutional framework through a democratic and participatory process for the sake of its stable and long-term development and progress, declared President Chen Shui-bian.

Taiwan President Eyes Referendum on Constitution
(Reuters, Sep. 30, 2003) Taiwan should prepare a new constitution to be put to a public vote in 2006. ''The final version of the new constitution must be voted on directly by all people in a referendum.''

Chinese Premier Warns Taiwan Against Seeking Independence
(AFP, Sep. 30, 2003) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao used a National Day address yesterday to warn Taiwan against seeking independence from the mainland, while saying peaceful reunification remained his government's preferred solution.

America Doesn't Embrace Taiwanese President's Call for a New Constitution (AP, Sep. 30, 2003) The top American envoy to Taiwan declined to endorse the Taiwanese leader's call for a new constitution - a change many fear will enflame relations with rival China.

U.S. Reminds Taiwan Leader of Status Quo Pledge
(Reuters, Sep. 29, 2003) The United States reminded President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan of his pledges not to change the status quo of the island, after Chen said he would push for constitutional changes in 2006.

Taiwan President Calls for New Constitution
(Financial Times, Sep. 29, 2003) Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's president, has provoked a fierce debate with his call to give the island a new constitution by 2006. The opposition accused him of drawing up a timeframe for declaring independence.

Chen Hints Referendum Will Be Held with Election
(Taiwan News, Sep. 28, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian indicated that his administration will hold proposed advisory citizen referendums at the same time as the March presidential poll.

President Defends Nation's Right to Hold Referendums
(Taipei Times, Aug. 15, 2003) Chen Shui-bian says the US and China have no reason to worry about referendums in Taiwan since they will not be dealing with sovereignty.

China Warns Taiwan Against Referendum Plan
(AFP, July 27, 2003) China has warned Taiwan again through the US not to hold a referendum to seek independence, saying it would trigger a crisis in cross-Strait ties.

Referendums Are Inevitable, Chen Said
(Taiwan News, July 26, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian declared that the holding of referendums on the fate of the controversial fourth nuclear power plant and other important public policy issues before the March 20 election is "inevitable."

Cabinet Forms Task Force to Prepare for Referendums
(CNA, July 22, 2003) If the legislature fails to pass a referendum law, then a special team will draft a package of rules governing how the public votes are held.

Cabinet Announces Enforcement Rules for Referendums
(China Post, July 18, 2003) Premier Yu Shyi-kun approved enforcement measures for a referendum to allow citizens to express their views on major public issues.

DPP Wants Referendum on Assembly
(Taipei Times, July 17, 2003) A referendum on abolishing the National Assembly should be included on a list of referendums the government is considering holding on the same day as next year's presidential election, DPP lawmakers said.

Chen Determined to Call Popular Vote by Next Presidential Poll
(Taiwan News, July 16, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian said the government will go ahead and call a direct vote on major policy disputes by the next presidential election, with or without a referendum law.

Taiwan Fails to Pass Referendum Bill
(Reuters, July 11, 2003) Taiwan's parliament failed to approve a controversial new law which would have angered China by allowing the island to hold referendums.

Taipei's Referendum Bill 'Unlikely to Pass'
(AP, July 8, 2003) The Speaker of Taiwan's legislature said that lawmakers probably would not pass a hotly debated proposal that would allow the island to hold its first referendums.

KMT to Seek Referendum on Direct Cross-Strait Travel
(AP, July 7, 2003) The opposition Kuomintang plans to advocate a referendum on direct travel across the Taiwan Strait after a referendum bill is passed in the upcoming special legislative session.

HK Shows Way to Referendum: Premier
(TT, July 3, 2003) The protest in Hong Kong against the special administration's planned anti-subversion law highlighted that the "one country, two systems" policy is unfeasible and that it is necessary and urgent for Taiwan to enact a referendum law, Premier Yu Shyi-kun said.

Taiwan Already Independent, Cabinet Says
(Taipei Times, July 1, 2003) "If we have to hold a referendum on the nation's sovereignty, it'll only be on whether Taiwan wants to unite with China, not whether Taiwan wants to declare independence, because we're already an independent sovereignty."

Opposition Opposes Political Manipulations
(CNA, June 30, 2003) Enactment of a referendum law that allows the public to decide on public policies directly will inspire the interest of the people, but any political manipulation of this delicate matter could backfire.

Referendum to Skirt Sovereignty: DPP
(Taipei Times, June 29, 2003) In a four-point statement, the party said constitutional changes and national sovereignty should not be dealt with when the country holds referendums.

Opposition Parties Push for Introduction of Referendums
(China Post, June 29, 2003) Giving up their resistance to referendums, the major opposition parties are now pressing the government to hold public votes as soon as possible to resolve such long-standing controversies as the nuclear power policy and the island's independence.

U.S. Supports Taiwan But Not Its Sovereignty
(CNA, June 28, 2003) The United States fully maintains its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, but the U.S. government does not support Taiwan independence, several U.S. officials reiterated.

Taiwan To Hold Nuclear Referendum
(Reuters, June 27, 2003) Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian has pledged to hold a referendum over a controversial nuclear power station. "The time is ripe to let the people make a final decision through a referendum," Chen said.

Lawmakers, U.S. Discuss Referendum Issue
(China Post, June 27, 2003) In an effort to seek some clarity on the issue of whether or not Taiwan should hold referendums on key issues, four members of the Committee on Foreign Relations held a closed-door meeting with a U.S. official in Washington.

Taipei To Go Ahead with N-power Referendum Despite Pressure
(AP, June 26, 2003) The government said yesterday it won't cave in to China's pressure and stop pushing for the island's first islandwide referendum, a vote that could raise tensions between the rivals.

Referendums Top Agendas in the US
(Taipei Times, June 25, 2003) Washington's position on remained unclear, with the US State Department urging both sides of the Taiwan Strait to reduce tensions and avoid statements that raise tensions.

DPP Reiterates Pledge to Hold Referendum on Nuclear Power Policy (China Post, June 24, 2003) The government will definitely hold a referendum on the nuclear power policy before President Chen Shui-bian's current term ends, but the public vote may not take place on the presidential election day next year.

Parties Tell US to Keep Nose out of Domestic Affairs
(Taipei Times, June 23, 2003) DPP Deputy Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan said that the Taiwanese have the right to voice their opinion in a plebiscite.

Reports: U.S. Warns Taiwan Not to Hold Referendum
(AFP, June 21, 2003) The United States has warned Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian not to hold a referendum to decide Taiwan's future, two newspapers reported.

China Bites Its Tongue By Anthony Kuhn
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Apr. 1, 2004) China now has four years before, according to Chen's timetable, Taiwan rewrites its constitution and becomes independent in name and in fact.

Taiwan Referendum = Big Military Challenges By Stephen Blank
(Asia Times, Mar. 24, 2004) Taiwan's referendum on China's menacing missile deployment ended inconclusively and did not give authoritative direction to the government.

Defeated Referendum Seen as Watershed Vote for Taiwan By Kathleen McLaughlin (San Francisco Chronicle, Mar. 21, 2004) The unprecedented referendum that many saw as the first step toward Taiwan's declaration of independence from China may have gone down to defeat, but the issue remains very much alive.

Taiwan President Confident of Referendum Turnout
(Reuters, Mar. 8, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was confident of the necessary 50 percent turnout for his referendum on boosting the island's defenses.

Trouble in Taiwan By Michael D. Swaine
(Foreign Affairs, Mar/Apr. 2004) Critics assume that democracy and independence are inseparable, that the "one China" principle is no longer useful, and that China would never go to war over Taiwan. But they are wrong on all three counts and fail to appreciate the dangers that may lie ahead.

Support Taiwan Democracy, Not Referendums By Alan D Romberg
(Asia Times, Mar. 5, 2004) It is important to respect Taiwan's democracy and the people's right to vote on any issue. But it is time to be more direct and make US views clear, minimizing any chance of miscalculation.

This Referendum Is Simply Illegal By Jiang Yi-huah
(Taipei Times, Mar. 2, 2004) After six amendments, constitutional order and the principle of "rule of law" have become extremely fragile. Holding the referendum illegally will further erode the foundations of constitutional law.

Taiwan’s First Referendum: Democratic Milestone or Diplomatic Millstone By C.W. Braddick (Australian Parliamentary Library, Mar. 1, 2004) When an irresistible force (Taiwan’s democratic transition and emerging national identity) meets an immovable object (Beijing’s irredentism) the result is likely to be explosive.

MAC Chief Says `No' Vote in Referendum Will Cost the Nation Bargaining Power (Taipei Times, Feb. 27, 2004) Taiwan's bargaining chips in any negotiations with China would be reduced if the electorate vetoes the establishment of a "peace and stability" framework for cross-strait interaction in next month's referendum, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen said.

Taiwan's Referendum a Double-Edged Sword By Simon Tay and Yeo Lay Hwee (Straits Times, Feb. 23, 2004) Many in Asia would agree. With much of the region poised for economic recovery, the last thing people want now is any conflict that would embroil major powers.

The Bush Administration, Taiwan, and China By William Kristol and Ellen Bork (Feb. 10, 2004, Weekly Standard) Why is the Bush administration siding with Beijing against Taiwan's democratic referenda?

Taiwan's Chen Defends Move on Referendum By Tyler Marshall and Mark Magnier (Los Angeles Times, Feb 8, 2004) The president, who is up for reelection, says the vote on ties with China is vital to democracy. The island is a sovereign nation, he asserts.

Beijing Urges Bush to Act to Forestall Taiwan Vote By Joseph Kahn
(New York Times, Feb. 6, 2004) China is putting pressure on the Bush administration to intervene decisively to prevent Taiwan from holding a referendum that could affect cross-strait relations, calling the planned vote a "dangerous provocation" that could lead to war.

China's Experts Dismiss Chen's Peace Moves
(Strait Times, Feb. 5, 2004) Top Chinese academics have dismissed Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's latest peace overtures as an attempt to win votes in next month's presidential election - a sure sign China will reject his offer.

Referendum Will Be A Landmark By Joseph Wu
(Taipei Times, Feb. 4, 2004) Referendums can not only be a useful instrument to resolve internal debates, they can also pave the way for cross-strait dialogue and negotiations.

Why We Must Vote in the Referendum
(Editorial, Taiwan News, Feb. 4, 2004) With yesterday's finalization of the two topics for the "peace referendum" called by President Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's 23 million people will have an unprecedented opportunity to directly decide two issues of national security policy.

Is Taiwan-Bashing a Fad?
(Editorial, China Post, Feb. 4, 2004) Taiwan has been rebuked twice by its mentor and protector, the United States, in less than two months. The island democracy has also been cast as a troublemaker by leaders of Japan, France and other countries who prefer anonymity.

Let's Not Forget What China Is By Wuer Kaixi
(International Herald Tribune, Feb. 1, 2004) As a Chinese national exiled for advocating democratic reforms in my homeland, I find French President Jacques Chirac's condemnation of a referendum proposal by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to be a betrayal of trust.

Taiwan's Democratic Taunts: The Tide Turns in Public Opinion By Chien-Min Chao (Straits Times, Jan. 28, 2004) While smaller Taiwan should be careful not to provoke its giant neighbour, China must come to terms with the workings of a functioning democracy. Intimidation and suppression can only breed hostility among ordinary Taiwanese.

Mr. Chen's 'Peace' Referendum
(Editorial, Japan Times, Jan. 25, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian may have defused some of his critics by announcing the wording of two referendum questions. This move should end some speculation about the referendum, but questions about Mr. Chen's long-term intent remain.

Dire Straits: Taiwan-US Crisis Worst in 20 Years By Robert Sutter
(Pacific Forum, CSIS, Jan. 24, 2004) Taipei's insistence on pursuing a referendum on China's menacing missile deployment not only has soured cross-Strait relations. Its effect on United States policy toward Taiwan has been profound, arguably resulting in the most serious crisis in mutual trust in US-Taiwan relations.

Beijing's Rants Boost Taiwan Referendum and Chen By Laurence Eyton (Asia Times, Jan. 23, 2004) The more Beijing rants against Taiwan's "defensive referendum" on Chinese missile deployment and President Chen Shui-bian, the more likely voters are to think the poll is a good idea - thereby helping Chen.

Cross-Strait Tensions: Chen Launches His Missile Vote By David Lague (Far Eastern Economic Review, Jan. 29, 2004) Tough-talking President Chen Shui-bian has adopted the threat of batteries of missiles on the mainland as his cause for a referendum. It may be an election ploy, but the longer-term missile build-up is real.

Taiwan Will Sing This Tune Alone By Leslie Fong
(Straits Times, Jan. 22, 2004) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian is unlikely to garner much international sympathy, much less support, for the 'defensive referendum' he proposes to hold on March 20.

Taiwan’s Missile Referendum By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(Heritage Foundation, Jan. 21, 2004) After years of military intimidation by Beijing, Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian has announced wording for a referendum designed to draw both domestic and international attention to China’s missile threat to the democratic island. And he has succeeded.

Chen Finds 'Defensive Referendum' a Perilous Tiger to Ride By Leslie Fong (Straits Times, Jan. 19, 2004) The US must now ponder whether it can persuade China to take a deep breath, accept the weak wording as a signal that President Chen wants to pull back from the brink.

More Bowing to Beijing By Harvey Feldman
(Washington Post, Jan. 17, 2004) Kenneth Lieberthal condemns a proposed referendum in Taiwan that would object to China's aiming of 500 or so missiles at the island republic. But apparently he has no objection to the missiles themselves.

Rising US Concern over Taiwan By Roger Mitton
(Straits Times, Jan. 14, 2004) US officials fear that Taipei's planned referendum will push the island closer towards hostilities with China.

U.S. Deeply Worried over Chen's Moves on Taiwan By Carol Giacomo
(Reuters, Jan. 12, 2004) The United States is deeply worried that Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian is moving toward independence for the island as he wages a high-stakes re-election campaign.

Resolute Chen Sticks to His Guns By Tenson Kao
(Taipei Times, Jan. 11, 2004) Why was President Chen Shui-bian the man in the spotlight this past year? It is because he has conquered a myriad of difficulties in the name of establishing a new Constitution, determined to draw out a blueprint for a new nation.

A Self-Defeating Policy in Taiwan By John J. Tkacik Jr.
(Insight Magazine, Jan. 8, 2004) Bush's Asia advisers are incensed that the Taiwan president's referendum is a "provocative" political ploy in the run-up to presidential elections next March 20. What is genuinely provocative is China's missile threat against Taiwan.

Bush Rightly Rebuked Taiwan for Recklessly Tilting Toward Independence By Alan D. Romberg (Insight Magazine, Jan. 8, 2004) President George W. Bush's public rebuke of Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian, was the product of Chen's failure to consult ahead of time or respond afterward to quiet efforts to cool his rhetoric and actions.

Dire Strait: The Risks On Taiwan By Kenneth Lieberthal
(Washington Post, Jan. 8, 2004) Chen is both reflecting and creating facts on the ground that have profound implications for the United States, China and Taiwan itself -- and that therefore demand new thinking in both Washington and Beijing.

Friends Can Reach a Compromise By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Jan. 8, 2004) There is at this writing an unusual atmosphere in the US-Taiwan relationship. It's not the first time there have been differences. Most of the time these problems are resolved. Sometimes they are not, causing some bruises on both sides.

Defensive Referendum May Hurt DPP, Says Aide
(Taiwan News, Jan. 4, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian's insistence on holding a defensive referendum may become an election campaign liability if the government fails to calm international jitters over the issue, one of the president's close aides said.

Rockin the Boat By George Wehrfritz
(Newsweek, Jan. 5, 2004) China says Chen is leading Taiwan into danger. But the political changes afoot are bigger than any one man.

Taiwan: Chen's Dream, World's Nightmare By Francesco Sisci
(Asia Times, Dec. 25, 2003) Chen Shui-bian's dream of achieving a place in history is turning into a nightmare - not so much for Chen himself as for the world.

Wrong Side Blamed for Upsetting Status Quo By Lin Tsung-kuang
(Taipei Times, Dec. 22, 2003) China has 496 missiles pointed at Taiwan. To rebuke Taiwan for upsetting the status quo is really barking up the wrong tree

Chen's Referendum Gamble Coming to the Boil By Raymond R. Wu
(Straits Times, Dec. 22, 2003) Recent statements from Beijing indicate that it is no longer a question of 'if' it would act, but rather 'when and how', should Taiwan's proposed referendum gather momentum.

Bush Rightly Responded to Chen's Tactic By Ralph Cossa
(Japan Times, Dec. 19, 2003) U.S. President George W. Bush got it just about right last week when he publicly criticized Taiwan's leader during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Washington.

Blame Taiwan By Ross H. Munro
(National Review, Dec. 18, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian caused the crisis, not President Bush. Chen ignored Bush-administration pleas despite the steps Bush had taken earlier to strengthen Taiwan security.

Beijing Warns Taipei over Referendum By Mure Dickie and Kathrin Hille (Finantial Times, Dec. 17, 2003) China called for preparations to "smash" moves toward formal independence by rival Taiwan, but softened its rhetoric by adding an appeal for direct transport links with the island.

China Claims a Big Win over Taiwan By Willy Wo-Lap Lam
(CNN, Dec. 16, 2003) "We've finally got the Americans right where we want them," said a senior Chinese Communist Party Politburo member in response to President George W. Bush's expression of clear-cut opposition to Taipei's apparent efforts to change the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

The Real Message on Taiwan By Jim Hoagland
(Washington Post, Dec. 14, 2003) Bush’s warning to Chen not to make unilateral changes in the status quo -- an articulation of the ethos of the Shanghai Communique -- is a minor balancing move that is far less important than the weapons that continue to flow to Taiwan.

Bush's Warning to Chen
(Editorial, Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 12, 2003) Every time there is a presidential election in Taiwan, tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait. Bush apparently initiated pre-emptive measures before the situation gets out of hand.

Bush Draws Flak for Rebuking Taiwan Publicly
(AFP, Dec. 12, 2003) President George W. Bush faced accusations of kowtowing to China and appeasing dictators after sending Taiwan a public rebuke following talks with the Chinese Premier.

Boiling Point: Will Taiwan Push China Too Far? By Susan V. Lawrence and Jason Dean (Far Eastern Economic Review, Dec. 18, 2003) Chen Shui-bian has taken Taiwan closer to a formal separation from China than ever, forcing an angry, assertive China to rethink its policy, and obliging the U.S. to make unprecedented declarations of its own position.

Taiwan Plays Middle Between U.S., China By William Foreman
(Associated Press, Dec. 11, 2003) The Taiwanese president's plan seemed clever at first: Excite voters, embarrass rival China and make history by holding Taiwan's first islandwide referendum.

Bush Implies U.S. Can't Afford a Taiwan Crisis
(AFP, Dec. 11, 2003) The Bush administration feels that it cannot afford a political crisis that could draw the United States into a war over Taiwan while it has its hands more than full in Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea.

A New Ambiguity May Be Restrictive By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Dec. 11, 2003) State Departments press briefing: "we would be opposed to any referenda that would change Taiwan's status or move toward independence."

Taiwan's Strategic Miscalculation By Joseph Kahn
(New York Times, Dec. 10, 2003) The Bush administration's stern warning that Taiwan should avoid provoking China, however couched in diplomatic nuance, effectively blames the island's president, Chen Shui-bian, for threatening to upset the delicate peace in the region.

Win or Lose, Chen Gets What He Wants By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, Dec. 8, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has reason to gloat. He finally got his referendum card.

Where Taiwan Support Stops By Michael D. Swaine and Minxin Pei
(Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2003) What is happening on the island is not simply, or even primarily, an exercise in democracy. There is no apparent reason for Taiwan's president to undertake this provocative course of action now, other than his need to garner votes.

Unneeded Quarrel Over Taiwan
(Editorial, New York Times, Dec. 6, 2003) Putting these issues to a vote would be gratuitously provocative. Washington is entitled to demand rhetorical restraint on these symbolic but ultimately inconsequential issues.

Chen Plays a Dangerous Game By Ralph Cossa
(Japan Times, Dec. 6, 2003) Taiwan is purposefully baiting Beijing in hopes of provoking a hostile response that will cause the island's public to rally around the flag in the name of Taiwanese nationalism.

A Referendum on Taiwan's Future: No Easy Exit By David Lai
(Pacific Forum, CSIS, Dec. 2003) The complexity of the China-Taiwan question and the realities of the international relations and international legal provisions make a referendum on the China-Taiwan question a hazardous political event.

US Ready to Press Chen to Maintain Stability By Charles Snyder
(Taipei Times, Dec. 5, 2003) Bush administration has decided to retain its existing policy, while leaning hard on President Chen Shui-bian to avoid any actions that would destabilize the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's Democracy Worrying to Beijing By Parris Chang
(Taipei Times, Dec. 4, 2003) Beijing has rashly decided that Chen's goal of holding referendums and creating a new constitution mean Taiwan's independence and splitting from China.

Chen's New Attempt to Provoke Beijing Hopes for Vote Gains
(Editorial, China Post, Dec. 4, 2003) The real reason behind Chen's decision to call a referendum on the missile threat is that he wants to use his push for such a vote to restore the confidence in him of his traditional pro-independence constituents.

Taiwan Bill Threatens Strait Stability
(China Daily, Dec. 2, 2003) The ostensible absence of clauses legitimizing referenda on such issues as independence saved the island an immediate showdown with the mainland.

The Real Significance of Taiwan's Referendum Law By Lawrence Eyton (Asia Times, Dec. 1, 2003) Taiwan's passage of a referendum law last Thursday is a landmark in the island's democratization. It also has the power to completely change the Taiwan-China relationship.

Taiwan's President Tests China's Nerves
(Associated Press, Nov. 30, 2003) One day after Taiwan's president said he might hold a vote on the island's "sovereignty" in March, the ruling party said that it hasn't decided what specific issue would be on the ballot and that the public should help it decide.

Referendum Law Backfires for DPP By Joe Hung
(China Post, Nov. 29, 2003) What started as a superb campaign gimmick last month has backfired, and President Chen Shui-bian has to begin nursing the wounds he suffered in his referendum legislation fiasco.

China Warns Taiwan That Attack May Be 'Unavoidable' By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Nov. 20, 2003) For the first time in more than three years, China has openly threatened to attack Taiwan, warning President Chen Shui-bian to curb recent moves it said were intended to bring Taiwan closer to formal independence.

Beijing Rattles War Sabers at Taiwan Again By Antoaneta Bezlova
(Asia Times, Nov. 20, 2003) Abandoning its tone of tolerance toward Taiwan in recent months, the Chinese government raised the stakes on Wednesday by threatening war should the island's "extreme push for independence" cross a red line.

Chen's Play Is Risky
(Editorial, Straits Times, Oct. 30, 2003) Beijing's handling of Taiwan has become subtle of late. But pro-independence Taiwanese must beware: There are limits to Beijing's patience.

Chen's New Tricks, But Same Old Story
(China Daily, Oct. 28, 2003) Chen's "new constitution" plan is a key step towards "Taiwan independence" and is also a timetable for that attempt.

Taiwan: Chen's Mysterious Constitution Ploy By Laurence Eyton
(Asia Times, Oct. 9, 2003) It is hard to justify why Chen and his team see constitution change as a vote-winner. The pro-independence camp has nowhere to go but Chen, while the issue hardly appeals to floating voters.

Carving Out Taiwan's Identity Seen Needed to Keep Parity with China (Central News Agency, Oct. 8, 2003) Premier Yu Shyi-kun said that carving out a separate identity for Taiwan is crucial to signify its independent status and parity with China.

Chen's Dangerous Gradualism
(Editorial, China Post, Oct. 5, 2003) First it was the outright denial of the "1992 consensus" on one China; then it was the "one-country-each-side" pronouncement; now the "new Constitution" timetable for Taiwan.

Experts Debate Impact of Chen's Bombshell
(Taipei Times, Oct. 5, 2003) At a seminar, one academic criticized the idea of rewriting the constitution as an empty shell, while another says it is a sign of things to come.

New Constitution for a New Nation By Joseph Wu
(Taipei Times, Oct. 1, 2003) At the threshold of Taiwan's democratic consolidation, the DPP believes that the public ought to think about adopting a new Constitution.

Chen Slapped for Pro-Independence Remarks
(Xinhua, Oct. 1, 2003) A Taiwan expert said that recent remarks by Taiwan regional leader Chen Shui-bian have shown that Chen is a "hopeless Taiwan Independence element."

US Assures Taiwan Its Interests Not To Be Traded to China
(AFP, Sep. 30, 2003) The United States assured Taipei its interests would not be compromised while Washington sought to improve ties with Beijing, and promised to keep arming Taiwan against rival China.

Analysts See Chen Attempting to Shift Focus from Record
(Taipei Times, Sep. 30, 2003) The president promised to rewrite the Constitution in an attempt to divert the public's attention from his record, observers said.

Referendum Stirs Up Taiwan Strait By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, Aug. 19, 2003) Despite Beijing's threats and Washington's disapproval, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is pressing ahead with plans to hold a multiple referendum the same day as presidential polls next March.

China Treads Softly Against Taiwan By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Aug. 2, 2003) China's decision to send two senior officials to Washington last week to discuss Taiwan's referendum plans show how seriously Beijing views Taipei's moves.

China Seeks US Co-op over Taiwan Issue
(China Daily News, July 29, 2003) Washington and Beijing should band together to press Taipei to abandon its highly proactive referendum plan in a bid to ensure stable cross-Straits ties, according to leading experts on Taiwan studies.

Taiwan Strait Tensions on the Up By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, July 28, 2003) China-Taiwan tensions are rising as Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian asserts the quasi-sovereign powers of the self-ruled island in the run-up to presidential polls next March.

Chen Determined over Referendums
(Taipei Times, July 27, 2003) Direct democracy is a basic right that was stolen from the people and which should have been returned long ago, the president said.

Taiwan Referendum Plays with Fire
(People’s Daily, July 11, 2003) The threat of SARS has just been removed from the public's psyche in Taiwan, but a bigger story is looming large in the form of a referendum that the Taiwan authorities are pushing for with all their might.

Plebiscite: Chen's Misstep
(Editorial, China Post (Taipei), July 9, 2003) Taiwan won't stage a plebiscite in the strict English sense of the word anytime soon. A referendum on the half-complete nuclear power plant is more likely.

US Policy Is Undermining the TRA By Gary Schmitt
(Taipei Times, July 7, 2003) Attempting to placate Beijing on the issue of unification with Taiwan does not lead to lessened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Referendum Can Be A Tactical Tool
(Taipei Times, July 6, 2003) Several legislators warn that the issue could become a political plaything rather than improve the democratic representative system.

'Defensive' Referendum Is Major Step Forward
(Editorial, Taiwan News, July 4, 2003) A multitiered referendum system allowing "defensive plebiscites" in the event of imminent threat to Taiwan's sovereignty is worthy of support from lawmakers and citizens as a major step forward on the road to direct democracy.

It's Time for a Referendum Law
(Editorial, Taipei Times, July 3, 2003) The three years of the DPP's minority government has made clear the practical need for referendums.

Chen Runs Into a Dilemma on the Referendum Issue
(Editorial, China Post, July 3, 2003) A sharp strategic position change by the two opposition parties, the KMT and the PFP, has put President Chen Shui-bian in a deadly embarrassing predicament: should he continue to push ahead with his controversial referendum plans or shouldn't he?

Cross-Strait Wrangling over Referendum By Laurence Eyton
(Asia Times, July 1, 2003) The possibility of a referendum in Taiwan on the question of making its de facto independence from China de jure has long been one of the most inflammatory issues.

Taiwan's Referendum Plans Worry China, US
(Associated Press, June 30, 2003) Taiwan's leaders are making their biggest enemy, China, and their best friend, the United States, nervous at the same time by pushing for their first islandwide referendum.

Referendum Issue Becomes Campaign Tactic
(CNA, June 29, 2003) The issue of the wisdom of holding a non-binding referendum in Taiwan on issues of national policies has become entwined with the upcoming presidential election with politicians on all sides using the issue to attract the interest of voters to their parties.

Chen Not Backing Down on N-Plant Vote By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, June 28, 2003) Taiwan President shrugs off opposition from Beijing and Washington, and political rivals say they won't block it.

Referendums Can Ease Gridlock : Hsiao By Chris Cockel
(China Post, June 27, 2003) Referendums on certain key issues as a way of applying public pressure to the lawmaking process and providing some forward momentum, according to DPP legislator Hsiao Bi-khim.

Referendum Issue Up to Taiwan: US
(Taipei Times, June 27, 2003) Legislators visiting the US said officials reassured them that Washington did not mind if Taiwan conducts referendums. Americans were concerned that holding a referendum near the presidential election would raise its profile.

Taiwan Referendum Bill May Rile Beijing By Frank Ching
(Japan Times, Apr. 17, 2003) The Taiwan legislature is discussing the politically charged proposal of adopting a referendum law to allow important policy issues. If Beijing has its will, no such law will ever be passed.